Christmas Market - River Cruising
Published Wednesday, April 21st 2021
Discover the Joys of Christmas all over again!
Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year and get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to some of the world’s most timeless Christmas Markets. Warm up with a mug of steamy glühwein while at the Cologne Christmas Market located in front of its UNESCO-designated Gothic cathedral. Let the "Capital of Noël," Strasbourg, the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France, captivate you the way it has for so many others for centuries.
Meander through Heidelberg’s majestic Christmas Market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town. And while in Gengenbach, marvel at the world’s largest Advent calendar, where every evening at 6:00 PM, the brightly lit windows of the neo-classical town hall open and behind each one is a picture by a famous artist, such as Andy Warhol. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
The idyllic, fairytale charm… the culinary delights… the enchanting Christmas Market. There’s no need to be home for the holidays since Strasbourg is the perfect cuddle spot!
The romantic Alsatian town is home to Europe’s oldest Christmas Market, tracing its origins back to 1570 and the time of Shakespeare, Moliere and Louis XIV. While eleven other markets have long since arrived to the sprawling Strasbourg holiday scene, the original remains the main event. Centrally located near the Strasbourg Cathedral, the marketplace is illuminated with thousands of lights and whimsical decorations. Foodies and wine lovers might wish to wander towards the Place d’Austerlitz for epicurean delights. In Place Kléber, the market keeps alive the spirited tradition of donating to charity and the less fortunate. Gifts are left under the tree and visitors are invited to speak with on-site charities to learn more of their works. Throughout the streets, you can be charmed by the beautiful melodies and holiday songs sung by orchestras, choir groups and gospel singers. Cruise Planners - Two by Two Travel are the experts in getting you to Europe, with flights and transfers included!
Fragrant aromas of pretzels, roasted chestnuts and vin chaud (hot mulled wine) will excite your festive spirit as you wander through 300 or more chalets of seasonal goodies for everyone on your naughty and nice lists. A colorful light show flickers near the 100 foot Christmas tree that was hauled in from the nearby Vosges Mountains and to be the centerpiece for the market. Nativity plays and an ice skating rink are part of the celebrations, as are the stuffed white storks you can find in seemingly every booth. Storks are a city mascot and an Alsatian symbol for good luck. This is France, of course, so food plays a pleasurable part in the festivities as well. Gingerbread, dried fruit, citrus fruits, goose, foie gras, bièrre de Noël (Christmas beer) and biscuits are readily available.
Also integral to the first Christmas Market in Europe – celebrating its unique history, of course! Along with being the oldest, it is said that the tradition of decorating Christmas trees with glass ornaments began here at the Chriskindelsmarik. In 1539, the world’s first documented Christmas tree was used inside the staggering Strasbourg Cathedral, symbolizing the tree of life in the story of Adam and Eve. Apples and wafers were attached, in association with the forbidden fruit and the Eucharist. Beginning in the 1500s, parishioners started placing fir trees in their homes, initially hanging them from the ceiling. But after a drought hit the Alsace region in 1858, a new tradition of glass ornaments was born.
Merry Christmas, or as they say in France -- Joyeux Noël!
Spend the holidays in the romance of Strasbourg while on our exclusive promotion sailing.
https://www.twobytwotravel.com/GroupRegistrations/view/97669
Offer Valid until April 28, 2021 - Other Promotions Available.
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