Spring Into Holiday Planning: Spotlight on Our Top Travel Partners!

As the days grow longer, we're already dreaming of twinkling lights, festive treats, charming village squares and the magic of Christmas markets!

I am so excited to share more incredible partnerships who have created exclusive offers for our magical group members! This month we are shining a spotlight on top travel partners - Viking Cruises, AmaWaterways, Abercrombie & Kent, Collette Tours, Railbookers, and an ever growing selection of exceptional hotels - each offering unique ways to experience the holiday season in style!

I am already working on some even more exciting partnerships with Castle Stay's & dates for another Christmas market group sailing along the Danube so stay tuned!

As always, PLEASE feel free to contact me directly ANY time with any questions you have & I hope to see you soon on one of our many upcoming virtual events!

April Partner of the Month

Welcome Aboard....

Magical Christmas Markets Group Exclusives with

AMAWATERWAYS

POM Offer: Reserve any new 2025 Europe sailing between April 1-30, 2025 and receive complimentary pre-paid gratuities.

MCM Amenity Program: Receive up to $500 Onboard credit per stateroom on select 2025

sailings

MCM Hosted Program: Receive Pre-paid Gratuities on select 2025 and 2026 sailings, plus a

private cocktail reception & Onboard private Concierge.

Limited-Time Special Offers

Valid January 1 – June 30, 2025

Complimentary Land Package Offer: For a limited time, receive a complimentary 2-, 3- or

4-night land package either before or after select 2025 and 2026 Europe river cruises.

Summer Triple Savings: When you reserve select July and August sailings, you can save up to

$2,000/C$2,400 per stateroom, plus receive a complimentary stateroom upgrade and up to

$400 onboard credit per stateroom.

Holiday Triple Savings: Save up to $2,000/C$2,400 on select November and December sailings,

plus receive a complimentary stateroom upgrade and $200 onboard credit per stateroom.

Solo Traveler Specials: Solo travelers can reserve a stateroom with no supplemental fee on

select 2025 sailings. Or, receive 10% single supplement on select 2025 sailings + $200 Shipboard Credit

Military Savings: Active military service members or veterans save $250/C$300 per member on all Europe river cruises + $200 Shipboard Credit

We’re thrilled to share that Viking has extended exclusive partnership offers just for members of the Magical Christmas Markets group this April! From special savings to bonus perks on select river cruises, these limited-time offers are your ticket to experiencing the wonder of Europe’s festive markets in true Viking style.

Exclusive April Offers for Our Magical Christmas Markets Group with VIKING

$200 - $500 Shipboard Credit on ANY Viking Sailing

Exclusively for Members of Magical Christmas Markets Group

Combinable with below Exclusive April Offers:

DOUBLE PAST GUEST DISCOUNT

SAVE UP TO AN ADDITIONAL $800 PER COUPLE

ON SELECT DEPARTURES

Expires April 30, 2025

SPRING SALE

SAVE UP TO $5,500 PER COUPLE

FREE INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE* + $25 DEPOSIT

Expires April 30, 2025

BONUS OFFER

RECEIVE A $500 SHIPBOARD CREDIT PER COUPLE

ON SELECT DEPARTURES.

Expires April 30, 2025

Already Have a Viking Booking & Would Like Your Group Credits Applied?

If you've made your reservation directly with Viking in the last 60 days let me know & I will have your group credits of $200 -$500 applied!

If you have an upcoming Viking sailing, book another within 35 days of departing & receive:



$100 - $1000 per person off cruise fare

Additional $150 per person Ship Credit (combinable with your group credits)

Push your final payment date to 6 months prior to sailing (Not the Dreaded 12 -18 Months!)

Discover the Magnificent Neuschwanstein Castle—built by King Ludwig II

As well as exclusive access to dozens of specially curated Christmas Market day trips with Viator! Exciting news for our Magical Christmas Markets community! Whether you’re dreaming of festive food tours, enchanting market strolls, or guided holiday experiences, these hand-picked excursions add even more magic to your European adventure.



If you do not see what you're looking for here...send me an e mail & we'll find the perfect option for you!

Introducing our New Luxury Partner: Abercrombie & Kent

Exciting News for Our Magical Christmas Markets Community!

We’re thrilled to announce a brand-new exclusive partnership with Abercrombie & Kent – the world leader in luxury travel!

As a valued member of Magical Christmas Markets of Europe, you now have access to exceptional benefits and exclusive opportunities on select Abercrombie & Kent journeys along with a $250 per person savings on any tour or cruise of your choice! Whether you’re dreaming of a festive river cruise or an enchanting holiday adventure through Europe’s most charming towns, this collaboration brings you curated experiences with the world-class service A&K is known for.

Stay tuned for more details and special offers reserved just for our community – because your next Christmas market escape deserves the very best.

Let the magic begin…

Cruising the Danube: Festive Christmas Markets

9 DAYS | ONLY 24 GUESTS

SAVE 50% ON SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ON SELECT DEPARTURES

Step into a real-life holiday postcard, from the festive spirit of Vienna to Nuremberg’s iconic Christkindlmarkt, this journey is pure seasonal magic. 

Cruising the Rhine: Amsterdam to Switzerland

11 DAYS | ONLY 24 GUESTS

SAVE 50% ON SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ON SELECT DEPARTURES

Sail past fairy-tale castles, wander Strasbourg’s half-timbered lined streets and stand in awe at Switzerland’s towering Alps rising beyond the Rhine’s banks.

Cruising the Blue Danube: Budapest, Vienna & Prague

11 DAYS | ONLY 24 GUESTS

SAVE 50% ON SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ON SELECT DEPARTURES

Uncover the heart of Central Europe, from Budapest’s thermal baths to the medieval allure of Prague’s Old Town and The Sound of Music’s picturesque filming location, Mondsee. 

Cruising the Danube: Christmas in Europe

9 DAYS | ONLY 24 GUESTS

Admire ornately decorated palaces, sip warm mulled wine in cobblestone squares and experience the warmth of Europe’s most cherished traditions.

All Members of Magical Christmas Markets Group Enjoy 10% Off ANY Collette Tour Worldwide between May 1, 2025 and April 30, 2026 Along with 50% Off Your Airfare!

The Legendary Characters of an Alsatian Christmas

A little bit of history, a pinch of legend, a hint of mythology: Alsace is a region of rich traditions. As Christmas comes round again, expect to see not just Father Christmas, but a trio of characters: St Nicolas, Christkindel and Hans Trapp.

Good, generous St Nicolas

With a number of miracles to his credit, the white-bearded bishop, official title St Nicolas of Myra, is the protector of children, widows, the weak and prisoners. He was also the only person able to neutralise the fearsome Hans Trapp and chain him up to stop him committing his evil acts.

On 6 December, young and old come together to acclaim him. Staff in hand and wearing a mitre and long purple coat, St Nicolas rewards the most deserving children. Legend has it that he travels from chimney to chimney, visiting families, his sack full of sweets and gifts.

The terrifying, grumpy Hans Trapp

With his stout figure, his surly air, wild hair and face darkened by a thick beard, Hans Trapp threatens to carry off disobedient children in his sack! Legend has it that in the 14th century, at the Château de Bewartstein, not far from Wissembourg in Northern Alsace, there reigned a feudal lord called Hans von Trotta, who terrorised the local population. Hans Trapp is thought to derive his reputation from this malicious lord. As Christmas approaches, this fearsome character accompanies St Nicolas in the traditional parades. Reward or punishment? When he’s around, we need to be on our best behaviour!

The meek and angelic Christkindel

With a pretty little face, dressed in a long white dress with a veil and wearing a crown with four candles, Christkindel is a graceful and benevolent character. As the source of light and eternal youth, she radiates hope and shows the way to children terrorised by the passage of the terrible Hans Trapp.

It is whispered that at midnight on 24 December lots of miracles occur: oxen and donkeys start to speak and the trees are covered in flowers until the twelfth stroke of midnight. But who is behind all these miracles?

The faithful companion Peckeresel



Where does that strange name come from? Well, put together “peck” meaning beak and “essel” meaning donkey and you get Peckeresel. He is the personal assistant of St Nicolas or the Christkindel, helping to distribute spice bread and other delicacies. Traditionally children place a wreath of hay on the doorstep to help him keep his strength up.

Members of Magical Christmas Markets of Europe never pay ANY FEES and are entitled to A Private Planning Specialist, Special Savings & Exclusive Amenities on River Cruises, Land Tours, Hotel Stays & More.



Let us take the stress out of planning your adventure. Contact us today and let our planning specialists create a customized itinerary that will exceed your expectations. Experience the magic of traveling without the hassle, thanks to Vacations by Design.

Vacations by Design

Garden City, NY  -  800.828.4813 - www.vbdusa.com