'Tis the Season...To Be Jolly

There is a chill in the air. You’re holding a mug of hot mulled wine or cider to keep you warm. You hear the ringing of local church bells, the hustle and bustle of city life, and the music of a local band. The smell of raclette (melted cheese) on brioche and the slightly sweetened apple strudel fills the air. Everything around you feels as if you stepped back in time hundreds of years… You’re in a European Christmas market!

I have had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to travel during the holiday season to many destinations, but for me, one of the very best and most festive experiences is visiting a European Christmas market. In 2019, I had the pleasure of leading a group of travelers on a Rhine River Christmas markets cruise through the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland. During the day we enjoyed learning about each destination on a walking tour, bike tour, or tasting tour. But at night, we enjoyed walking around the Christmas markets, drinking our mulled wine, snacking on the local delicacies, and doing some holiday shopping.

This year I’m finally going back to Europe with a Roseborough group to kick off the holiday season and visit the most famed markets along the Danube River. We start in Prague, Czech Republic, and will make our way onto Nuremberg, Germany; Vienna, Austria; and Budapest, Hungary, just to name a few.

Traditions are one of my favorite things to learn about when I’m traveling. Did you know that much of Europe celebrates St. Nicholas Day on December 5 or 6? I love this tradition because when I was growing up, we also celebrated St. Nicholas Day. As kids we would be in awe when we woke up with a few coins and snacks in our boots (yes, boot—I grew up in Buffalo, NY). Something I didn’t learn about until visiting Europe was Krampus. For good little boys and girls, there is St. Nick or Santa who bears gifts and treats and spreads joy… but for those children who misbehave, there’s a menacing half goat, half demon creature who beats them with a broom. Oh man, am I happy I never met the likes of Krampus! He is enough to get any bad kiddo to behave.

Whether you have been naughty or nice, it’s interesting to learn about the traditions of Europe during the holidays. So many of us have European heritage, and it’s fun to experience traditions that may have been passed down through your family in person with the locals in the old country.

If traditions are not at the top of your list, maybe the food and drink is? Everything is homemade and lovely and tastes so incredibly delicious. And if food doesn’t do it for you, there’s shopping, history, architecture, palaces, castles, and so much more.

If you are looking for a festive experience during the holidays, I 100% recommend going on a European river cruise. The markets are open the last week in November till Christmas Eve. I feel going in the middle two or three weeks is the best experience. The markets and stall owners have worked out the kinks during the first week, and they start running out of gifts by the last week.

No matter when you choose to go, though, you should have a magical and enchanting time. When you want to start planning your European river cruise adventure, give me a call. I will be happy to help.

Amanda Vallone is the co-owner of Roseborough Travel Agency in DeLand. She is passionate about helping people experience the world around them. She was awarded and or recognized for the 40 under 40, President’s Excellence in Business, Future Leaders in Travel, Best Travel Advisor, and Best of the Best awards over the last 10 years.