It’s Christmas in July with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

With the summer plans in full swing, it’s hard to believe that we are officially halfway through the year, with only a few months until the holiday season comes around again. July marks the official time of year for travelers to begin thinking about the magical experiences of the holiday season around the globe. For those dreaming of a truly special holiday filled with festive cheer and unique experiences, planning your holiday travel far in advance is key. 

Think of it as securing your peace of mind. By planning your upcoming winter travels during the warmer months, you unlock a world of possibilities that simply vanish as the holiday rush approaches. Imagine effortlessly reserving that charming chalet with the best mountain views, or guaranteeing your family a suite at the resort with the perfect kids' club. This foresight isn't just about booking a trip; it's about curating a perfect holiday experience to look forward to as 2025 rolls to a close.

What Makes a Classic Christmas Market So Special?

There's something truly special about Europe during the holidays. Forget the frantic mall dashes and endless to-do lists at home; instead, imagine yourself and your family wrapped in the enchantment of ancient cities, twinkling with lights and filled with the scent of gingerbread and mulled wine. This isn't just a trip; it's stepping into a real-life holiday card.

From the iconic stalls of Nuremberg and Vienna to the charming offerings in Strasbourg and Prague, European Christmas markets are a sensory delight. They transform historic city squares into magical winter wonderlands, filled with handcrafted gifts, traditional treats, and mulled wine. These markets typically run from late November through December. To truly experience their charm without the intense crowds and to ensure you have a beautiful place to stay, planning your trip now is crucial. Hotels near popular market squares, and particularly desirable flight routes, become scarce as the holidays approach. Booking with a travel advisor in July gives you the best chance to immerse yourself fully in this festive tradition and can secure you exclusive experiences not yet available to the public. 

Our Favorite Way to Experience Christmas Markets

Imagine gliding along a picturesque European river, quaint towns sparkling with holiday lights, and the scent of gingerbread wafting from charming markets onshore. Holiday river cruises offer an incredibly intimate and immersive way to experience the festive season with stops in intimate ports not accessible by larger vessels, and the ability for late nights in your destination. 

Our preferred partner, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, invites you to immerse yourself in the splendor of an old-world holiday. Their festive sailings feature nine enchanting itineraries on the Rhine and Danube rivers, aboard beautifully decorated ships. Guests can experience centuries-old Christmas Markets, memorable excursions, decadent confections, and numerous other once-a-year delights. See our list of our favorite sailings for the upcoming holiday season with Uniworld:

Classic Christmas Markets, Nuremberg to Frankfurt | 8 Days

This holiday sailing offers a quintessential journey through festive Europe. Guests can explore charming villages, share traditional treats, and witness classic holiday joys in the most iconic historical cities. Sail through Germany, the birthplace of many Christmas traditions, savoring local delights like Frankfurt's apple cider and Nuremberg's gingerbread. Enjoy warm spiced wine, collecting unique mugs from each festive market, and immerse yourself in the season's true magic. 

Belgian Holiday Markets, Brussels Round-Trip | 8 Days 

Beyond its larger neighbors, Belgium during the holidays bursts with cultural richness, making it a perfect highlight of this festive journey. Each city hosts a captivating winter festival, often featuring bustling market stalls, elaborate light displays, Ferris wheels, and ice skating rinks. You'll get to experience all of this during Belgium's most festive time of year, enjoying famous chocolates, crispy fries, unique spirits, and local beers. Sip on warm spiced wine ("vin chaud") and the world's most delicious hot chocolate, all while savoring warm Liège waffles and spiced gingerbread. 

Magical Parisian Holiday, Paris Round-Trip | 8 Days 

If you think Paris is simply beautiful, just wait until you experience it during the holiday season. Imagine embarking on a luxury river cruise along the Seine during Advent, witnessing the City of Light transform with spectacular festive displays that enchant both locals and visitors. As the journey extends into the countryside, you'll discover charming, festively decorated chateaux, enjoy ample opportunities for holiday shopping, and explore unique French Christmas markets.

As summer unfolds, the magic of the upcoming holiday season truly begins to shine. By starting your planning now, you're not just booking a trip; you're securing a cherished experience to look forward to for the upcoming months. Whether it's the intimate charm of a holiday river cruise with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, the enchanting atmosphere of Europe's Christmas markets, or a unique festive adventure, proactive planning ensures your celebration is exactly as you envision. Don't let the best opportunities slip away with the passing days. 

Embrace the joy of anticipation and contact your travel advisor today to curate an unforgettable holiday escape that will fill your season with wonder.