My AmaWaterways Christmas Market River Cruise with Larry Gelwix

Dani Rasmussen
April 23, 2025

Christmas is always a magical time, but Christmas with centuries-old traditions in the land of Kris Kringle is even more memorable. Rather than drive or train from town to town, we floated easily down the Danube on AmaWaterways Sonata. It was a relaxing and fun way to enjoy the Christmas festivities.

Shore Excursions Included!

One of the best things about an AmaWaterways river cruise is the multiple offerings of complimentary shore excursions. Everyone can easily participate in the excursion that fits his or her interests and physical activity. There are always at least three complimentary excursions in each port for gentle walkers, regular goers, and active enthusiasts. We walked with our guide up Castle Hill in Budapest, bused to the entrance of the magnificent Melk Abbey, and bought a bratwurst at Europe’s oldest sausage store in Regensburg.

Nuremberg Christmas Market

Perhaps the most celebrated Christmas market in Europe is in Nuremberg where we began. Sipping warm punch (or mulled wine if you prefer), we wandered from booth to booth. The intoxicating smell of pine warming fires, roasting chestnuts (yes, they roast them over an open fire just like the song), and sizzling bratwurst added to the party atmosphere.

Locals and tourists alike couldn’t resist mounds of perfectly decorated gingerbread and rainbow-colored confections, each more beautiful than the one before it. The appeal of these Christmas markets is the abundance of unique and mostly locally-made products. Inside the grounds of a castle in Regensburg, I purchased alpaca ear muffs from German-raised alpacas.

Enjoying the Christmas Spirit

Towns and cities decorate abundantly with live Christmas trees and city lights. One of my favorite things was hearing choirs and organists practicing for their Christmas programs in churches and cathedrals. We stopped in the small town of Mondsee on our return from Salzburg for their Christmas market. The wedding scene from the Sound of Music was filmed there in the lovely Basilica of St. Michael. The Christmas market is held in the square in front and also in the cloister. The bonus for me was the sound of the magnificent organ played so skillfully by an organist rehearsing for Christmas mass.

And then, after a full day of walking, shopping, and sight-seeing, it’s great to be welcomed back on board the ship with a warm drink, pleasant music, and a wonderful dinner.

Final Thoughts

Why not visit Europe a pleasant and easy way?

AmaWaterways gave us an experience with fewer than 200 people, Christmas wreaths on every door, and chocolate from St. Nicklaus in shoes we left outside our stateroom door according to local custom.

Europe is wonderful any time. Experiencing it at Christmas is a bonus. I’d love to answer questions and tell you about the cruise.

Doni Rasmussen

Growing up, my family crisscrossed the US in a station wagon from New York to California and everywhere in between. Those early memories reinforced the idea that travel is the best way to explore, adventure, and learn to love people and places that are different. Travel tears down prejudices and barriers. People who travel are interested in life. I love the anticipation of researching and planning and am gratified to have a trip exceed my (or your) expectations. I love finding the unique, hidden places that make a trip more memorable. I also specialize in ethical animal encounters. I would be honored to help make your travel dreams come true.

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