Danube Christmas Markets on AmaWaterways in 2022
Hank Schrader, USMA '71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
Anne Schrader, Certified Travel Counselor & Certified Luxury Cruise Specialist
This is a report of our 23rd Europe River Cruise. We are back on the Danube and it is just the start of the Christmas Markets after being cancelled during most of 2020 and 2021.
So, let’s explore together and learn about Christmas Markets in 2022 on the Danube and in Southern Germany.
What are the Christmas Markets?
In Europe, many squares are used for various street markets. At Christmas time, these squares are transformed into one unique blaze of color, goods and foods from small vendors. It is a social gathering where hot mulled wine, beer and street food are served and all seem to get along as they browse the various vendors.
Christmas markets date back to 1300 or so and started in Germany, Austria and the eastern portion of France. The season usually starts about November 25 and lasts until 23 or 24 December, roughly following the Advent 4 week season. Even for a person like me who does not really like shopping, this is so much fun that everyone should try this at least once. Unlike American Malls, this is not combat shopping and crowds of hassled folks; this is a gathering of folks socializing with food and drink, music, and buying gifts at a much gentler pace.
Seeing the decorations alone is worth the trip but many booths have handmade items that are unique and priceless. Most sell only on cash, so make sure you have enough local currency to get your purchases. And, as we have learned though our own mistakes, if you see something you like, buy it or you will often miss out. Most markets open around 10:00 AM and close around 9:00 PM but it varies a lot and it is not uncommon for booths to close down for short periods to take a break or get something to eat or an owner to take a day off and not open their booth.
As long as you dress warmly, these markets offer a cultural experience second to none—it is an experience not to be missed!
Munich
Before the start of our cruise, we visited the Christmas Markets in Munich. It was overcast, sunny then thunder showers. Right after it rained, we got this picture of the Christmas Markets in front of the new Rathaus with a rainbow over it.
Budapest
Traditional Hungarian Christmas Cake Flodni in Budapest—picture from Mark Thomas who traveled on the 2022 cruise with us along with his wonderful wife Denise, our travel chums!
Another picture of the markets taken by Mark Thomas.
Bratislava
This capital city of Slovakia is a great gathering place at night for folks during the Christmas Market season, as you can see from this picture.
Vienna
We visited 3 Christmas Markets in Vienna. We took the excellent subway system out to the markets at Schönbrunn Palace. The first 2 pictures are of this excellent market.
The next 2 pictures are at the markets around St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Passau
The markets in Passau are among our favorites—we always seem to find great gifts here in this small market.
Nuremberg
Nuremburg is famous as one of the best and biggest Christmas Markets in Germany. Here are some pictures:
The famous Nuremburg sausages on the grill.
Regensburg
Our favorite Christmas Market is in Regensburg. It is on the grounds of the Thurn & Taxis palace grounds. The next 4 pictures are of the wonderful market—we highly recommend you visit it.
Across the famous stone bridge is a market that features a lot of good food and drink—it was small and packed with folks having a good time.
No trip to Regensburg would be complete unless Anne got a new hat from the Hutkonig. It is her 7th.
Our Final Thoughts
The Christmas Markets in Europe are special—we highly recommend you enjoy them on a visit to the Old World. We have have enjoyed them at least 6 times and plan to return—they are that much fun.
We hope you enjoyed this report.
We are travel experts, ocean and river cruise specialists, and Europe destination experts. We have first-hand knowledge of almost anywhere you want to visit in Europe. We know our products and the vendors who sell them to you. We have designed special tours for dozens of clients, led several and will continue to find just the right vacation that will exceed your expectations.
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Whatever your Dream Destinations are, we are here to help you get the best possible vacation based on what is important to you! We will provide you high quality, expertly planned travel. Please give me a call 713-397-0188 (Hank) or email me at hschrader@dreamdestinations.com. We want to help you: Savor life…make memories…Visit Dream Destinations! Your journey begins here!
ANNE has earned a degree from the University of Houston in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Serving as the President of Visit Dream Destinations, LLC, since 2016, she is uniquely experienced professional travel advisor with over 26 years’ experience in the travel industry. Among her numerous certifications, she is a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) by the Travel Institute, considered the gold standard in travel agent certification and she is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), as well Luxury Cruise Specialist also from CLIA. Having traveled often to Europe since 1989, she has expanded on her certification as a Destination Specialist in Western Europe (DS) with extensive first-hand experience in luxury vacations. She holds numerous other specialty designations from individual vendors. An expert photographer, she delights in capturing the true essence of destinations to share with all.
HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 50 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent
