I don’t know about you, but visiting the European Christmas markets has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember—and in 2024, that dream finally came true in the most magical way imaginable!
The Christmas markets in Europe are like something straight out of a holiday fairytale. Originating in Germany, these open-air festivals pop up during the Advent season, filling city centers with charming wooden stalls brimming with handcrafted ornaments, cozy knitwear, festive treats, and, of course, steaming mugs of Glühwein—the spicy, mulled wine that is sure to warm you up on crisp winter evenings!
And the best part? We experienced it all aboard a magical AmaWaterways river cruise! We set sail from enchanting Amsterdam to picturesque Basel, stopping in storybook towns like Düsseldorf, Rüdesheim, Ludwigshafen, Strasbourg, and Breisach along the way. Every port greeted us with its own unique take on holiday cheer—sparkling markets, majestic cathedrals, festive local traditions, and so many unforgettable moments.
One of the true joys of river cruising? Unpacking once and waking up in a new city each day. The ship itself was a delight – gourmet meals, warm and welcoming staff, festive cocktail hours, and nightly entertainment that kept the spirit bright. Plus, we took full advantage of the guided excursions offered by AmaWaterways, diving into the history, culture, and charm of each destination. 100% amazing.
Twinkling lights, festive stalls, warm Glühwein in hand, and the scent of roasted chestnuts in the air – the stuff dreams are made of! If the European Christmas markets are on your bucket list—bump them straight to the top. You won’t regret it!
