Christmas Markets Cruise - Cruise Tips TV

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Christmas Markets and Christmas Markets Cruising is fast becoming a travel Holiday favorite. So, what's a Christmas Markets Cruise? Hello Cruisers, With the Christmas season upon us and our holiday episode out, a question came up we thought was perfect for a quick episode. The question was "What is a Christmas Markets Cruise?" Well let's start with the Christmas Markets part... The Christmas Markets tradition originated in the Germanic regions of Europe, but we've read that you can now find them in European cities from Oslo to Barcelona. They are basically street markets and Usually they're outdoors. Imagine a kind of farmer's market run by Santa and his elves. Originally the Christmas markets were mainly centered around ornaments, but these days you can find many different things, Christmas decorations, artwork, and homemade handicrafts such as leather, wool hats, gloves, socks and scarves -- Great gifts for friends. But it's not just about the shopping. Think of it more as a celebration of the season. Mulled wine, cider and hot chocolate are popular, and keep patrons warm and cheerful. *Many markets also have stages for local performers, including children who offer traditional dance and folkloric songs often accompanied by accordion or other traditional instruments. Many also consider the Christmas Markets a social experience. People gather there after work to enjoy food, drink and conversation. It's quite a departure from the hectic US holiday shopping experience. A Christmas Market Cruise is typically a river cruise -- think the Danube and Budapest to Nuremberg. Along the way you'll be visiting these lovely traditional markets. Although Holiday River cruises are offered right until January 1, Christmas Markets typically open around November 25 and stay operational until December 23 or 24th. So make sure your sailing dates fall within the Christmas Markets operational days. So now you know. Get out there and enjoy the mulled wine and food in the brisk wintery weather -- the romance and tradition of the markets await you. There are many lines offering Christmas Markets cruises, but VikingRiverCruises.com seems like a great place to start your research. That's it for this episode. Be sure to check us out on twitter @CruiseTipsTV. Happy Holidays. Now get out there and cruise, and if you visit a Christmas Market, have a few Schneeballs for us. .... What are Schneeballs? Viennese Schneeballs are raw cookie dough rolled flat and then roughly twisted into a ball shape, deep-fried and finally dipped in chocolate and nuts. And, Oh yeah, I want one. We'll see you on the high seas.