Many of today’s holiday traditions began in Germany. Did you know the Christmas tree, or Tannenbaum, first made its literary appearance in 1605? Or, that bakers in 17th-century Nuremberg began making a delicious treat called lebkuchen, gingerbread, each competing with the other for the most festively decorated cakes using newly discovered spices from around the world? Or, candy canes, then called “peppermint pacifiers,” were the result of a choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral becoming so frustrated by children behaving badly during services that he began to pass out the distinctly shaped peppermint treats to keep them quiet? These are just a few of the countless traditions you’ll discover on your Rhine and Main Holiday Markets Cruise.

Who will enjoy this cruise: Everyone will delight in discovering the origins of many of our beloved Christmas traditions from decorated trees to candy canes. Admire delicate glass-blown ornaments, sip mulled wine, nibble on gingerbread and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts to put under your Tannenbaum back home.