Top 8 Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets

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For centuries, Christmas Markets have been an annual tradition in Europe. The markets offered a way for townspeople to stock up on supplies before the long, cold winters. They've since been replaced with the hallmarks of the season: holiday cookies, toys, ornaments, hot food, and plenty of mulled wine.

River cruising is a great way to visit several Christmas Markets in one trip. Almost every river cruise line offers designated Christmas Market itineraries. However, if you want to visit when the Christmas Markets are in full swing, be sure your sailing falls between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Here are our top tips to make visiting Europe's festive Christmas Markets that much more pleasurable.

CHRISTMAS MARKET RIVER CRUISE TIPS

#1 Book Early: Because of the limited timeframe, Christmas Market river cruises are in high demand. With the capacity of riverboats being significantly less than ocean cruise ships, staterooms quickly fill up for prime sailings. Booking a year or more in advance for a Christmas Market river cruise is encouraged.

#2 Dress Warmly and Wear Walking Shoes: The Christmas Markets take place outside, and it's Winter in Europe. It’s better to dress warmly and remove a few layers than to leave early because you’re cold. Make sure to bring winter essentials like a hat, gloves, and scarf. Remember comfortable shoes as you will be standing and walking for most of your visit.

#3 Bring Cash: While a few Christmas Markets might accept credit cards at some stalls, most vendors stick strictly to the local tender. Don't miss out because you didn't get enough Euros. Also, bring smaller denominations. If you are in a small town, the stalls might be low on change.

#4 If You See Something, Buy It: Don't hold out until the very last day to buy your keepsakes and gifts. While the markets share many of the same items, each market has its local specialties. 

#5 Save Some Money for Later Ports: While it's fun to splurge, don't run through your Christmas Market fund halfway through your river cruise. You will want souvenirs that give a well-rounded representation of everywhere you visited and not just one stand.

#6 Prices Vary by Market: Sought-after destinations and well-known markets tend to charge more: The same festive table runner bought in Passau for eight euros can be almost double in Salzburg. Nightly pre-port talks can usually prepare you for what to expect in the next day's market. Consult your cruise concierge for the best information on when and where to buy larger purchases.

#7 Hours Are Limited:  The markets will open between 10am and afternoon, and shops promptly close around 8:30pm. I recommend planning your sightseeing in the morning then visiting the markets once opened. While the markets are beautiful during the evening, the only stands open are for food and drinks.

#8 Eat & Drink:  Each port has a regional delicacy, and while most cruise lines make an effort to include them on your dining menu, try tasting every aromatic morsel that drifts your way in the town square. After all, street food gets at the heart and soul of a city. Also, vendors add a deposit to the price of glühwein. If you return the mug to the original stall, you can get your deposit back. But most markets have their own unique design making the mugs great souvenirs. Most vendors will also let you exchange the mug for a clean one to stow in your bag without dripping mulled wine.

SCHEDULE YOUR CHRISTMAS MARKET PLANNING SESSION TODAY