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Post-Christmas Markets
We are on the Bridges tour which starts from Regensberg a few days after Christmas. I'm concerned that the markets either won't be as spectacular as they are before or won't even be open. Does anyone have any experience with this?
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Surely they could not call it Christmas markets if they are not open!
Tauck would not advertise a “Christmas Market” tour if the markets were not open. I can’t speak to how many stalls will be open, however. Hopefully someone with direct experience will offer input. Regardless, have fun!
The Bridges tour isn't labeled as a Christmas Markets River cruise like the non-bridges one. It's listed as Holiday Magic: Danube Family River Cruise.
I googled and found this:
No, most Christmas markets along the Danube typically close before or on December 26th. While some markets may stay open longer, the majority, especially those associated with the Advent season, conclude their activities by Christmas Day or shortly thereafter.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Typical Closing Dates:
Many markets along the Danube, including those in Budapest, Vienna, and Passau, generally end their season around December 23rd.
Post-Christmas Markets:
While some markets may extend their operations into late December, these are often rebranded as "New Year's markets" and may have a slightly different focus.
River Cruises:
Danube river cruises featuring Christmas markets often coincide with the Advent season and typically conclude before or around Christmas Day.
Specific Examples:
Some markets like the one in Passau may close on December 22nd, while others in Budapest may have limited hours on December 25th and 26th.
Most of the markets will be closed as the Vendors want to get home to their families for Christmas, as they've been gone for a month. The Xmas Markets are based around Advent - this is a centuries old tradition - so they open & close around Advent. We go to the Danube Xmas Markets about every other yr, but we go the first 2 weeks of December. There will be a few markets still open in Vienna, but most are closed. Tauck will still make it a great trip for you, but it's NOT a Xmas Market trip w/Bridges as Kathy0529 mentioned above.
Cathy529, you're right. I hadn't noticed the difference in what the tours were called. I'm sure we'll enjoy it just the same.