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16 | Viking Explorer Society News Which Christmas VOYAGE IS FOR YOU? Europe in the festive season sees riverside villages aglow with twinkling lights, the summer crowds have disappeared from the cities, and centuries-old markets sparkle with Christmas spirit. Louise Goldsbury shares the highlights of each of our Viking Christmas itineraries. L ike Santa's sleigh, Viking delivers guests to winter wonderlands along the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Elbe, Main and Moselle rivers, where the Christmas markets are held. These holiday voyages offer the same experience of European culture and history but at the most enchanting time of year, perhaps with a sprinkling of snow. At multiple stops to shop, you can buy handcrafted tree ornaments, decorations and presents for your family and friends. Or just soak in the atmosphere, enjoying the carol-singing, ice-skating and other feasts for the senses. At food stalls, try the sizzling bratwurst, freshly baked pretzels, gingerbread or fondue. Inhale the nutty aroma of roasted chestnuts and the sweet scent of mulled wine simmering with cloves and cinnamon. Then, after a day of shopping or browsing, return to your Viking Longship to relax or celebrate on board. Europe's Most Magical Christmas Markets Germany is the king of Christmas markets, with a market in every town and village you stop at, including Passau. But there are hundreds more in Austria, Hungary, The Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Viking's Christmas voyages visit up to four countries, depending on the itinerary, over eight to 12 days. In each port of call, a daily shore excursion is included to the open-air markets, often combined with a short tour of the local highlights. Optional excursions are also offered to attractions such as wineries, breweries, palaces, museums and classical concerts. Christmas on the Rhine and Main Rivers Launching in 2025 is Viking's 11-night Christmas on the Rhine & Main river voyage between Germany and Switzerland. Marvel at Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt, embrace the old-world charm of Frankfurt's Römerberg Square, taste the regional delicacies of Würzburg, and check out the artisanal crafts in Basel and Karlsruhe. This new itinerary includes a day in the French city of Strasbourg, near the German border. Known as the "Capital of Christmas", it's renowned for its Alsatian traditions and extensive markets, which are among the oldest in Europe. The market in Place Kléber is famous for its huge Christmas tree, dazzling lights and treats such as bredele (Alsatian Christmas cookies). Christmas on the Danube River This 7-night, three-country Christmas on the Danube voyage stands apart for docking overnight in Budapest, Vienna and Regensburg. Explore these grand cities, fairytale villages and well-preserved medieval towns in Hungary, Austria and Germany. At Budapest's illuminated St Stephen's Basilica, skaters twirl across the ice-rink at the base of an 18-metre Christmas tree, and market stalls sell Hungarian foods such as goulash and chimney cake. In Vienna, visit the markets at St Stephen's Cathedral and Maria Theresien Platz. After a scenic sailing through the Wachau Valley, do not miss Viking's Privileged Access visit to Göttweig Abbey, where Benedictine monks work and worship, including its 11th-century chapel that is usually closed to visitors. Danube Christmas Delights Between Budapest and Passau, the 7-night, four-country, Danube Christmas Delights itinerary includes an excursion to Slovakia to attend an organ recital in Bratislava's Old Town. A panoramic drive passes its palace, castle and churches before a chance to pick up unique gifts at the markets. Another difference is the stop in Linz, Austria, for a walking tour or markets trip. In historic Passau, watch an Advent wreath- making demonstration and see how gingerbread is made at a local bakery in this Bavarian "city of the three rivers", founded more than 2,000 years ago. This cruise also offers a scenic sailing through Wachau Valley and a visit to Göttweig Abbey. Christmas on the Rhine Germany and The Netherlands are highlighted on Viking's 7-night, four-country Christmas on the Rhine river voyage from Amsterdam to Basel (or reverse) via Strasbourg. Travel to Cologne, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Mannheim, Speyer and Briesach, sampling yuletide treats as you browse the colourful displays. Sail deep into the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt Delta, surrounded by classic Dutch landscapes of windmills, farmhouses and shores lined