The weather outside is delightful for European Waterways guests on the company's Christmas Markets Cruises in the region of Alsace, France. According to Managing Director Derek Banks, “the holiday-themed hotel barge cruises are a hit with travellers, who want to experience the old-world traditions of 'Christmas past,' while also enjoying Alsace's unique fusion of French and German charm.

Available on the company's 12-passenger Panache on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin, the Christmas Markets Cruises include visits to Strasbourg's Christkindelsmärik, the oldest Christmas market in Europe, and the market of Riquewhir, for an array of charming chalet-style stalls vending handmade souvenirs and festive delicacies including traditional spice bread, 'bretzels,' and more.

“Many of our guests have already experienced the very best of the warmer months in Europe. Now they want to try something different,” said Banks. “They look forward to the crisp, invigorating weather and becoming immersed in the holiday spirit: the bright, colourful lights, the smell of warm bread and chestnuts cooking over embers, and the spiced aroma of mulled wine wafting from the countless stalls in the public squares.”

A Christmas to Remember

Originating in Germany hundreds of years ago, Christmas markets are one of Europe's most enduring and beloved traditions that attract millions of visitors every year. Often nestled in the shadows of majestic churches, they are renowned for the countless brightly decorated stalls that offer a bewildering array of artisan wares such as hand-blown glass tree ornaments and a whole host of festive souvenirs to take home. Visitors are also treated to regional delicacies that include fresh-roasted nuts, cookies and cakes, as well as a variety of cheeses, meats, fish, and sausages.

In Strasbourg, in addition to the Christmas markets, guests will visit the Musée du Chocolat, where the seasonal candy is made. The six Christmas markets of Colmar are also on the itinerary. They include the market at Place de la Cathédrale, which spreads out before the Gothic Eglise Saint-Martin. The journey continues with excursions taking guests to the Meisenthal Glass Bauble factory to watch its artisans in action, as well as the Musée Lalique, which houses the incredible glassware collection of French jeweller and master glassmaker René Jules Lalique.

After time exploring the delights of the region, guests look forward to returning to the inviting atmosphere of the cozy barge saloon, where a warming 'tipple awaits them, while the master chef prepares a lavish, four-course evening meal.

European Waterways' Christmas Markets Cruises for the 2025 season depart on November 30th, December 7th and December 14th. Cabins start at £6,390pp based on two sharing a cabin.

Luxury hotel barge cruises with European Waterways are fully-inclusive week-long escapes with luxury accommodations, daily excursions, fine wine, and gastronomic meals made using locally sourced and seasonal produce. Guests can book individual cabins or charter the entire barge for a family or group.

To find out more about European Waterways' Christmas Markets Cruises, click here: https://www.europeanwaterways.com/themed/christmas-market-cruises/

Additional high-resolution images are available online at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/b6upzaukdwm71ol/AAACEv1ye8PLtFoU0aeyVFb1a?dl=0

About European Waterways

Hotel Barging is a boutique, unique experience that offers an immersive and all-inclusive 'gentle voyage of discovery' focusing upon the culture, history, fine wine, and gourmet cuisine of the cruise regions. With a 6-to-20-person capacity and 1:2 crew ratio, European Waterways is able to provide an impeccable level of on-board service and transport its guests on intimate inland waterways that are inaccessible to larger vessels. This fascinating network of smaller canals allows for flexibility, spontaneity, and ample opportunity to hop off and explore the beautiful surroundings via bicycle, or on foot. In addition to this, there are daily, chauffeured excursions “off the beaten track” to a wide variety of enthralling locations and activities, from exquisite wine tastings to private tours of stately homes. With over 50 years' experience and a fleet that spans nine countries, European Waterways is the largest luxury hotel barging company in Europe. For more information visit www.europeanwaterways.com.