During winter, cities across Europe become holiday havens full of extravagant cultural events and good cheer. If you’re sailing throughout Europe on a river cruise or oceanic adventure, you’re in for a treat!
Our Personal Vacation Managers compiled a list of the best things to do during winter in these iconic coastal European cities. It’s never too early to plan next year’s cruise vacation, so read closely. You may just find the next destination for your dream vacation!
Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg is quite literally a winter wonderland this time of year. The city lights up with Christkindlesmarkt, a world-famous holiday festival that has been a cultural tradition for more than 700 years! The market occupies one of the central town squares where visitors savor Nuremberg sausages, scrumptious gingerbread, and hot mulled wine while enjoying festive stagecoach rides and more. If you’re heading to Nuremberg, check out this list of the 10 best things to do at the Christkindlesmarkt.
Budapest, Hungary
Many of the cruise itineraries traveling along the Danube River find their way to Budapest. There are typically fewer tourists during the winter months, so there will be plenty of opportunities to explore Hungary’s capital at your leisure. One of our favorite events is the light show at St. Stephen’s Basilica, which lights up the night with a laser show depicting animations, cartoons, and a tale of the Feast of St. Stephen. Another worthwhile visit is a trip to Buda Castle, a beautiful imposing structure that overlooks the city where you can see Budapest in its full winter glory.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Most cruises traveling the Rhine River embark or debark in Amsterdam, so you’ll most likely be visiting the Netherlands’ capital city. From December through January, Amsterdam’s romantic canals light up with a vibrant holiday display. The Amsterdam Light Festival decorates the city with huge open-air light sculptures. The best way to revel in this holiday display is by taking a canal cruise at sunset. Most of the canal cruises are covered and heated, so you’ll be able to cozy up and enjoy the sightseeing with a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate warming you up.
Barcelona, Spain
A day trip to Barcelona during the winter months is filled with peace and tranquility. It is said that this is the time of year when Barcelona residents reclaim their city, so if you’re visiting, you’ll be treated to a relaxed winter atmosphere. A visit to the monastery at Montserrat makes for an incredible day trip, as does a visit to the medieval towns nearby. And don’t hesitate to hole up in a museum, like Dali’s bizarre Theatre-Museum, if you need to warm your bones!
Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
If you’re embarking on a holiday cruise to Italy for the winter, chances are you’ll be docking at the port in Civitavecchia. This coastal town is just northwest of Rome, so the best thing to do is to plan a day trip to the eternal city. Italy’s mild winters will make a daytime excursion a breeze. And with fewer international tourists wandering about, you can relish in a relaxed Roman life and live like an Italian local. One of our favorite destinations is, naturally, the Vatican. Italy relishes in their Christmas traditions so it only makes sense to explore the nucleus of Italy’s Catholic faith while it’s in full splendor. Free of the usual crowds, you’ll have the chance to admire Michelangelo’s spectacular frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and explore St. Peter’s Basilica at your leisure.
Plan A Visit To Europe For Next Winter
If you’re sailing to Europe this winter, then we hope you’ll put our list of festive activities to good use. If you need help planning a winter cruise to Europe for next year, then speak with our Personal Vacation Managers®. You can always get a head start planning your next vacation by exploring our cruise packages. Upcoming cruise itineraries down the Danube River can be found here. For a cruise along the Rhine River, click here. And for trips to Barcelona and Civitavecchia (Rome), click here.
