Amazing Christmas Markets in Germany for Your Family Holiday

Würzburg Christmas Market

The Christmas Market in Würzburg began back in the early 19th century. There are at least one hundred wooden stalls filled with handmade gifts, food, and so much more. I recommend visiting as many of these stalls as possible to see all the amazing items for sale.

When you are not eating Christmas cookies and sipping Glühwein, you may find yourself shopping for a few gifts. Wooden toys, pottery, hand-knit gloves, and traditional Christmas decorations are some of the more popular items to purchase at this market.

If the market does not have enough options for you, I recommend heading over to the Town Hall. During Advent, artisans sell their handcrafted items there on Saturdays and Sundays. You can easily create fabulous memories during this family holiday vacation!

Check out these amazing Christmas traditions your family can experience around the world while on vacation! 

Nuremberg Christkindlmarkt

One of the more traditional Christkindlesmarkts in Germany is the one located in Nuremberg. According to historians, this Christmas market began back in the early 17th century.

A parade goes through Nuremberg’s central square, Hauptmarkt. The main attraction of the parade is the holy cherub, Christkind.

A couple of the specialty items you can purchase at the Nuremberg Christmas market in Germany include clothes made from local wood, fruit jams, and different brandies.

Munich’s Marienplatz Christmas Market

Munich’s Marienplatz Christmas Market is surrounded by historic buildings. Hundreds of wooden stalls are constructed for this holiday event each year. And those stalls are decorated with glowing lights, garlands, and ornaments.

If you still need gifts for your family, I recommend purchasing a few hand-painted glass ornaments. You might want to wait until you have finished eating the roasted chestnuts and stollen and drinking your mulled wine though. That way, you can carry your purchases a little easier.

Cologne’s Cathedral Christmas Market

Cologne. GERMANY.

The Cathedral Christmas Market is located at the Gothic Cathedral. A massive Christmas tree is in the middle of all the festivities.

This Christmas market is decorated with lights, ornaments, and red ribbons. Live music can be heard in the background. Listen to it as your family wanders around to check out all the different vendors.

Searching for Christmas Spirit? Check out these family friendly destinations! 

Aachen’s Town Hall Christmas Market

The city of Aachen is close to the border of both the Netherlands and Belgium. So, it shouldn’t be surprising if you see a couple of different traditions at this Christmas market.

The squares around City Hall are where this Christmas market in Germany is located. I recommend taking a ride on the carousel before indulging in Aachener Printen. Spices and caramelized sugar are mixed together to create this holiday drink.

Hamburg Christmas Markets

A family vacation in Hamburg will have you visiting multiple Christmas markets during the holiday season. The main market is Weihnachtsmarkt, which is near City Hall. It is one of the more traditional options.

Winterwald Market is within the Mönckebergbrunnen shopping district. This magical Christmas Forest wonderland offers a slightly different vibe.

Heidelberg Christmas Markets

The Heidelberg Christmas Market is the perfect addition to Old Town during the holiday season. The ruins of a castle loom over the wooden stalls. That same castle seems to glow at night from the lights hanging on the stalls.

This is one of the more romantic Christmas markets in Germany. If your kids are old enough, you can let them skate on the Karlsplatz ice rink alone as you take a spin with your partner. Once you are all finished ice skating, you can shop for souvenirs and grab a bite to eat.

Feel the Christmas spirit while on a family vacation in these destinations. 

Leipzig Old Town Christmas Market

This Christmas market in Germany is not as well-known as a few of the others. So, it may be the perfect place for your family to start exploring.

There are three hundred vendors at this Christmas market though. So, you will need to take your time if you want to see even a fraction of them during your family vacation in Germany.

Younger kids will love wandering through the fairy tale forest. You will prefer the traditional German food the vendors at this market serve.

Dresden’s Striezelmarkt

The Christmas Market in Dresden began back in the 15th century. This market is in Old Town.

The River Elbe flows in the distance, adding to the ambiance. A unique feature at this market is the Plaumentoffel. This is a decorative figure created from prunes.

You will also see the largest Christmas pyramid in the country at this Christmas market in Germany.

Stuttgart’s Marktplatz

The five major squares in Stuttgart are turned into fabulous Christmas markets each year. Each square contains one Christmas market.

Traditional experiences are everywhere at these markets. I recommend beginning your adventure at Wintertraum Markt. This Christmas market is in front of Old Palace. It is an excellent place to try lebkuchen or eat roasted chestnuts if your family is not ready to try new foods.

These are some of the amazing Christmas Markets, or Christkindlesmrkts, in Germany. But there are quite a few others your family can visit too. As a travel advisor, I can help you determine which Christmas markets in Germany should be on your family travel itinerary. I can also recommend the best ways to see the markets on your list during your family vacation.

As I mentioned above, one of my favorite ways to check out the Christmas Markets in Germany is by river cruise. I would love to book one of those incredible river cruises for your family! They are perfect for making memories and experiencing the world with the people you love the most.

So, are you ready to check out the Christmas Markets in Germany while taking a river cruise?

I hope you say yes because I am ready to book your trip for you! Contact me today, so we can set up a time to get your river cruise to the Christmas Markets in Germany finalized.

Oh, and if you aren’t ready to see these Christmas markets in Germany just yet, sign up for my newsletter. Then you won’t miss a beat when it comes to planning future family vacations!

The post Amazing Christmas Markets in Germany for Your Family Holiday appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.

Incredible 8 Day Christmas Market River Cruise in Germany 

Day One: Nuremberg 

Upon your arrival at Nuremberg Airport, you will be met by a driver who will take you to your hotel. You will have two days at the hotel in Nuremberg before you board the boat for the river cruise. This will give you ample time to immerse yourself into the culture and traditions of this German city.  

This first day can be used to explore Nuremberg on your own. Or you can take a nap to get over jet lag and enjoy the amenities the hotel offers.  

Day Two: Nuremberg 

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, it will be time to learn how to make authentic German gingerbread. Have a few laughs with your family, as you all learn how to mix the dough before rolling it out. Decorate your gingerbread as you want before indulging in a bite or two.  

A brewery tour is the perfect way to spend the afternoon over in Bamberg. It’s not that far of a drive from Nuremberg. You will have time to explore the village on your own after your brewery tour.  

Day Three: Nuremberg 

You have one last morning to spend on your own in Nuremberg before boarding the boat for your Christmas market river cruise. Spend it on a tour of the city. Or head over to the Memorium of the Nuremberg Trials.  

Before you know it, you will be headed to the river cruise boat for a holiday adventure with your family. Spend the rest of the day getting things organized in your room and learning where everything is on the boat.  

It’s also a great day to get to know a few of the others who will be cruising with you. Some of them may become lifelong friends!  

Day Four: Nuremberg 

Yes, you are still in Nuremberg for this first day of your river cruise in Germany. However, today it is all about the Christmas market in this German city! This is an excellent day to get started on your holiday shopping.  

Just don’t forget to stop at the vendors for some bratwurst, mulled blueberry wine, and gingerbread. There are so many other foods to try while taking a river cruise in Germany. Taste as many as you can, so you can choose your all-time favorite. 

After your Christmas market adventure, you can choose to take a guided tour of Nuremberg. Most people prefer the tour of the Gothic Cathedral and Kaiserburg Castle. However, a tour of the Nuremberg Rally Grounds is also available.  

Day Five: Bamberg 

While in Bamberg, take a guided tour of the different nativity scenes throughout the village. Some of them are miniatures, while others are quite life-size. Then grab a few German dumplings and a Bavarian ale to enjoy while walking around the Christmas market in the village.  

Day Six: Wurzburg 

There are so many different activities you can do during a Christmas market river cruise in Germany in addition to shopping at the Christmas markets.  

As tempting as it may be to spend the entire day exploring Wurzburg, you may prefer to check out the Kathe Wohlfahrt German Christmas Museum. This museum is in the town of Rothenburg. It contains the world’s most extensive collection of traditional German Christmas decorations.  

If you do decide to skip the museum, you can tour the “Pearl of the Romantic Road” in Wurzburg. The towering fortress, Bishop’s residence, and Old Main Bridge will keep you busy for a couple hours. Afterwards, you can check out the Christmas market in this German town.  

Day Seven: Main River Village 

Your family will get to spend the entire morning exploring Main River Village in Germany. Your tour guide will make sure you don’t miss any of the unique sights within this beautiful destination.  

When you return to the ship, you will have some downtime, as it begins to sail to Frankfurt for the final day of your family vacation.  

Day Eight: Frankfurt 

This is the last day of your Christmas market river cruise in Germany. You will have arrived in Frankfurt in the early morning hours. Depending on the time of your flight home, you may have a little time to explore this beautiful city and see the Christmas market there.  

You will discover there are so many reasons to take a Christmas market river cruise with your family for the holidays. If you are searching for the perfect gift for everyone in your family, a Christmas market river cruise in Germany may be the answer. The whole family will get to make memories together, as you enjoy each other’s company during what may become a holiday tradition.  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized itinerary for your Christmas market river cruise in Germany or to another destination?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click the link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the exciting travel information I share.  

The post Incredible 8 Day Christmas Market River Cruise in Germany appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.

Christmas Traditions to Embrace During a Christmas Market River Cruise in Germany

Advent Wreaths

Advent wreaths are made exactly four Sundays prior to Christmas in Germany. The locals make these wreaths out of fir or pine branches. Four candles are always placed in the center of the wreaths.

German families will light one of the candles on each Sunday leading up to Christmas.

Follow the instructions here to make your own advent wreath this year.

Advent Calendars

Advent calendars are also popular in Germany. One flap on the calendar is opened every day to reveal a Christmas scene.

St. Nicholas Day

Another Christmas tradition happens on the evening of December 5th when all the children in Germany leave their clean and polished boots outside their door before they fall asleep. St. Nicholas then fills those boots with candy, nuts, and small gifts. The kids find these gifts in the morning when they wake up and race to find their shoes.

Epiphany

The holiday celebrations continue until January 6th in Germany. This is the religious day known as the Three Kings Festival. The religious feast that day is called Epiphany.

On this day, it is common for the kids to dress up as the Magi. They then go from house to house as they sing songs.

Christmas Markets

Obviously, your river cruise in Germany will include multiple Christmas markets during the holiday season. Christmas markets are popular in Germany, as well as throughout Europe.

Germany was actually one of the first countries to have Christmas markets. There are a few thousand Christmas markets held in Germany every year. Don’t worry; you won’t be visiting them all during your river cruise. However, you will be spending time at some of the best Christmas markets in Germany!

Your family will love the twinkling lights. Roasting chestnuts. Mulled wine. And visits from St. Nicholas himself at each market you visit. This is probably the one Christmas tradition in Germany you will embrace the most during your family vacation.

Christmas Angels

Christmas angels are also called weihnachtsengel in Germany. These Christmas ornaments are one of the best traditions in the country. The Christmas angels are placed on the trees, as well as all around the house, during the holiday season.

These ornaments are usually made from wood. You will find thousands of them at all the Christmas markets you visit during your river cruise.

Christmas Stollen

You cannot celebrate Christmas in Germany and not eat any Christmas stollen. This cake is made from flour mixed with different fruits, nuts, and spices. Powdered sugar is then sprinkled over the top. There is a massive Christmas stollen festival held in Dresden each year.

You can make your own Christmas stollen with your family this year. Simply follow this recipe.

Lebkuchen

Another sweet tradition in Germany is lebkuchen. It is gingerbread in the shape of a heart. You may find lebkuchen with holiday messages written on them at the markets.

Christmas Songs

The most popular Christmas song in Germany is Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht! This song was first played in a small church in Austria back in 1818. You may know this song’s English name is Silent Night.

Christmas Pyramids

Christmas pyramids are one of the oldest traditions in Germany. These wooden pyramids have a nativity scene with angels. The carousel part of the pyramid is surrounded by candles. When those candles are lit, they trigger the carousel to spin.

Christmas Trees

Christmas trees have been popular in Germany since the 16th century. Back then, small fir trees were decorated on December 24th. The Germans used nuts, apples, and paper flowers as their decorations.

This tradition has evolved over the years. Nowadays, not every German family waits until Christmas Eve to decorate their tree. You will also find elaborately decorated Christmas trees in towns around the country, as well as at the numerous Christmas markets.

These are the Christmas traditions your family will want to embrace during a Christmas market river cruise in Germany. You will make many memories with your family during this holiday cruise. Let me make your holiday season magical by booking this amazing river cruise for your family.

Are you ready to book a Christmas market river cruise in Germany for your family?

If you said yes, I would love to invite you to click here to set up a time for us to chat. When you click on this link, you will be taken to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is most convenient for you.

And if you are not quite ready to book a Christmas market river cruise in Germany, or any other family vacation, you can easily sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure we stay connected as I share travel information with you.

The post Christmas Traditions to Embrace During a Christmas Market River Cruise in Germany appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.

Benefits of Taking a Christmas Market River Cruise as a Family

Experience Different Christmas Cultures

Every part of the world seems to have different cultures and traditions for Christmas. You can easily experience many of them as a family when you take a Christmas market river cruise. Most ships include visits to multiple cathedrals and abbeys while in port.

The best part is the crew members on the ship are always willing to share their holiday traditions. You may even get to participate in a few of them while on board!

One of my favorite places to cruise and check out the Christmas markets in Germany. You can read about some of the best German Christmas markets here.

See Destinations Without the Crowds

Summer is a popular time to vacation in Europe. However, when you take the time to go on a Christmas market river cruise as a family, you can see many of the same sights without the summer tourists.

Yes, people will be there for the markets. But the atmosphere is quite different. People are in the holiday spirit as they gather with family and friends to make memories.

When you are not shopping at a market, you will have little time to explore museums and other nearby attractions. Those are practically empty during the holiday season.

Sweet Treats

Can you imagine a vacation where you can indulge in all sorts of sweet treats with your family? I can and honestly, I have!

Here are a few of the common sweet treats you will find at Christmas markets:

• Schmalzkuchen – Balls of fried dough rolled in sugar. They are normally available in vanilla and lemon flavors.
• Lebkuchen – These are gingerbread cookies that are normally shaped like hearts. Sometimes they are covered with chocolate or sugar icing.
• Pfannkuchen – Crepes filled with Nutella, cream, or fruit. Maybe all three!
• Heibe Schokolade – Hot chocolate.
• Maroni – Roasted chestnuts.

You should also keep an eye out for potato pancakes, which are also called kartoffelpfannkuchen. Potato dumplings are popular too. You may see them labeled as kartoffelknodel.

Lots of Mulled Wine

Okay, so if you have younger kids, they might not be as excited about the mulled wine as you are. However, you can drink it at every Christmas market if you want. They can simply have hot chocolate or heibe schokolade! Or you can find them a nonalcoholic version of the mulled wine at certain vendors.

Every vendor has their own mulled wine, or gluhwein, recipe. Most of the time, it is some type of red wine mixed with oranges, cinnamon, and cloves.

It’s delicious and warm and will help you through all the holiday shopping you still need to do!

No Shoveling Snow

Your Christmas market river cruise may be full of snow. You simply won’t need to shovel any of it while on your family vacation!

Okay, so there is no guarantee you will actually have snow while on your family river cruise. Sometimes it snows. And sometimes it doesn’t.

Embrace whatever happens and enjoy the fact you don’t need to deal with the snow if it does fall.

Decorations and Ambiance

The ambiance of destinations changes once the Christmas decorations are put up. They change even more as soon as the Christmas markets open for business.

Imagine the fun, laughter, and celebrations you can have with your family when you embrace traveling during the holiday season. Family pictures can be taken in front of stalls or within medieval city centers.

Add in the roasting chestnuts, warm fire pits, and Christmas trees, and you may never want to leave until the holidays are officially over!

You may be wondering how these six things equal the benefits of taking a Christmas market river cruise as a family. Well, they all allow you to travel together and make memories you will cherish for a lifetime. If you have ever wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of real life during the holiday season, a river cruise is one of your best options. I wrote a blog post about tips you need to be aware of when choosing to take a Christmas market cruise. Read it here to learn more about this amazing way to travel as a family.

So, are you ready to book a fabulous Christmas market river cruise as a family?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a time for us to chat by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you. During our call, we can discuss all the upcoming Christmas market cruises and I can book yours immediately.

If you are not quite ready to book your Christmas market river cruise for your family, you can always sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you always receive the travel information I share throughout the year.

The post Benefits of Taking a Christmas Market River Cruise as a Family appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.

Activities to Consider Besides Shopping for Your Next Christmas Market Cruise

Walk and See the Nearby Attractions

There is no reason why you cannot wander around the streets at each port of call. Instead of visiting the Christmas markets, you can choose to check out the nearby attractions. Depending on the destination, you can even choose to take a hike or go on a bike ride.

Tour the Local Museums

Visiting the local museums is another excellent way to spend your time during your Christmas cruise. Simply determine which museums are located at each port of call. Then decide which one are on your must-see list. You can peruse the fine works of art, as your fellow cruise travelers purchase their Christmas gifts and souvenirs.

Eat and Drink

You will miss out on the street foods at the Christmas markets if you don’t visit them. But that doesn’t mean you will miss out on all the delicious foods in every port of call you visit. I can help you find a local restaurant, so you can try local delicacies. The opportunities are endless with this activity, so let me know what you want your food and drink experiences to look like. I can then take care of the rest, as I am planning your time at each destination.

Enjoy the Views

There is nothing wrong with having nothing planned when you are in port. You can simply wander around, as you enjoy the views. I do recommend making sure you have your camera with you. This way you can capture the views, so you can look at them all again in the future.

Watch a Cultural Performance

Almost every destination for a Christmas market cruise will have at least one cultural performance taking place when you are there. As a travel advisor, I can help you discover which performances are scheduled. Then I can place certain performances on your itinerary.

These are some of the activities to consider besides shopping when you take your next Christmas market cruise. You can do any of those activities instead of shopping at the Christmas markets. Or you can combine them with as much shopping as you want. The choice is always yours!

So, are you ready to book your next Christmas market cruise and add these activities to your itinerary?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a time for us to talk by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you. When we chat, I can find out what your dream Christmas market cruise looks like.

And if you are not ready to book your Christmas market cruise, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you continue to receive all the travel information I share.

The post Activities to Consider Besides Shopping for Your Next Christmas Market Cruise appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.

Tips to Keep in Mind for a Christmas Market Cruise

1. Always Book Your Christmas Market Cruise Early

Christmas market cruises book quickly! There are many reasons why. However, the main reason is the season is so short. And since these are river cruises, the boats do not hold as many travelers as ocean cruise ships do.

As a travel advisor, I always recommend booking Christmas cruises at least one year in advance.

2. Have Cash Readily Available

Some of the vendors at Christmas markets will accept credit cards. If you want to be able to purchase Christmas gifts and décor from everyone though, you must have cash readily available.

3. Purchase Items When You See Them

When you are traveling, you are probably used to seeing the same sweatshirts and other souvenirs all over the place. However, when you are on a Christmas market cruise, you never know what unique item you will discover while shopping.

Yes, you will see some of the same Christmas items in each of the Christmas markets you visit. But you don’t want to be that person who regrets not making a purchase while you could. So, if you see something in a stall at the very first Christmas market you visit, and it isn’t anywhere else at that market, purchase it.

You can thank me later!

4. Dress Warm

It can be cold in Europe during the holiday season. Especially at night once the sun goes down. So, make sure you pack a hat, gloves, and a scarf. These items will ensure you stay warm, no matter how cold it is during your Christmas cruise.

5. Wear Sturdy and Comfortable Walking Shoes

You will do a lot of walking when you are visiting Christmas markets during your cruise. It is always a good idea to wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes when you are off the boat.

6. Prices Will Vary

Depending on the Christmas market, prices of items may be higher or lower. It is best to keep in mind the area you are currently in and adjust your expectations accordingly. The cruise concierge can be an excellent person to ask if you want to have an idea of pricing for each Christmas market you shop at.

7. Christmas Market Hours are Limited

Every Christmas market has limited hours. Therefore, you must plan your day around the times the markets are open. Failure to do this will mean you won’t be able to shop at the markets at all or as much as you may have wanted to.

8. Always Indulge in the Street Food

The street food in Europe is amazing. When you are visiting Christmas markets, you will want to indulge in at least some of the street foods you see. Most Christmas markets will each have their own specialty. And they will all have the usual street foods you will come to love while you are on your Christmas cruise.

9. Save a Little Money for Future Ports of Call

As you wander around your first Christmas market, you will be so excited with everything you see. Your excitement may cause you to over-purchase, because you don’t want to miss out on an item.

However, it is best to make sure you pace yourself and save some money for future ports of call. Remember, many of the items you see at the first Christmas market will be available at all future markets too. So, unless it is a one-of-a-kind item, you may want to hold off purchasing until you get towards the end of your cruise.

You must keep these nine tips in mind for your next Christmas market cruise. When you do, I guarantee you will have an even better experience exploring each Christmas market on your itinerary.

So, are you ready to book a Christmas market cruise and utilize these tips?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a time for us to chat by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is most convenient for you. During our call, we can discuss the upcoming Christmas market cruises and I can start to book yours immediately.

And if you are not quite ready to book your Christmas market cruise, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure we stay in touch, as you continue to receive all the travel information I share.

The post Tips to Keep in Mind for a Christmas Market Cruise appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.

Those are all excellent reasons to schedule a family vacation to visit at least one of the Christmas Markets in Europe! During this type of vacation, you will find yourself making memories with your family. All while exploring new parts of the world and having unique experiences you can’t have back home.

Incredible Christmas Markets in Europe

Manchester Christmas Market in the UK

One of the very first Christmas Markets in the UK was opened in Manchester back in 1999. The Manchester Christmas Market is one of the newer Christmas Markets in Europe. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t popular. Thousands of people arrive in the UK to attend this Christmas Market.

This market is close to Canal Street, which is where a lot of Manchester’s action is located. When you visit this market in December, you will quickly find Christmas cheer. During your time at the market, you must indulge in a little Hungarian goulash, traditional bratwurst, or an old-fashioned hog roast.

Tallinn Christmas Market in Estonia

The very first Christmas tree in the world was placed in Tallinn in 1441. The tree is always decorated with hearts. When your family visits this market, you will have the chance to see some of the three thousand performers up on stage.

And when you are not at the Christmas Market, you can wander along the streets, admiring the century old buildings.

Advent Feast at the Basilica in Budapest, Hungary

One of the best Christmas Markets in Europe is the one held in Budapest each year. There are more than one hundred vendors selling everything from local cuisine to artisanal wares. Every day, a lightshow is projected onto the façade of the Basilica. And on Sundays, a new candle is lit on the advent wreath.

Copenhagen Christmas Market in Denmark

The Copenhagen Christmas Market can be found within the Tivoli Gardens. The gardens are decorated to create a winter wonderland, complete with fairy lights. There is a large amusement park at this market, so going on all the rides is a must during your visit. I recommend you also attend the illuminated parades, listen to the live music, and have a family picture taken with Santa.

Vienna Christmas Markets in Austria

There are actually six different Christmas Markets in Vienna, Austria! The biggest one is the Viennese Dream Christmas Market. This market can be found in front of the town hall. There are more than one hundred stalls that sell everything from gifts to delicious treats.

A live brass band with choir stands near the Christmas tree and provides live music to those passing by. I recommend purchasing a cream-filled pastry and standing near the tree to listen to the music.

Basel Christmas Market in Switzerland

The historic marketplace of Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz is where you will find the Basel Christmas Market each year. This is the largest Christmas Market in Switzerland. There are one hundred eighty wooden huts selling unique festive gifts. The glowing lights and festive music really add to the holiday spirit.

While at this market, I recommend trying a little Basel Läckerli (gingerbread), Swiss waffles, and Glühwein, which is mulled wine. Don’t forget to add your advent wish to the Basel Wish Book before you leave!

Prague Christmas Market in the Czech Republic

The locals in this country take Christmas very seriously, which is why it isn’t surprising that they have some of the best Christmas Markets in Europe! Millions of people arrive in this country each year to go to these markets. The wooden chalets are all filled with decorations, handcrafted gifts, delicious food, and craft beer.

Live entertainment is available every day. But the main even is the lighting of the Christmas tree every evening.

Nuremberg Christmas Market in Germany

There are quite a few Christmas Markets in Germany. But a favorite is the Nuremberg Christmas Market. During your family vacation in Germany over the holidays, you must visit this market. When you’re there, you can indulge on some traditional Nuremberg bratwurst. The bratwurst are little sausages that are prepared over an open beech wood fire.

Strasbourg Christmas Market in France

One of the oldest Christmas Markets in Europe is the one in Strasbourg, France. This Christmas Market opened in 1570. The Strasbourg Christmas Market has three hundred different stalls. Each one sells gifts, food, and drinks.

I recommend spending time in front of the lit Christmas tree, as you listen to live music. I recommend you arrive at this market earlier in the day, because it can become quite crowded. That doesn’t mean you need to leave early though. Simply secure your spot and enjoy the festivities for as long as you wish!

Madeira Christmas Market in the Region of Portugal

As an exotic island, Madeira is known for being quite warm during the Christmas season. However, that shouldn’t stop your family from enjoying the fabulous Christmas Market there! At this Christmas Market, you will find traditional Portuguese foods, exotic flowers, and multiple souvenirs.

Throughout your visit, you can listen to Christmas music, watch folklore performances, and attend other live shows.

Govone Christmas Market in Italy

The Govone Christmas Market is held at Govone Castle each year. During your visit, you can wander amongst the hundreds of wooden chalets. Each chalet sells something different. Be prepared to purchase ornaments, handmade gifts, hot chocolate, and mulled wine.

A couple of the more unique items you will find include farinata, which is a chickpea pancake, and Piedmontese beef hamburgers.

Bruges Christmas Market in Belgium

The Bruges Christmas Market is one of the best markets for drinks and delicious foods. You will find everything from hot chocolate, mulled wine, and Belgian beers to local waffles and cheese.

If you decide to take your family to this Christmas Market while on vacation, it is best to plan on gaining a few pounds. Or at least doing a little extra walking to get rid of the extra calories you are consuming! You can even do a little ice skating on the floating ice-skating rink over at Minnewater.

These are some of the incredible Christmas Markets in Europe you will want to consider visiting during a holiday family vacation. Each one offers something unique, so do not be afraid to visit more than one while traveling.

One of the best ways to see a some of the Christmas Markets in Europe is by taking a Christmas Market River Cruise. During the cruise, you can visit different ports without the hassle of figuring out how you will reach each one. Simply board the boat at the beginning of your cruise and have it take you to every destination.

So, are you ready to check out authentic Christmas Markets during a river cruise?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.

The post Incredible Christmas Markets in Europe appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.