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November 5, 2024

Europe in winter is a unique place, transformed into a magical world of twinkling lights and spiced aromas. Gingerbread stalls, mulled wine, and traditional sweets fill the historic squares, creating an enchanting atmosphere that celebrates Christmas traditions.

With Emerald Cruises, you can choose from various cruises through the Christmas markets, offering the opportunity to immerse yourself in the festive spirit and discover how Christmas is celebrated in Germany, Austria, and Hungary, complete with their unique and warm customs. Amidst carols, decorations, and traditional dishes, you can enjoy an unforgettable experience that warms the heart, capturing all the magic of the most awaited time of the year.

The Christmas markets in Nuremberg, Cologne, Budapest, Vienna, and Breisach are among the most captivating in Europe, each with its distinctive character and unique traditions. Nuremberg is famous for its Christkindlesmarkt, one of the oldest and most iconic Christmas markets. Here, wooden stalls offer a wide range of handmade items, Christmas decorations, and local delicacies like gingerbread and grilled sausages. The figure of the Christkind, an angel who brings gifts, adds a touch of magic to the festive atmosphere.

Cologne, with its majestic Gothic cathedral, hosts several markets, the most famous of which is located in the square in front of the cathedral. Here, you can enjoy mulled wine, savor traditional sweets, and buy unique gifts. The view of the illuminated cathedral creates a charming ambiance that attracts visitors from all over the world. In Budapest, the Christmas market in Vörösmarty Square is a true gem. With its sparkling lights and festive music, it offers a variety of Hungarian handicrafts, delicious food, and live performances.

Vienna is renowned for its elegance, and the Christmas markets are no exception. The market at Maria-Theresien-Platz, situated between the Museum of Art History and the Natural History Museum, is an ideal place to admire traditional Christmas art, with artistic decorations and local crafts. Finally, Breisach, a picturesque German town on the Rhine, features a Christmas market that combines medieval charm with warm local hospitality.

For those wishing to explore these fantastic cities in their Christmas finery, Emerald Cruises offers various itineraries ranging from 5 to 15 days that discover not only the Christmas markets but also beautiful cities adorned with lights and festive installations, providing a unique and emotional experience even for those who have visited before. Among the highlighted itineraries are: the 5-day cruise “Christmas Time on the Danube,” perfect for those seeking a festive escape along the Danube to discover the majesty of Budapest, the oriental charm of Bratislava, and the sparkling festive markets of Vienna; the 8-day cruise “Christmas Markets of the Rhine” for those wanting to journey along the majestic Rhine through the heart of Europe’s most beautiful cities, many of which host large Christmas markets; the 11-day cruise “Paris & Christmas Markets on the Rhine and Main” for those wishing to experience the magic of the City of Love during the holiday season; and finally, the 15-day cruise “Christmas Markets of Europe” for those wanting a longer, relaxing journey rich in history and traditions that allows exploration of the customs of the largest European cities, with unique experiences both on land and aboard, such as a traditional Hungarian folklore show and a Bavarian band on board, or a visit to the Christmas market in the park of Thurn und Taxis Palace.

The Christmas cruises offered by Emerald Cruises are not just an opportunity to shop among the endless stalls but also a way to immerse yourself in the cultural and festive traditions of each city, making the holiday season even more special. To discover all the departures, visit www.emeraldcruises.com.

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Giorgia Lombardo

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