Holiday travel ideas for 2026 include Black Forest excursions and river cruises

Travel options for the 2026 holiday season feature diverse experiences ranging from multi-generational family trips to river cruises through Europe.

In Germany's Black Forest, travelers can visit over 150 Christmas markets, explore the half-timbered houses of Haslach, or participate in a living nativity scene at the town hall. Specialized winter activities include husky trekking excursions in Stühlingen and the “singing” Christmas tree event in Waldkirch, which features choral performances of traditional, jazz, and pop music.

River cruise itineraries offer seasonal routes along major European waterways. Options include sailing the Elbe from Berlin to Prague, navigating the Danube through cities such as Nuremberg, Vienna, and Budapest, or traveling the Rhine to visit Amsterdam, Cologne, and Strasbourg. These cruises focus on visiting historic architecture and traditional Christmas markets.