by Felix from Linz asks Santa about river cruises, learns about the Danube flowing through his city, and hears about Linz’s own historic Christmas market
Dear Santa, my name is Felix and I am nine years old. I live in Linz, Austria, where my opa says our river brings so many visitors every December that our small Christmas market feels like the whole world stopped by to say hello.
Dear Felix, I have noticed that exact crowd myself while flying over, and your opa’s description feels entirely accurate.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, are there Christmas market river cruises? My aunt is visiting by boat this year, stopping at several Christmas markets along the way.
There genuinely are, Felix, and river cruises stopping at Christmas markets along the Danube have become a popular way to experience several countries’ festive traditions in one single trip. Your aunt has chosen a wonderfully thoughtful way to travel.
My second question is about our river. My teacher says the Danube flows right through our city on its way through several countries. Is that true?
It is, Felix. The Danube flows through Linz on its long journey across Central and Eastern Europe, connecting many countries along its path. Flying along that river each Christmas Eve, market lights glowing on its banks, is one of my favorite parts of the European season.
My third question is about our own Christmas market. My teacher says it has a long history too, even if it is smaller than some others nearby. Is that true?
It is true, Felix. The Linz Christmas market has its own proud, long-standing history, offering the same warmth and tradition as its larger neighbors, just on a slightly more intimate scale. I always think a smaller market, everyone knowing each other by name, can feel just as magical as a much bigger one.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Felix Gruber
Linz, Austria
P.S. Have you ever taken a river cruise yourself?
The sleigh is faster, Felix, but I admire the idea considerably.
