Christmas Markets River Cruise Sale
Dates Available through 2026
Discover the Magic of European Christmas Markets As the holiday season approaches, Europe transforms into a winter wonderland, adorned with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the unmistakable aroma of mulled wine. From late November through December, European Christmas Markets spring to life in historic city squares, offering a magical blend of tradition, charm, and holiday cheer.
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​In destinations like Germany, Austria, and France, you’ll find yourself wandering through rows of charming wooden stalls brimming with handcrafted ornaments, cozy woolens, and artisanal treats. Sample warming delights like roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and bratwurst as you soak in the festive atmosphere.
Each market has its unique flair—whether it's the fairy-tale ambiance of Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt, the elegance of Vienna's Christmas World at Rathausplatz, or the enchanting canalside stalls in Strasbourg, the "Capital of Christmas."
Experience the heartwarming tradition of European Christmas Markets and create memories that will sparkle for years to come. It’s not just shopping; it’s stepping into a storybook holiday.
Here's a festive recipe for Glühwein (German Mulled Wine), perfect for sharing the holiday spirit:
Glühwein (German Mulled Wine) Recipe
Ingredients:
1 bottle of dry red wine (750ml; Merlot, Pinot Noir, or a similar variety)
1 orange (organic, if possible), sliced
1 lemon, sliced
8-10 whole cloves
2-3 cinnamon sticks
3-4 star anise
1/4 cup (50g) sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup (60ml) brandy or rum (optional, for an extra kick)
1-2 cardamom pods (optional)
Instructions:
Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the wine, orange slices, lemon slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and sugar/honey. If using cardamom pods, add them now.
Heat Gently: Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just barely reaches a simmer. Do not let it boil, as this will evaporate the alcohol and affect the flavor. Reduce the heat to low.
Simmer & Steep: Let the Glühwein simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse the wine with warm, aromatic flavors.
Add Brandy or Rum (Optional): If you want to add an extra kick, now's the time to stir in the brandy or rum. Heat through for another 5 minutes but avoid boiling.
Taste & Adjust: Taste and add more sugar or honey if needed. If desired, let the mixture steep for an additional 10 minutes for an even richer flavor.
Strain & Serve: Strain the Glühwein through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the spices and fruit slices. Serve hot in mugs or heatproof glasses, and garnish with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange if desired.
Enjoy: Sip and enjoy the cozy, aromatic warmth of homemade Glühwein. Prost!
Tips:
Glühwein can be adjusted to your preference. Feel free to add more spices or sweetener as you like.
For an alcohol-free version, swap out the red wine for grape juice and skip the brandy/rum.
This delightful recipe will add a touch of German tradition to your holidays, perfect for sharing with friends and family by the fire. Cheers! 🥂🎄
5 Reasons to Choose a
Christmas Market River Cruise
Enchanting Christmas Markets
Forget the North Pole—Europe’s Christmas markets are where the magic happens (and you don’t need to wear 20 layers to enjoy it). Picture it: handcrafted goodies, steaming mugs of mulled wine, and gingerbread that puts your grandma’s to shame. Plus, no last-minute frantic shopping spree required.
Scenic River Views
Snowglobe-schmowglobe. Our cruises offer the real winter spectacle: snow-kissed castles, twinkling cities, and storybook villages. Best part? Enjoy it all from your cozy perch on our luxurious ship, complete with your favorite hot drink. Take that, Hallmark movies!
Festive On-Board Atmosphere
If you thought your neighbors went all out with their holiday lights, wait till you see our decked-out ships. We're talking next-level festive—with caroling that’ll make you feel warm and fuzzy, gingerbread workshops (because you’re never too old to play with frosting), and holiday karaoke for those Mariah Carey high notes. Yes, even you, shower singers.
Stress-Free Travel
Remember the last time you tried to plan a holiday trip? Yeah, let’s not do that again. With all-inclusive packages, you can toss your maps and reservations out the window. Just unpack once, kick back, and let us handle everything. It’s like having an invisible Christmas elf taking care of all the details.
Memorable and Unique Experiences
This isn’t just any ol’ holiday season—it's one you’ll be bragging about for years. We’re talking ice skating in front of Vienna’s stunning City Hall, mingling with local artisans who make Santa’s workshop look amateur, and catching holiday concerts in ancient cathedrals. These are the kinds of stories you’ll be sharing over and over again—poor coworkers.
Ready to Experience the Magic?
At Go Luxury Cruiser, we’re here to make your holiday dreams come true—no fairy godmother necessary. Explore our itineraries and plan the Christmas Market River Cruise that’ll make Santa himself green with envy. (Or maybe that's just his Christmas sweater.)
