A Christmas Journey Through Germany
Renee’s Avalon River Cruise Experience
Join Renee Meaux, and her husband, Tony, as they embark on an unforgettable 7-day Avalon River Christmas Cruise through the heart of Germany. From the medieval charm of Frankfurt to the festive holiday markets of Nuremberg, Renee and Tony’s winter adventure was filled with rich traditions, stunning scenery, and delicious regional specialties. With private transfers, guided walking tours, and immersive experiences, this holiday journey offers a perfect combination of history, culture, and holiday cheer.
Photos Courtesy of Renee Meaux
Exploring the Charm of Germany’s Christmas Markets
Renee and Tony’s journey began in Frankfurt, where they explored the medieval city, strolling along the picturesque Main River. Frankfurt’s charming holiday decorations and festive atmosphere set the tone for a journey filled with vibrant Christmas markets, local delicacies, and beautiful winter scenes.
Next, they ventured to Würzburg, known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road.” Nestled in rolling hills of vineyards, this enchanting town welcomed her with holiday markets and the stunning Bishop’s Residence, which houses the world’s largest ceiling fresco. They warmed up with a cup of Glühwein (mulled wine) as they wandered through the festive market stalls.
The journey continued to Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its beautiful nativity scenes, which filled them with holiday cheer. In Nuremberg, they experienced one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world. The city’s Old Town came alive with festive lights, and she sampled the famous lebkuchen (gingerbread), a true local delicacy.
Weather and Transportation
Renee and Tony traveled in December, experiencing winter weather in Germany. Temperatures ranged from the low to high 40s during the day, with colder evenings. The weather could drop significantly, so layers, gloves, and hats were essential to stay comfortable while exploring the outdoor Christmas markets. The Avalon River Cruise ship offered smooth and scenic travel, with additional buses and transfers guiding guests between cities, making the journey seamless and enjoyable.
Culinary Delights
Throughout their journey, Renee and Tony indulged in a variety of delicious German treats, both on board the Avalon River Cruise and at local markets:
- Bratwurst: A flavorful German sausage, often enjoyed at the Christmas markets.
- Lebkuchen: Nuremberg’s famous gingerbread cookies, a must-try holiday treat.
- Kartoffelpuffer: Crispy potato pancakes, often served with apple sauce or sour cream.
- Stollen: A traditional German Christmas cake, filled with dried fruits and nuts.
They also enjoyed festive drinks such as Glühwein (mulled wine) while taking in the sights and sounds of the Christmas markets.
Insider Tips and Must-Do Activities
Renee and Tony’s insider tips for anyone planning to explore the German Christmas markets:
- Bring layers, gloves, and hats to stay comfortable during the cold evenings.
- Arrive early to beat the crowds, especially at popular market stalls.
- Explore beyond the food stalls to discover unique handcrafted goods and festive decorations.
- Learn a few basic German phrases, such as “Danke” (thank you) and “Frohe Weihnachten” (Merry Christmas).
- Don’t miss the nativity scenes, especially in Bamberg, where the holiday displays are truly magical.
Must See!
- Würzburg: Stunning views of vineyards and the Bishop’s Residence.
- Bamberg: Beautiful nativity scenes and historic charm.
- Nuremberg: One of the world’s most famous Christmas markets.
- Frankfurt: A medieval city rich in history and holiday spirit.
Must Eat!
- Bratwurst – A tasty sausage served at the Christmas markets.
- Lebkuchen – Nuremberg’s delicious gingerbread cookies.
- Kartoffelpuffer – Crispy potato pancakes.
- Stollen – Traditional German Christmas cake.
- Glühwein – Hot mulled wine, perfect for the chilly winter weather.
Do’s:
- Dress warmly for the outdoor Christmas markets, as temperatures can drop significantly.
- Try the local delicacies like bratwurst, lebkuchen, and glühwein.
- Use cash at most Christmas market stalls, as vendors prefer it.
- Bring a reusable mug for glühwein. Many markets offer decorative mugs for a deposit, and you can keep them as a souvenir.
- Respect local customs and etiquette, such as saying “Bitte” (please) and “Danke” (thank you) when interacting with vendors.
- Be patient in lines, as Christmas markets can get crowded.
Don’ts:
- Don’t forget to mind your belongings in crowded markets, as pickpockets can be an issue.
- Don’t overindulge in alcohol. Enjoy glühwein in moderation and stay hydrated with water in between.
- Don’t expect everything to stay open late. Many markets close by 8 or 9 p.m.
- Don’t haggle. Prices at Christmas markets are usually fixed, and bargaining is not common.
- Don’t rush. Take the time to enjoy the festive atmosphere, browse the stalls, and chat with the vendors.
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