Oh the magic of Christmas Markets! I had the pleasure of experiencing them in 2024 and 2025 on the Danube River. My 2024 trip started in Budapest and ended in Nuremberg. 2025 started in Nuremberg and ended in Vienna. In 2024 our itinerary was Budapest, Vienna, Krems/Melk/Durnstein and the Wachau Valley, Salzburg/Passau, Regensburg and Nuremberg. In 2025 it was Nuremburg, Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Melk and the Wachau Valley and Vienna. We tasted sausages and schnitzel and drank Gluhwein. Saw lots of history and cathedrals and walked a lot through various Christmas Markets. Last year’s markets were bigger and more commercial and this year, we experienced smaller and more artisan wares. The best part is the lights and Christmas spirit everywhere. HIGHLY recommended! I am going to post some of my favorite photos from both years. Enjoy and let’s start planning your Christmas Markets adventure!
A Few Memorable Images
Pfarrkirche St. Veit or more commonly known as the “Cathedral of the Wachau” in Krems in the beautiful Wachau Valley on the Danube River.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a baroque church from 1688 in Passau, Germany. It is the seat of the Catholic Bishop of Passau.
The iconic Prague Christmas Market in the Old Town Square.
Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna and their Christmas Market.
Find traditional homemade goodies at the Vienna Am Hof Christmas Market.
The Food….
Perhaps the best thing about walking through the Christmas Markets is the delicious smell of food. Savory items like bratwurst and sausages. Sweet delights such as Stollen – Germany and Chimney Cakes – Austria. Chocolate covered fruits, Marzipan, candied and roasted nuts and Mozart Kugeln – Austria chocolate balls with marzipan and nougat centers. And there are more goodies to be found, but these are the ones that comes to mind the most.
The Ship…
In both 2024 and 2025 I was lucky enough to sail the Danube with Avalon Waterways. I remember when I first started back in leisure travel and founded Infinity Travel I was enamored with Avalon Waterways Christmas Markets cruises. They do a wonderful job with meals, entertainment and excursion options. And perhaps one of the things I like best are the Panorama Suites. They measure at 200 sq feet which is larger than most other river cruise lines. And the beds face the windows. You can literally lay in bed and watch the world go by. I highly recommend them!
The Gluhwein…
A staple at European Christmas Markets, Gluhwein is a delicious concoction of red or white wine, spices, citrus, sweetness and shots of rum, brandy or amaretto that is heated, but never boiled, and served hot. It truly warms you up on even the coldest of days!
Last year’s favorite mug I got at the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt. Not to be missed!
Regensburg Gluhwein selfie at one of there iconic Christmas Markets. YUM!!!!
Prague did not have mugs this year, but the Gluhwein still tasted amazing!
Passau’s traditional Market had Hot Chocolate and Amaretto shots available. Oh, yeah!!