travel – Rick and Kathie's Travel Adventures

How to Plan Your European Christmas Market Adventure

October 31, 2025Rick & Kathie WetmoreLeave a comment

Vienna’s grand Rathausplatz transforms into a glowing Christmas wonderland each December.

Planning the Trip of a Lifetime

Planning a European Christmas Market trip is almost as much fun as the journey itself. With markets stretching from France to Austria — and from grand capitals like Vienna to small, cozy towns like Erfurt or Colmar — there’s something for everyone. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a river cruise, the convenience of a guided tour, or the independence of planning your own adventure, early planning is key.

When to Start Planning

If there’s one lesson we’ve learned over the years, it’s this: start early. I recommend beginning your planning no later than the summer of the year you want to go. For river cruises and popular organized tours, you may need to reserve a year or more in advance — many sell out quickly. If you’re planning your own independent trip, research early and build your itinerary around confirmed market dates. Most Christmas Markets begin with Advent (late November) and run until Christmas Eve, though a few extend into early January.

Google: “European Christmas Markets 2025”

Researching Destinations and Hotels

Start by thinking about the cities you most want to experience — perhaps the storybook streets of Colmar, the grandeur of Vienna, or the riverside charm of Cologne. Then use Google to find each city’s official Christmas Market website to confirm opening dates and event details.

Most markets are centered around a cathedral square or main plaza, so use Google Maps to explore the area. Switch to the Hotels view to find accommodations within walking distance of the markets.

When selecting a hotel, I always look for these features:
• Proximity to the market (walking distance saves time and adds convenience)
• Breakfast included — a nice way to start a winter morning
• Good reviews and holiday atmosphere

We’ve booked many of our hotels through Booking.com and have been very satisfied with the service and reliability.

Ventana Hotel, Prague. Free breakfast and 100m walk to Old Town Square Christmas Market

Choosing Your Travel Style

Over the years, we’ve experienced all three travel styles — and each offers something unique:

• River Cruises – Our 2021 Viking Rhine Getaway (#myvikingstory) made visiting markets effortless. You unpack once, explore a new city each day, and let the ship serve as your floating hotel. It’s perfect for first-timers, though you may miss some nighttime market scenes. Add extra days before or after your cruise to enjoy markets after dark.

• Guided Group Tours – We took a Collette Christmas Markets tour through Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Munich in 2016 and loved the experience. If you prefer small groups and a single-hotel base, choose a tour that visits nearby markets each day. Other reputable companies include Globus, Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, and Tauck.

• Independent Travel – Most of our market trips are self-planned. Europe’s trains, trams, and buses make it easy to connect markets. Independent travel gives you full flexibility to linger and explore.

Packing for the Season

Winter in Central Europe can be cold and damp, so dress accordingly:
• Warm, waterproof winter coat (with hood)
• Waterproof walking shoes or boots
• Gloves, hat, and layers
• Small daypack for essentials
• Reusable tote or bubble wrap sleeves for ornaments.

Budgeting and Money Tips

The main currency in most countries is the Euro, but in Prague the Czech Koruna is official. Many vendors accept Euros, though change is often in Koruna.

We use AAA’s currency service to order Euros before travel. Exchange over $200 and there’s no fee — plus you can request small denominations (5s, 10s, 20s). Small bills are essential since many market vendors can’t change large notes.

Many markets are cash-only, so plan ahead. ATMs are plentiful, but avoid airport exchange counters.

Essentials You Shouldn’t Forget

Europe uses 220V power with Type C or F plugs. Bring adapters for phones and laptops, and only use appliances labeled dual-voltage. Heating devices like hair dryers can be damaged even with an adapter if they aren’t dual-voltage. You will find most hotels have hair dryers and irons.

Do Your Research Ahead of Time

Before traveling, look up official Christmas Market websites to confirm dates, maps, and special events. • Major markets open daily for several weeks.
• Smaller towns may only operate on weekends.
• Some markets close early on Christmas Eve or stay open into New Year’s.

When researching, check event schedules for concerts or performances — many cities host choir concerts, plays, or community shows. If something catches your eye, book early; we’ve attended wonderful Christmas concerts and musical plays, and they’ve become favorite memories.

Traditional Croatian Folk Music at Zagreb Christmas Market

Getting Around Europe

Trains are the easiest way to travel between markets. They’re punctual, scenic, and relaxing.
• Look into Eurail or Deutsche Bahn passes.
• Within cities, trams and metros are efficient.
• Rideshare apps like Uber and Bolt operate in larger cities.
• If driving, check winter tire requirements and limited parking near markets.

Stay Alert and Travel Smart

Christmas Markets are welcoming, but always stay aware. Pickpockets can target crowded areas, especially at night. Use a cross-body bag or money belt, and don’t keep all cash in one place. Stay mindful when taking photos or shopping in busy stalls.

Choosing the Right Lodging

Whenever possible, stay within walking distance of the market. It’s convenient to take breaks or drop off packages. We love boutique hotels or apartments — many decorate beautifully for the holidays. On river cruises, your hotel travels with you — a unique way to experience the markets.

The lobby of the elegant, but affordable Palace Hotel in Zagreb.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Always carry travel insurance with emergency medical and evacuation coverage. We use an annual Allianz plan that covers every trip we take. Even for occasional travelers, a single-trip policy offers peace of mind during busy holiday seasons.

Embrace the Spirit of the Season

Don’t overplan. The real magic of Christmas Markets happens when you slow down and simply enjoy the moment — a choir singing ‘Silent Night,’ the scent of roasted chestnuts, or the sparkle of lights reflected on cobblestones.

Kathie adding to our Gluhwein cup collection, Vienna Christmas Market 2018

Closing Thought

Go once, and you’ll want to go again. Whether your first Christmas Market is in Germany, Austria, or aboard a Viking cruise, the lights and memories will stay with you long after you return home.

A decade of Christmas Market memories — and we’re not done yet.

Welcome to the World of European Christmas Markets

October 23, 2025Rick & Kathie WetmoreLeave a comment

Frankfurt’s Römerberg glows under the lights of its towering Christmas tree and historic guild houses.

A Season of Lights, Music, and Tradition

There’s something magical about Europe at Christmastime. From late November through December, centuries-old squares transform into glowing holiday villages. Wooden stalls trimmed with evergreens line cobblestone streets, the air fills with the scent of roasted nuts and spiced wine, and music drifts through the crisp night air.

For travelers, it’s a sensory experience like no other — part festival, part cultural tradition, and all wrapped in the charm of old-world Europe.

Our first introduction to this festive world came in 2013, when our daughter, then working in Frankfurt, invited us to visit during the holiday season. What began as a family visit soon became the start of a long love affair with Europe’s Christmas Markets.

Our First Christmas Market Journey – Germany and France, 2013

We based ourselves in Frankfurt, exploring the city’s famous Römerberg Christmas Market, one of Germany’s oldest. The historic square, framed by half-timbered buildings and a towering Christmas tree, set the perfect stage for our introduction to the season.

From there, we ventured further afield — to Dresden, Erfurt, and Idstein, each with its own charm.
• Dresden’s Striezelmarkt, dating back to 1434, dazzled with its giant wooden pyramid and the aroma of freshly baked stollen.
• Erfurt’s market spread beneath the twin spires of its grand cathedral, glowing with color and tradition.
• And Idstein, a quiet gem along Germany’s half-timbered road, offered a cozy, small-town market that felt like stepping into a storybook.

Dresden Striezelmarkt – “Germany’s oldest Christmas Market glowing under winter skies.”

Erfurt Market – “Colorful stalls beneath Erfurt Cathedral’s illuminated towers.”

Frankfurt – “A festive gathering place in the heart of old Frankfurt.”

Idstein - "A cozy, small-town market that felt like stepping into a storybook." — Idstein – “A cozy, small-town market that felt like stepping into a storybook.”

Strasbourg – The Heart of Christmas

Of all the places we visited on that first trip, Strasbourg, France, stole our hearts. Known as ‘The Capital of Christmas,’ Strasbourg’s market dates back to 1570 and fills the old city with light, music, and warmth.

Each evening, the Place Kléber came alive with a spectacular light and sound show, while the scent of spiced wine and Alsatian pastries drifted through the streets. Strasbourg’s blend of French and German influences made it unforgettable — elegant, welcoming, and filled with joy.

We stayed at the Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel, perfectly located within walking distance of all the markets — ideal for late-night strolls among the lights.

Strasbourg Christmas Market – “The Alsatian capital shines with timeless Christmas spirit.”

Tastes of the Season

No matter where you go, one thing remains constant — glühwein, the warm, spiced wine served in collectible mugs unique to each market. Over the years, we’ve built quite the collection of mugs, each one a memory of a place and moment shared.

And then there’s the food — from German sausages and brats to Alsatian spaetzle, and of course, a wide array of sweets that no traveler can resist. Each market offers its own flavors, and half the fun is tasting them all.

Getting There and Getting Around

Our 11-day adventure began with a nonstop Lufthansa flight from Boston to Frankfurt. From there, we explored by train, tram, and car — efficient, comfortable, and easy even in winter weather. We drove five hours to Dresden (through sleet and freezing rain — quite the Thanksgiving adventure!), stopped for lunch in Erfurt, and later took the fast train to Strasbourg.

It was on that trip that we discovered how seamlessly European rail travel connects major Christmas Market cities — perfect for those who want to see several destinations in one journey.

The Start of a Traveling Tradition

That first journey in 2013 sparked something that has become one of our favorite holiday traditions. Since then, we’ve returned to Europe again and again — exploring markets in Austria, Switzerland, France, Croatia, the Czech Republic, and Belgium, as well as along the Rhine River aboard Viking Cruises.

Each trip adds new memories — and new glühwein mugs — to our growing collection.

This winter, we’ll continue the story with a pre-cruise stay in Madrid before sailing on a Viking Ocean Cruise from Barcelona to San Juan, Puerto Rico. We’re already researching Madrid’s Christmas Markets and can’t wait to see how Spain celebrates the season.

Coming Up in This Series

Over the next several weeks, we’ll share highlights from our favorite Christmas Market destinations — complete with photos, travel tips, and firsthand experiences to help you plan your own holiday adventure.

Here’s what’s ahead:
• How to Plan Your European Christmas Market Adventure
• Frankfurt, Dresden & Erfurt – Our First Taste of Christmas in Germany
• Colmar & the Alsace Region – A Storybook Christmas
• Salzburg, Innsbruck & Munich – A Festive Austrian Tour
• Vienna, Bratislava & Zagreb – Christmas Across Central Europe
• Brussels – Winter Wonders at the Grand-Place
• Viking Rhine Getaway – A Christmas Market River Cruise
• Prague – One City, Endless Christmas Charm
• Madrid Christmas Markets – A New Holiday Chapter
• Why We Keep Coming Back to Europe at Christmastime

Closing Thought

Whether it’s sipping glühwein beneath a cathedral spire, browsing handcrafted ornaments, or simply walking hand-in-hand through a glowing market square, there’s no better way to experience the spirit of the season than in Europe’s Christmas Markets.

We hope you’ll join us as we revisit the markets, the memories, and the magic that keep bringing us back year after year.

Friendly Santa - "Frankfurt Christmas Market" — Friendly Santa – “Frankfurt Christmas Market”

Flag Hill Winery & Distillery: A Perfect Afternoon in Southern New Hampshire

August 19, 2025August 19, 2025Rick & Kathie WetmoreLeave a comment

If you’ve ever wondered whether New Hampshire can hold its own in the world of wine and spirits, look no further than Flag Hill Winery & Distillery in Lee. A short, easy drive from home, this is the kind of local gem that makes you proud of what’s being produced right in our backyard.

Tasting the Best of Both Worlds

For my tasting flight, I mixed things up:

Vignoles (white) – Bright and tropical, with pineapple and grapefruit notes. A standout.
Flag Hill Red – Smooth and fruit-forward, with cherry and spice.
Karner Blue Gin – A bold gin with citrus and floral notes, perfect for summer cocktails.
Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Aged 4 years, warm with layers of butterscotch and toffee.

Each sip felt surprisingly polished, showing that Flag Hill is serious about both winemaking and distilling.

We paired the tasting with their cheese board — a simple but perfect mix of cheeses, crackers, olives, and grapes. I noticed other guests enjoying wine smoothies, a playful offering that looked cold and refreshing on a summer afternoon.

Walking the Vineyard

Afterward, I wandered outside with my camera. The Vignoles grapes are hanging heavy, likely only weeks from harvest. The vineyard stretches down a gentle hillside, rows of vines perfectly lined, and beyond them the flat fields where they grow the grain for their whiskies.

At the top of the hill, old oak trees provide shade, framing postcard views of the vineyard below. A white pergola with wine barrel tables is set up for weddings and events, and rustic farm buildings tell the story of the property’s past. Best of all, a brand-new tasting room and outdoor deck are under construction, scheduled to open next season.

Final Thoughts

Flag Hill impressed me on every level — from the crisp, aromatic wines to the bold, farm-grown spirits, all enjoyed in a welcoming, scenic setting. It’s a reminder that world-class craft can be found close to home, and that New England terroir has a flavor all its own.

If you’re in southern New Hampshire, Flag Hill is well worth the visit — for a casual afternoon of tasting, a celebratory event, or even a stay in one of their nearby villas.

👉 Learn more about Flag Hill at flaghill.com.

Flying High on the London Eye

March 14, 2023Rick & Kathie WetmoreLeave a comment

March 7, 2023, we had only one full day in London before we boarded the Viking Venus to start our Northern Lights cruise to Arctic Norway. Having visited London in the past, we had seen most of the typical tourist sites, but have never ridden on the London Eye. We had booked tickets several weeks before on Trip Advisor so we could bypass any long lines.

Late afternoon we walked from our hotel, Conrad St. James in Westminster to the Eye, about 20 minutes walk. It was cloudy and cold and had been raining and snow showers earlier. We got the The Eye at about 5:15pm and the sky was brightening, we had no wait, right on board our pod and away we went, about 30 minutes to go around and what views!

2022 Prague Christmas Market Trip – Arrival Day

December 14, 2022Rick & Kathie WetmoreLeave a comment

We arrived in Prague on November 26^th after a long overnight flight from Boston (via Munich). This would be our eighth Christmas Market trip since 2013. We visited Prague back in the Spring of 2019 at the end of a Viking Elbe River cruise and loved this beautiful, old European city. At that time, we thought it might be a good Christmas Market destination. Early this past Fall we decided to do another Christmas Market trip, and after some Internet research, we saw that Prague had high Christmas Market ratings, so the choice was made!

We arrived at out hotel mid-afternoon on Nov 26^th, the opening day for the Old Town Square Christmas Market. Our hotel, the Ventana, was perfectly located near the Old Town Square and from our room we could see the square and the famous clock tower. Resting for a bit, we ventured out to the square to watch the lighting of the Christmas Tree at 4:30pm.

Wow, the crowd was huge, it was difficult trying to move around or get a decent spot to view the tree lighting. We attempted to walk around the Christmas Market but it was near impossible to get close to any vendor stalls for food, drink or crafts. We decided to find a proper restaurant for dinner and after checking out many crowded restaurants, we settled for one away from the square but not far from our hotel. All the restaurants were crowded, especially ones with large screen TV’s, you see, the World Cup was going on and we were in a soccer loving country!

The next days and nights the Christmas Markets would be crowded, but much easier to get around. At night the lights created such a magical experience. Christmas Markets at night are the best!

Stay tuned for more blogs on our Prague trip:

Visit to Prague Castle
Checking out other Christmas Markets around the city
Christmas Market foods
Tour some of the beautiful Prague Churches

Here are some images from the Old Town Square Christmas Market.

Front door of the Ventana Hotel Ventana Hotel View form our room

Opening day crowds and lighting of the Christmas Tree

Night time at Old Town Square Christmas Market

Our video tour of Old Town Christmas Market

Ready To Cruise Again

October 14, 2021Rick & Kathie WetmoreLeave a comment

In less than a week we will be cruising again!

Prior to the Pandemic we had booked two cruises with Viking for 2020, one river cruise of the eastern Danube and one ocean cruise of the Mediterranean. Both cruises were cancelled as everything shutdown and we took cruise credits in hopes to reschedule. Well finally, cruising is restarting and we have rebooked our Mediterranean cruise for mid-October.

While COVID protocols for the cruise restart are a bit intimidating, we are ready and are so looking forward to getting back to traveling and cruising. We will start our cruise in Barcelona where we will embark on the brand new “Viking Venus”, launched earlier this year. This 13 day cruise will take us to ports on the French Riviera, Italy, Greece, and Croatia, ending in Venice. We opted for a 3-day post cruise extension to Lake Como, Italy.

Looking Back

Looking back at our past Viking Ocean Cruise experiences provides us with so many wonderful memories. It’s these past experiences that are fueling our excitement and eagerness to get back to cruising again.

This short video montage shows what we have missed about Viking Ocean Cruises and illustrates why we are so ready to get back onboard cruising again.

Check back to follow our Viking Venus Mediterranean Cruise

South America Cruise – Part 2

February 4, 2020February 4, 2020Rick & Kathie Wetmore

Chilean Fjords & Glaciers

Puerto Montt

As we cruised south along the Clilean coast, our first port of call was Puerto Montt in what’s called Chile’s lakes region. Since there was no large dock facilities, we anchored in the harbor and used the ship’s tender boats to get ashore.

The lakes region is a popular hiking and adventure area of Chile and most of our cruise’s optional excursions were focused on high activity. There were demanding hiking tours, white water rafting and horseback riding. We decided to do the included excursion, a coach tour of the town and a visit to the small town of Puerto Varas on the shore of Lake Llanquihue, one of Chile’s largest lakes.

Puerto Varas is a resort town that has summer activities such as boating, hiking, and water sports. There is also a winter influx because of skiing in nearby mountains.

We had an hour of free time to wander the town. The lakefront park and walkway offered some stunning views with two volcanoes in the background. The cone shaped Mt. Osorno looks very much like Japan’s Mt. Fuji.

There was a small artisan center where local handcrafted goods could be purchased. In this part of Chile many German immigrants settled in the mid 19th Century, so many of the buildings, homes and gardens maintain a German look. The local food still retains quite a bit of German influence as well.

After a few hours ashore we returned to the ship and our ship departed late afternoon to cruise south through the inner passage and Fjords, next stop, Amalia Glacier.

Amalia Glacier and beyond

Sailing south from Puerto Montt, we left the protection of the inland channel and headed out into the open Pacific. A gale force westerly wind greeted us with its accompanying 15-20ft waves which gave us a bit of a rough ride for the rest of the afternoon and overnight, but we were treated to another beautiful Pacific sunset.

Impressive Pacific taken from our veranda with a GoPro

Treated to another beautiful Pacific sunset.

The next morning we entered the shelter of another inland passage as we headed to the Amalia Glacier. This area reminds us so much of Alaska waters. The waterway is surrounded by big snow covered mountains with deep U- shaped glacial valleys and the occasional mountain Glacier. As we cruised deeper into the bay, the Amalia Glacier came into view. The Captain was able to maneuver the ship within a mile of the glacier and we hovered there for about an hour giving everyone a great view.

Sailing the fjords heading to the Amalia Glacier.

Amalia Glacier originates at the great Southern Patagonia Ice Field.

Leaving the glacier behind, we headed for our next destinations; Magellan Strait, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia Argentina and then around Cape Horn into the Atlantic Ocean.

Useful Links

Christmas Markets….Vienna, Bratislava & Zagreb

December 23, 2018September 20, 2019Rick & Kathie Wetmore1 Comment

Zagreb

When we started planning this year’s Christmas Market trip back in October, we were looking to visit somewhere new. Our daughter suggested that Vienna is a must-see Christmas Market, so we decided that would be a good choice. We didn’t want to limit the trip to Vienna, so with the help of our good friend Google, we saw that Zagreb’s Christmas Market was voted Europe’s best for three years running (that according to Croatia tourist website, anyway). We also viewed an number of VLOG’s from folks who visited Zagreb Christmas Market in recent years and these VLOG’s seemed to endorse Zagreb as a good choice. So we added Zagreb to the itinerary and what also helped with that choice is the fact that Zagreb is less than an hour plane trip from Vienna.

When we did our advanced planning, we booked round-trip air with Austrian Airlines and found a conveniently located hotel using Booking.com. Our hotel, the Palace Hotel, was about $300 for 3 nights, which seemed quite reasonable for a mid-city hotel. More about prices below.

After spending 5 days in Vienna, we flew to Zagreb on Monday December 3rd. Flight was on time, Zagreb airport was easy to navigate and we used Uber for the ride to the hotel. Our driver Boris spoke perfect English and he gave us lots of tips about foods to eat and things to do and see. The ride from the airport to downtown is about 16km (10 mi) and it took almost 30 min because of traffic. The Uber fare was $16, pretty cheap! By the way, Croatia does not use Euro’s, the local currency is the Kuna (HRK) and the exchange is about 6.5HRK to the dollar.

Welcome to Franjo Tuđman Airport Zagreb

Our Hotel

I can’t say enough about our hotel choice. The Palace Hotel is a classic hotel in a Art Nouveau palace dating from 1891. The location is perfect, right across the street from Park Josipa Jurja Strossmayera and Park Zrinjevac, two of the Christmas Market venues and a 4-block walk to Ban Josip Jelačić square, the main Christmas Market and shopping area.

Our hotel room was ideal, large and roomy (for European standards) and my biggest measure of a hotel room is the size of the bathroom and shower, this one was spot on. Plenty of room in the shower and strong water pressure. Our room rate included breakfast and the breakfast buffet was huge. Plenty of hot and cold selections, fresh fruits, bread and pastries, it was an excellent spread.

The hotel Cafe/bar was a very comfortable space with elegant woodwork, high ceilings and cozy Christmas decorations. It was on the ground floor with large windows facing the park with stunning views of the Christmas Market lights and activities. We would have a glass of wine or cognac and the cost was less than $5.00 per glass!

The hotel had a health and wellness spa and I made an appointment for a one hour massage. That was very relaxing and the cost was equivalent to $38, quite a bit less than what we pay at home.

Palace Hotel

Getting Around Zagreb

The convenient location of our hotel made it easy to explore the city and Christmas Markets. Everything was within walking distance. Our first morning in Zagreb, we decided to take the Hop-on, Hop-off bus service. This gave us a good overview of the city, plus the audio narration provided some history and context.

We walked to the upper city, some steep roads and stairs to overcome, but we made it. We ended up taking the funicular back down to the lower city, didn’t plan that very well, would have been better going up on the funicular and walking down, let gravity be our friend!

Zagreb has an extensive street tram system, but we didn’t use the trams. There was also a Christmas tram that toured the sights and Santa was the conductor.

The Funicular

Ban Josip Jelačić Square

Zagreb Christmas Markets

The Zagreb Christmas Market is a bit different than what we saw in Vienna or from our previous trips to Germany, France and Switzerland. The vendor booths or stalls are different, all were white, in contrast to the German style which are chalet-like, dark wood. Another big difference is that the vast majority of vendor stalls were selling food and drinks. Not many crafts, clothing or other seasonal items like in Germany or Austria.

It seems that Zagreb is a party city, lots of people, many young adults, out for drinks and food. But there are also families, young and old. Everywhere you went, there was music playing, some Christmas music, as well as pop and rock. The main venues like Ban Josip Jelačić square had stages and bandstands set up where there was always some live entertainment, like local youth choirs, folk groups, traditional and contemporary musicians and artists. The Christmas Market scene in Zagreb is very lively, lots of energy.

General Impressions

Some general impressions and observations about Zagreb and Croatia.

Croatia is very affordable, the US dollar goes a long way. When dining out, even at a more upscale restaurant, we never paid more than $50 for the two of us, that incudes the drinks.

The people are very friendly, most speak good English.

Zagreb seems very safe, we did not feel uncomfortable or threatened even when walking around at night.

There are many smokers in Zagreb. It seems that smoking is very popular with younger people.

Overall, we really liked Zagreb and we look forward to visiting other parts of Croatia in 2020 when we do a Mediterranean cruise.

More mages from Zagreb

Scandinavian Cruise

October 9, 2018September 18, 2019Rick & Kathie WetmoreLeave a comment

Kathie and I along with Kathie’s sister Marilyn and our good friend Rachel went on a Viking Ocean cruise through Scandinavia from September 12 -26, 2018 . We all flew from Boston through Frankfurt to Oslo Norway where we joined a pre-cruise optional land tour before joining our ship in Bergen Norway.

The map from Viking’s online itinerary shows our planned cruise, but due to bad weather in the North Sea, the Gothenburg and Aalborg stops were canceled.

Map