Santa Shops the Christmas Markets of Europe

Many favorite traditions of the Christmas holidays came to us from all over Europe. These traditions may include cherished images we hold dear in our memories - the family Christmas tree and crèche, candlelight in windows, nutcracker dolls, festive foods, colorful decorations and, of course, Santa Claus.

Traditions and the spirit of the holidays are everywhere at Christmas in Europe. The mountains may be blanketed in snow, the landscape may be lightly frosted, and there may be snowflakes gently swirling in the air. Windows glow with a warm invitation and cheerful sounds slip out as doors open. Smiling faces and welcoming wishes greet friends and strangers alike. Anticipation and excitement fill each day’s activities. The joy of the season cannot be contained!

One of the long-standing traditions in the countries of Europe is the popular "Christmas Markets." In little towns and big cities alike, these often temporary street stands and established specialty shops are filled with a broad diversity of seasonally specific arts, crafts and foods during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Some offerings are handmade and local; some are exotic treasures from around the world. Shopping - or just browsing - in a European Christmas Market is to feel a global connection to the celebration of the season.

Rekindle that spark of holiday enchantment and perk up your spirits this year with AAA! Join in the festive fun December 5 - 13, 2008, and visit the places where so many Christmas holiday traditions continue to thrive.

Your "sleigh ride with Santa" can begin right in Harrisburg, with a transfer to the Philadelphia Airport for an overnight flight to Munich, Germany. Your charter motorcoach and guide will take you through the scenic countryside to the village of Oberammergau for a dinner featuring local delicacies. Yes, this is the famous village where the internationally known Passion Play is performed only every 10 years, and has been since 1634! How fortunate to be staying here for several nights while touring the region by day.

One day, you travel to the Tyrolian Alps to visit Innsbruck, Austria, home of the Baroque- and Rococo-style Hofburg palace, and a wonderful Christmas Market. Another day trip takes you to Munich for a panoramic tour to see the historic Marienplatz central square and listen to the music of the famous Glockenspiel while its carved figures dance and joust; plus a visit of the Olympic Park and free time in this popular city. Nearby, be sure to take a photo of the Die Weis pilgrimage church, built in the mid-1700s and renowned for its ornate interior in contrast to its plain exterior, now proclaimed as a World Heritage Site. Another "must take" photo is of the beautiful Bavarian castle "Neuschwanstein" with its many turrets and towers.

Your scenic route leads you through south Germany along the north shore of lovely Lake Constance to the fabled Black Forest. This is the place to shop for cuckoo clocks, Hummel figurines and classic wood carvings. Here, you are treated to a private choir concert performed in an 850-year-old church and a traditional Black Forest dinner.Through the valleys, you travel on to the vineyards and fields of the Alsace region and Strasbourg, France. A guided tour of its charming old quarter, "Petite France," reveals where centuries of Roman, French and German influences blend to create unique local character. A diverse Christmas Market is yours to explore before savoring an included dinner.

One of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities is Bern in western Switzerland. Your panoramic tour features the "Bundeshaus" (Swiss Parliament), the famous Bear Pit, and the impressively large "Berner Munster" Gothic church; another Christmas Market awaits your attention to their handmade items. Ringed by snow-capped Alps, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake” is an apt nickname for picturesque Lucerne, where your tour is highlighted by a walk through the romantic old town. Be certain to stroll across the "Kapellbrucke" (Chapel Bridge), originally built in 1333 and featuring 120 historic paintings under its roofed 200-meter length. The festive farewell dinner provides a famous cheese fondue. You fly back to the United States from Zurich and transfer to Harrisburg, laden with Christmas market treasures and filled with the warm spirit of the holidays!

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