{"id":882135,"date":"2025-05-07T10:19:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-07T09:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=882135"},"modified":"2025-05-07T10:27:14","modified_gmt":"2025-05-07T09:27:14","slug":"christmas-vacation-carl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/christmas-vacation-carl\/","title":{"rendered":"How Trafalgar delivers the perfect Christmas for our guests"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The scent of cinnamon in the air, the sound of carols in cobbled alleyways, and strings of lights that bring town squares to life \u2013 Christmas is a magical time to explore Europe on a vacation. Ahead of the festive season, we spoke with one of our beloved Travel Directors and a true local from Vienna, Carl Eggeling, to uncover what makes Trafalgar\u2019s Christmas market tours<\/a> unforgettable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From mulled wine under the Alps to handmade ornaments with heart, Carl shares some of the traditions and how he helps guests unwrap the true spirit of the Christmas season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes Christmas markets in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland unique?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A bustling Christmas market at night, filled with festive decorations and a sign advertising hot apple wine, offers female travel tips for a secure and enjoyable holiday experience.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey are all a bit different in style,\u201d says Travel Director Carl Eggeling<\/a>. \u201cI think that the most lovely one is the ambience in Salzburg, with the lights and the mountains around. There’s snow on the mountains, and everyone gets in a very festive mood with lots of lights and candles. In terms of what’s available at the markets, usually there’s food, there’s gifts, there’s hot drinks and stuff like that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each market region has its own charm. In Austria<\/a>, you\u2019ll find yourself surrounded by baroque buildings, alpine peaks, and traditional choirs. Germany<\/a> offers fantastic craft stalls and charming villages, while Switzerland<\/a> offers scenic lakeside towns and sweet, world-class chocolate. As Carl highlights, it\u2019s not just the products on offer \u2013 but the setting, the atmosphere, and the cultural touches that make each market one-of-a-kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

READ NEXT: The budget-friendly shopping guide to Christmas markets in Germany<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How do local specialties vary across the different regions?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s slightly different across various areas because the Germans have a slightly different tradition when it comes to gingerbread, whereas the Austrians are more into their strudel, and the Swiss are more into their chocolates. So there are slight differentiations in local specialties,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMulled wine, called gl\u00fchwein, is very popular. And they have various berries for non-alcoholic drinks, like berry juices and teas. It\u2019s very enjoyable to hold something warm in your hand!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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