I want to take my family to Christmas Markets in Europe in December 2026.
Is it better to do that on a river trip or on our own with a guidebook in order to get the most from our only trip to Europe
Posted by
the great P-NW
449 posts
So many unanswered questions here. How old is your family, are your funds and time limited or not, which countries are you looking at. If you have never traveled to Europe before, and you want this to be a once in a lifetime trip, you may do better having someone else plan it so you can just show up. This is a judgement call based on many factors.
Posted by
NYC area
3066 posts
That’s too broad a question to get pointed advice from.
Personally, we like the Bavarian and Austrian Christmas markets. We fly RT into out of Munich. We visit Salzburg, the Salzkammergut, Berchtesgaden and area. Then Innsbruck and the area including our stays in nearby Hall in Tirol. That’s our preference.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
1326 posts
A river trip and "on your own" aren't the only options. For example, RS offers its Munich/Salzburg/Vienna tour during Xmas market season. https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/austria/munich-salzburg-vienna-tour
Other tour companies also offer overland Xmas market tours, of course.