Decadent Fun
By Miranda Noelle Plume

Decadent Fun
By Miranda Noelle Plume

Be swept away on a dazzling European journey via Europe Express.
Celebrating the holidays in Europe is a magical experience that will imprint itself on your memory forever. Soak up the festive spirit and celebrate like you’ve never celebrated before during Carnival in Venice, Oktoberfest in Munich, and the wondrous Christmas markets of Budapest, Vienna, and Prague. A perfect adventure for the whole family, and all you have to do is pack your bags. What are you waiting for?

Enjoy the holiday season as you celebrate Christmas in Europe. You’ll start your journey in Budapest, where the scent of cinnamon and paprika fills the air. The Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square is vibrant and welcoming, with artisan crafts, hearty Hungarian goulash, and steaming cups of forralt bor (mulled wine). Take a dip in one of the city’s famous thermal baths afterward to find complete joy and serenity in warm waters while snowflakes softly float around you.
Next stop: Vienna, the heart of classical elegance and holiday grandeur. The Viennese Dream Christmas Market in front of City Hall is a festive fairy tale. Sip on hot punch, nibble Vanillekipferl (vanilla crescent cookies), and glide across the ice-skating rink surrounded by Baroque architecture. Vienna’s markets are known for their music, too—live choirs, orchestras, and street performers provide a beautiful soundtrack as you stroll through the twinkling stalls.
“Enjoy the holiday season as you celebrate Christmas in Europe.”
Finally, complete your celebrations in Prague, where the Old Town Square transforms into a true winter wonderland. Beneath the towering Gothic spires of the Church of Our Lady before Týn, the Prague Christmas Market dazzles with warm chimney cakes, Czech sausages, and shimmering glass baubles. Don’t miss the giant Christmas tree, brought in from the Bohemian forests and lit up each evening in a glowing spectacle that delights all onlookers.

If you’re planning a winter escape in February, make your way to Venice, Italy, for the spectacular Carnival. This is Europe’s most elegant party, where centuries of history and mystery swirl together in a blur of costumes, masks, and music.
“This iconic celebration captures the charm and spirit of the city, offering a memorable experience for all.”
Wander the canals and piazzas among elaborately dressed performers and musicians, enjoy family-friendly street performances, take a gondola ride under starlit skies, and savor sweet fritelle pastries from pop-up bakeries. This iconic celebration captures the charm and spirit of the city, offering a memorable experience for all.

If you’re already dreaming beyond winter, a bit of planning ahead could land you in Munich next September—swept up in the joyous whirlwind of Oktoberfest. It’s not just a beer festival; it’s a family-friendly celebration of Bavarian culture. The whole city dons traditional dirndls and lederhosen, the scent of fresh pretzels and roast chicken fills the air, and colorful parades bring smiles to every face.
Kids will love the fairground rides and sweet gingerbread hearts, while parents can savor a stein or two under the bustling beer tents. It’s pure gemütlichkeit, the German word for that warm, friendly, festive feeling you can’t quite translate, but will definitely feel.
“It’s a family -friendly celebration of Bavarian culture.”

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