What It's Like to Cruise the Danube's Christmas Markets

Every year, as the holiday season approaches, cities across Europe transform themselves into festive wonderlands. Traditional Christmas markets take over streets and town squares, drawing visitors to shop for holiday gifts and sample seasonal treats.
The markets have been around for centuries, but they are more popular than ever as nearly every major river cruise line in Europe now offers sailings along the Main, the Rhine, and the Danube during the holiday season.