Celebrating the Holidays in 2026: Christmas Markets in Europe and NYC’s Winter Magic
There’s something incredibly special about the holiday season. The lights, the music, the traditions, the feeling of being wrapped in a world that’s softer and more meaningful than the rest of the year. And every time I travel in December, I’m reminded that joy comes in so many forms, whether it’s sipping mulled wine beside a centuries-old cathedral or watching snow fall over Rockefeller Center.
If you’re already dreaming about how to make next year feel a little more magical, here are two unforgettable ways to experience the holidays in 2026.
1. Europe’s Christmas Markets: A Storybook December
A Christmas Markets river cruise feels like stepping into another world. AmaWaterways, Avalon, and Uniworld curate these journeys beautifully, blending comfort on board with the charm of Europe’s most festive towns.
Imagine this for your 2026 holiday season:
Cobblestone streets glowing with warm golden lights
Every evening, towns along the Rhine and Danube transform into little winter villages. Strings of lights overhead, wooden stalls filled with handmade ornaments, local pastries, and steaming mugs of glühwein that smell like cinnamon and citrus.
Unpack once, explore every day
One of the reasons I love river cruises for the holidays is the ease. You settle into your stateroom, and the world comes to you. Mornings might bring you to a baroque square in Vienna, afternoons to a medieval marketplace in Nuremberg, and evenings back on board for a cozy dinner while the ship glides quietly along the river.
The feeling you can’t quite put into words
There’s a hush to winter in Europe. A sense of nostalgia. A sense that you’re part of something timeless. It’s not just a trip. It’s a memory you’ll talk about for years.
If 2026 is the year you want something meaningful, peaceful, and joyfully festive, this is an unforgettable place to start.
2. Holidays in New York City: A Classic, Sparkling December
If Europe feels a world away, there’s a holiday experience much closer to home that’s every bit as magical: winter in New York City.
It’s a completely different kind of festive energy, but the emotional pull is the same.
Iconic storefront windows and twinkling Fifth Avenue nights
You stroll past window displays that feel like moving art. Every block is alive with music, lights, and the excitement of the season.
Skating beneath the Rockefeller Center tree
Even if you don’t step onto the ice, just being there feels like joining a tradition bigger than yourself. My grandfather used to take us skating at Rockefeller Center, and that towering tree, the hum of the crowd, and the crisp winter air still feel like classic New York in its most joyful form.
Shows, special events, and cozy corners to escape the cold
Broadway performances, holiday concerts, elegant dinners, quiet cafes, and historic hotels decorated beautifully for the season. New York has a way of making even simple moments feel cinematic.
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the city in December, 2026 is the perfect time to make it happen.
Why start dreaming now
The holidays have a way of reminding us how quickly time moves and how important it is to create experiences we’ll treasure. Planning ahead for 2026 isn’t about adding another task to your list. It’s about giving yourself the gift of anticipation. Something beautiful to look forward to. Something that lifts your heart long before you ever pack a suitcase.
Whether you’re drawn to the charm of Europe’s Christmas markets or the sparkle of New York City in December, I’m here to help shape a holiday experience that feels personal and unforgettable.
When you’re ready, we’ll start dreaming together!