Rivers &The Markets At Christmas

Well here we are again counting down the days to Christmas, where has this year gone again?

I have been working this week on some Rivers projects for my clients who wanted to combine Christmas & The New Year away.  All of the major River Cruise companies have festive itineraries that visit Europe’s famous Christmas markets in the run up to the big day, or sail over December 25th itself, so you can escape the relatives and the endless dreaded washing up.

ONE’S HUSBAND DOING THE DISHES- BLESS HIM

I have been to Brugges, Amsterdam  & Germany at Christmas time and it is like a step back in time I love it. Europe’s Christmas markets are BIG and packed with huts and stalls that are decorated with fairy lights and sell gifts to the sound of carols rather than the hideous sound of Noddy Holder shouting out “Merry Christmas”.

You wont find any Nintenos or gadgets on sale but instead you will find festive arts and crafts, from wooden-carved nativity scenes and hand- made Christmas decorations to scented candles, woollen cardys & home made ginerbread and Jams. There will be plenty of stalls selling hot potatoes, horse chestnuts and spiced mulled wine to keep you warm, and mugs of hot frothy chocolate- yummy. I went to the market in Koblenz and was walking around in amazement, it was like christmas from years ago or one of the endless films we have back  in the UK on the  Christmas Channel.

WOULDNT YOU JUST LOVE TO BE ON THIS SHIP?

This ship is sailing down the Rhine.

If you wanting a big market the one in Cologne is big I was there this summer in Cologne and its a fabulous place to visit all along the river where you moor are little shops and bars which at Christmas will be alive with people. I would say the best sailings will be the ones which actually moor overnight, as the evening time the markets look fantastic all light up and they come alive this cant really be appreciated as much during the day

SHEARINGS have the following holiday idea.