Holiday Cheer
These popular escorted tours and river cruises visit the famous Christmas markets of Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic
By Katie Solan
A centuries-old tradition, Christmas markets date to medieval times when seasonal markets were held throughout the year. The Christmastime markets and their festive panoply became a welcome respite from the doldrums of winter, adding a bit of light, warmth and cheer to long, dark nights. First held in the main church squares to attract townspeople, the markets became so popular that in 1616, a priest in Nuremberg, Germany, complained that no one attended his Christmas Eve mass.
The most well-known and longest-running markets are in Germany -- the country's oldest at Dresden can be traced to 1434. Austria, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, France and Hungary are among other countries that host traditional Christmas markets, and many still take place at their original cobblestone squares.
In the past, only local tradesmen could sell their goods at the city's markets, lending to the distinctive regional character that you'll find at today's markets. From Dresden's stollen (sweet bread filled with dried fruit) to Nuremberg's lebküchen (aniseed gingerbread cookies) and Prague's marionette puppets, each market boasts its own unique offerings. There are some ubiquitous items, however -- glühwein ("svarene vino" in the Czech Republic) is a hot mulled red wine offered at most markets, a warm treat on cold winter nights. Other mouth-watering delights include bratwurst, roasted almonds and marzipan.
Handcrafted Christmas decorations and gifts are perhaps the biggest draw for market-goers, including gold-foil angels, wooden figurines, nutcrackers, hand-dipped candles and tree ornaments of tin and hand-blown glass. In Germany, Zwetschgenmännlein are also popular -- tiny figures made of dried prunes and nuts, dressed in handmade clothing.
The markets are at their most magical at night, when they are ablaze with light. Prague's market features an imposing Christmas tree in its Old Town Square, adorned with hundreds of twinkling lights. One of Vienna's many markets takes place in front of Schonbrunn Palace, a sprawling baroque estate that illuminates the nearby market with its festive light decorations. Each market booth glows with lantern light, and decorated trees are spread throughout, creating quaint Christmas villages tucked amid centuries-old architecture. The sounds of Christmas float through the air, and nightly musical concerts feature choirs and brass bands. Even if you're not there to buy, there's much to delight the senses.
There are two great ways to experience the winter wonderland of the Christmas markets: via a river cruise or an escorted tour. River cruise itineraries to the Christmas markets typically sail the Danube, visiting Germany, Austria and Hungary, and often including time in Prague in the Czech Republic before or after the cruise. A few Christmas market itineraries are also available on the Rhine, with stops in Germany, France and Switzerland. Land tour packages are available to all of the above countries, and a majority of the itineraries include Germany.
For Joe Reuth, vice president of the cruise division at Vacations To Go, a leading Houston-based travel agency, a river cruise was the perfect way to experience the Christmas markets with his wife, Elizabeth. He touts their weeklong Rhine River cruise for its convenience. "It's like traveling on a floating hotel, and we unpacked only once," he says.
River cruise ships sail during the day and dock at night, so travelers don't miss any of the passing scenery. "Our ship docked right in the heart of each city, then it was a five-minute walk to the Christmas markets," says Reuth.
While they stocked up on handcrafted Christmas decorations, Reuth says the joyful spirit and authentic nature of the markets is what he enjoyed the most. "It's a way to experience a true slice of Europe, with virtually no tourists. The markets are packed with locals in good cheer, and the overall atmosphere is simply festive."
When choosing between a river cruise and an escorted tour to Europe's Christmas markets, travelers should consider their preferred method of travel. River cruise passengers are transported from city to city on an intimate small ship that accommodates between 100 and 200 people. Nights are spent on the ship, and all meals are served on board.
Escorted tour passengers are transported via comfortable motor coach, and they stay in well-appointed hotels or historic local inns. All meals are not included in the tour price, so there are more opportunities for sampling local restaurants.
The following are some of Europe's best-loved and well-known markets, included on several Christmas market river cruise or escorted tour itineraries.
Nuremberg hosts Germany's most famous Christmas market, attracting 2 million visitors annually. Called the Christkindlesmarkt, or Christ child's market, its origins can be traced to the early 1600s. The market is set on the cobblestone Hauptmarkt, the city's main square, beneath the medieval Frauenkirche church, and features more than 200 stalls.
Nuremberg's market is known for its handcrafted wooden figurines and traditional angel tree-toppers. Here, sample such regional culinary delights as lebküchen and Nurnberger -- thin brown sausages that are a local specialty. And don't discard that lebkuchen container so quickly -- these intricately decorated tins are sought-after collectibles.
This Franconian capital abounds with its own sights, as well -- a 13th-century wall encircles the city, complete with gateways and watchtowers, and the town is dotted with Gothic churches and an 11th-century castle.
For a list of land tours and river cruises that take in Nuremberg's Christmas market, click here.
Munich's neo-Gothic city hall and famous glockenspiel tower over its annual Christmas market, set on the bustling Marienplatz. The market is roughly as old as the Bavarian capital's famed breweries, which date to the 14th century.
A 30-foot tree lighted by 2,500 candles is the centerpiece of the market, which stretches from the central square and into nearby streets. Scents of clover and chestnuts fill the air, and food stalls feature such Bavarian delicacies as baked apples, potato pancakes and roasted almonds. Shoppers can warm up with a cup of glühwein and listen to music performed nightly on the town hall's balcony.
A nativity market is set up behind the city hall, where artisans from Oberammergau, a Bavarian village famous for its performance of the Passion Play since the 17th century, sell wooden figurines of wise men, oxen, donkeys and the holy family.
To see tours that visit Munich during the holidays, click here.
In Vienna, Austria, the city's classic Christmas market is held on the Rathausplatz, the city hall square. Warm your hands with some hot punch as you stroll among the booths in its Christmas park, marked by several elaborately decorated and themed trees.
Vienna also hosts a market at the Spittelberg, the city's historic quarter full of old world charm. Vendor booths are snugly set on narrow granite-stone alleyways and in niches and courtyards beneath centuries-old buildings. A market smaller in scale but rich in history, it offers both traditional and contemporary artisan handicrafts.
The Schoenbrunn Palace is the site for a third Viennese Christmas market -- this 1,440-room estate was the summer residence of Austrian emperors. At market time, snow-blanketed and softly illuminated, it provides a stunning backdrop. After a trip to the market, take the time to tour this historic palace and its magnificent parks and gardens.
Other awe-inspiring Viennese palaces to tour include the Hofburg and the Belvedere. Stroll the well-known Ring-strasse, the wide boulevard that circles Vienna's old city center, and stop for a thrill at the Prater Amusement Park or view the monument to Empress Maria Theresa. Visit the city's famous Opera House, which has hosted musical performances for centuries, and perhaps catch an evening Mozart concert.
Click here to see a list of river cruises and land tours that visit Vienna's holiday markets.
The most popular Christmas market in Prague, known as "Vanocni trhy," is held at the city's 10th-century Old Town Square. Flanked by pastel-colored Romanesque and Gothic buildings, the market stalls are nestled around the Jan Hus statue, a massive monument to the Czech-Hussite reformer.
The market is marked by its large Christmas tree, cut from the Sumava Mountains and set in the center of the square, a bright and stunning contrast against the city's skyline. Medovina, a warm honey wine, is a regional specialty, as is the always-flowing svarene vino (hot mulled wine). Decorated wooden huts sell Czech glassware, scented candles, handcrafted jewelry and puppets, among traditional Christmas items. Christmas concerts and short plays are performed on the market stage nightly, entertaining visitors as they browse the stalls.
For a list of land tours and river cruises that visit Prague during Christmas market time, click here.
Visiting the Christmas markets: Many escorted tours and river cruises visit the famed Christmas markets of Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. See itineraries, departure dates and prices at Vacations To Go, or call (800) 680-2858 for more information.
The information in this story was accurate at the time it was published in July/August 2006 .
Please visit Vacations To Go or call (800) 680-2858 for current rates and details.