Anonymous wrote:I don’t understand the appeals of Christmas markets. You like packed, overrun shopping full of Chinese trinkets?

If you feel that way, then you aren't going to understand it. You might as well stop trying.

Fondue in Megeve

Rothenburg. Look it up.

Venice, Italy (for its serene canals and quieter atmosphere in winter)

Bruges, Belgium (picturesque canals and medieval architecture)

Paris, France (classic romantic city with festive lights)

Vienna, Austria (beautiful Christmas markets and classical music scene)

Strasbourg, France (Christmas markets)

Anonymous wrote:The problem with the river cruises is that you see the Christmas markets during the day and are on the boat at night. IMO, the Christmas markets have their most major al time in the evening after the sun sets.

PP. Thanks for sharing. I suggested based on a land visit experience. You're right - the markets are nice at night. I didn't know the port calls end in the day.

Anonymous wrote:I don’t understand the appeals of Christmas markets. You like packed, overrun shopping full of Chinese trinkets?

Nighttime crowds instead of empty wet streets, light displays, happy people, holiday snacks like mulled wine, seeing some local crafts (in Hungary it was braided straw ornaments)

You don't need to buy anything to have fun.

It's like a U.S. "First Night" x craft fair.

If you don't like crowds or shopping then it's not for you.

Hallstatt.

Anonymous wrote:I don’t understand the appeals of Christmas markets. You like packed, overrun shopping full of Chinese trinkets?

Not sure which, but the one near my family is not trinkets at all: it's all food booths with mostly local products, small artisan stands selling homemade candles, carvings, ceramic, jewelry, paintings...

The problem with the river cruises is that you see the Christmas markets during the day and are on the boat at night. IMO, the Christmas markets have their most major al time in the evening after the sun sets.

I don’t understand the appeals of Christmas markets. You like packed, overrun shopping full of Chinese trinkets?

Really hard to beat Austria/Germany for the christmas markets in December. Vienna is gorgeous at that time of year. The cold weather also makes German food very endearing.

I'm not sure if your idea of a magical winter experience requires snow, but if so then maybe Lapland? Even there though you'll want to head north for best chances, snow came late this year.

I have been to Christmas markets before so I'd vote for a river Christmas market cruise. They're so cheerful and seeing a variety of cities would be great.

London's weather would be gross but our stereotypical visions of Christmas have Victorian roots so I bet that would be really fun. I like theater and December would be a good season for a variety of shows. A day trip to Stonehenge might add some awe.

If Christmas isn't your holiday, maybe try snowy vacations in Scandinavia? I recently saw a cruise that docks quickly at ports all along one of either Norway or Sweden. Looked cool to see all those ports. Then maybe you could go to a Northern Lights or ice hotel. Kids might like Viking-related tourism.

That's easy -- Austria or Germany for Christmas Markets.

Two adults and two teens. Looking for recommendations. We’d like a magical winter experience. We like most experiences and enjoy all kinds of activities.