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United States
Selected Region
United States
Rhine river cruise
Experience the magic of the holiday season on a Rhine River cruise, where twinkling lights, festive markets, and storybook villages bring Christmas to life in the heart of Europe.
Danube river cruise
Celebrate the season in storybook style on a Danube River cruise, where festive lights, snow-dusted towns, and magical Christmas markets await.
Christmas and festival inspiration
Music festivals, spiritual celebrations & Christmas tours
The world is full of wonderful festivals and we’ll take you to some of the best. Join our Local Specialists and get under the skin of the most famous celebrations from Christmas in Europe to Holi in India.
Christmas in Europe
An enchanting winter wonderland awaits in Europe with our Christmas travel experiences. Indulge in mulled wine and gingerbread as you wander the city squares, Christmas stalls and magical fairy lights. See handcrafted toys, hear joyful carols and discover old-world traditions. From Dresden's Striezelmarkt to Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt, this will be your best Christmas vacation yet.
Colorful festivals in Asia
You’re never too far away from a festival in Asia, with a calendar packed with spiritual events. We’ll meet local families in India who will show you how to perform the puja sacred ritual of Diwali, or celebrate Holi by throwing bright powder. In Japan, we’ll experience the ancient Takayama Festival and admire the beautifully carved floats that date back to the 17th century.
Party in the USA
The United States loves to celebrate and you’ll find a wonderful variety of festivals across the country. We’ll take you to Albuquerque to see the spectacular Balloon Fiesta, where hundreds of hot air balloons take to the sky. If you’re in the mood for some music, head to New Orleans for their annual Jazz Festival that celebrates the music and culture of the Southwest.
All you need to know about Christmas Festivals
How do they celebrate Christmas in Europe?
Christmas is celebrated differently all over Europe, from the traditional Christmas Eve feast in France to the arrival of Sinterklaas in the Netherlands on December 5th. Other popular Christmas traditions include the Queen of Lights festival on December 13th in Norway and St Nicholas Day on December 6th in Germany.
Where is the best place in Europe to spend Christmas?
The best places in Europe for a Christmas holiday are Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Russia. You’ll find enchanting Christmas markets, magical fairy lights, delicious festive food, a blanket of snow, and plenty of Yuletide cheer. Enjoy a mug of mulled wine, go shopping for handmade crafts, and keep watch for Santa Claus.
What are the best European festivals?
Europe is known for its incredible festivals, full of music, food and drink, and old-world traditions. Some of the best European festivals include the Christmas markets of Germany, Switzerland and Austria, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, and the Carnival of Venice in Italy.
Where is the best place to go for Christmas markets?
Our Christmas market breaks take you to the best places to experience the beautiful Christmas markets including Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Russia. The cities with our favourite Christmas markets include Vienna in Austria, Dresden and Munich in Germany, Lucerne in Switzerland, and Moscow in Russia.
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