Is there any time more magical than the Christmas season? I know USA Christmas scenes can be stunning, but you just can’t imagine how over the top Europeans are when it comes to Christmas decorations.

Three years ago I took a group on a Rhine River Christmas Cruise. To say we were astounded by what we saw and experienced is an understatement.

Every town and village seems to be in a competition with all of the others to outdo them. Many have themes. For instance some entire streets in Strasbourg France had huge white teddy bears covering the fronts of their homes and businesses, from the ground level windows and doorways all the way up to the rooftops. Others had bedazzled golden reindeer; still others had huge red ornamental balls. The entire market in front of the Cologne Cathedral is decked out with red lights. Everything about Christmas is Europe is above and beyond what you expect, and beautiful.

And then there are the Christmas markets. Gorgeous huts brilliantly decorated and filled to the brim, offering the most enticing and unique items. I can’t even begin to describe the incredible variety of gifts we saw. Of course it was winter, so there were the obligatory caps, scarves, gloves, etc. But there were also gorgeous wood carvings, goat milk soaps and candles, eucalyptus wreaths, and every nativity scene you can imagine.

Then there was the food. In one area you smell gingerbread, and in the next it’s exotic kebobs. There were these fantastic swirled potatoes, deep fried of course, on a stick. There were cookies and cakes and candies as well as sandwiches and lots of bratwurst. Beer and wine of course, and every town has its’ own mug created especially for that particular Christmas Market, filled with Gluhwein, a warm, spiced wine concoction that warms you to your toes.

Imagine all of that, and then add to it the sound of your most beloved Christmas carols spreading from the city center. It’s incredible.

I loved it so much I’m going back in 2022, this time on the Danube. There’s nothing like the Christmas Markets in Nuremberg, Passau and Vienna. Been there done that, can’t wait to go again.

You can experience Christmas Market trips on river cruises, on land tours, and of course on your own. No matter how you go, I can honestly say everyone needs to experience a European Christmas Market trip. There is truly nothing else that compares to them.

For more information about upcoming personally escorted tours, look under the “travel with us” tab on our website, www.thejoyoftravel.net.

That Magical Time of Year