The Christmas Markets, It's like walking through a snowglobe

Categories

Three years ago, we traveled down the beautiful Danube River in July and my imagination went almost crazy thinking about what it would be like to experience Christmas on the Danube. I'm excited to say we have a group of adventurers traveling in November 29th, 2026 right after Thanksgiving to experience it in a whole new way. 

Christmas markets have a long and storied history dating back to the Late Middle Ages. Originating in the German-speaking parts of Europe, they were initially held as winter markets for locals to stock up on essentials for the cold months. Over time, these gatherings transformed into festive events. They started featuring local crafts, seasonal foods, and unique gifts, reflecting each region’s cultural traditions. The classic image of European Christmas markets, with its rustic wooden stalls and twinkling lights, has become a cherished part of European holiday culture. These markets are not just for shopping but key social events where communities celebrate the holiday season

“What makes [the markets] so important isn’t just buying an ornament,” says Dirk Spennemann, associate professor in cultural heritage management at Australia’s Charles Sturt University, who has co-written studies about the cultural heritage of Christmas markets. “It’s this whole experience of sound, smell, visuals, but also the physicality of people around you.” What’s more, Spennemann argues that “intangible cultural heritage” encompasses traditions that are meant to be mutable, reshaped with each new generation.

Join our group on November 29th, 2026, for the Christmas on the Danube! Hurry space is limited.  

Special Discounted fares, Special Onboard Credits, and planned activities for our group.

Christmas on the Danube

What I'm looking forward to:

• Vienna lit up with Christmas Lights
• Budapest and it's markets
• Singing Christmas carols in the square of the city
• Being with friends while we experience Christmas in a whole new way.

 

 

Christmas on the Danube - 2026 Itinerary - Budapest to Regensburg | Viking®