Baltic Sea Christmas Markets

Don't Just Visit a Christmas Market—Sail the Baltic Sea on Santa Claus's Personal Cruise Ship!

This isn't just another Christmas market trip; it's a once-in-a-lifetime cruise ship adventure to the glittering capitals of Stockholm, Tallinn, and Helsinki. Forget long, boring bus rides. We transform your travel days into part of the experience, cruising from city to city aboard modern cruise-ferries filled with restaurants, entertainment, and comfortable private cabins. You'll arrive in each port rested and ready to discover a completely different world.

This is your chance to experience three dramatically different Christmas traditions in one seamless journey. In Stockholm, you'll witness the magical St. Lucy's Day processions and indulge in a traditional Swedish Julbord. In Tallinn, you'll step back in time in a perfectly preserved medieval city, home to one of Europe's oldest Christmas markets, and taste exotic old-world recipes like wild boar and bear. In Helsinki, you'll see the grand influence of Imperial Russia while trying unique treats like Karelian pies and smoked reindeer.

Army Outdoor Recreation makes your journey easy. Your package includes your airfare and airport shuttle service from your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks directly to the airport.  No hassles—no hidden costs!

This trip consistently fills up early. Christmas only comes once a year, and an opportunity like this is even rarer. The first 25 seats booked are eligible to receive a significant Early Bird Discount, but these seats will not last. Don't be left out in the cold.

Reserve your chance to visit the Baltic Sea Christmas Markets by cruise ship with Army Outdoor Recreation today!

Price - Seats 1-25:

• Double Occupancy, Inside Cabin: $1999 per person
• Single Occupancy, Inside Cabin: $2599

Price - Seats 26-40:

• Double Occupancy, Inside Cabin: $2199 per person
• Single Occupancy, Inside Cabin: $2799

Outside cabin supplement: $250 per cabin

Reservations made on or after Tuesday, October 6 - or after the 40th seat is sold - may be subject to airline fare increases based on the current individual ticket rate on the date of registration.

• Children 2-11 with 2 paid adults in room configuration assigned by hotel: $999 per child
• Child under 2 on existing bedding: $299 per infant
• Family rooms available on request

Trip Includes:

• Round trip air transportation from Frankfurt to Stockholm 
• Round trip airport shuttle bus from your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks to Frankfurt Airport
• Free on-post parking
• 2 overnights at Best Western Kom Stockholm *** or equivalent with breakfast
• Overnight cruise from Stockholm to Tallinn with private cabin, breakfast and dinner
• 2 overnights at Hestia Euroopa Tallinn**** or equivalent with breakfast
• Hyper-ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki 
• 2 overnights at Hotel Arthur Helsinki*** or equivalent with breakfast
• Overnight cruise from Helsinki to Stockholm with private cabin, breakfast and dinner
• Guided tours of Stockholm, Tallinn, and Helsinki
   
• Pay in US Dollars
• Support your local Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs

What to Bring:

• Comfortable, weather appropriate shoes & clothing
• Credit/Debit card and Euro
• Military ID and Passport

Any required paper or electronic travel documentation is the personal responsibility of each individual traveler. 

Departure: 

• 2 a.m. from Wagon Wheel Theater, Smith Barracks 
• 3 a.m. from Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation, Pulaski Barracks bldg. 2905 

Return: Saturday Evening

Estimated Itinerary

Friday, 11 December: Arrival in a Stockholm Winter Wonderland

Your adventure begins the moment your morning flight touches down in Stockholm. You will be whisked into the city for a hybrid panoramic and walking tour of the palace district and historic Old Town before arriving at your hotel. Today is a very special day: Saint Lucy's Day, an ancient festival of light celebrated only on this date. Don't miss your chance to witness a magical Lucia procession at dusk, a cherished Swedish tradition and a fleeting experience that perfectly kicks off your Nordic Christmas journey.

Saturday, 12 December: Stockholm's Royal Christmas & Island Adventures

Today is a full free day to make Stockholm your own, so make every moment count! The city’s most famous Christmas Market is in the heart of the Old Town, nestled between the Royal Palace and the Nobel Museum. But the real magic lies in the experiences you can't find anywhere else. Will you ferry across the water to Djurgården Island to discover the legendary 17th-century Vasa warship, or will you find yourself at the interactive ABBA Museum? Whatever you choose, remember today is your only chance to visit the world-famous Christmas Market at the Skansen Open-Air Museum, which is only open on weekends. Don't let this opportunity slip away.

Sunday, 13 December: Stockholm's Museums & Overnight Cruise to Tallinn

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Stockholm with plenty of time for one last adventure before departing for the port this afternoon. This is the perfect opportunity to dive into one of the city's unique attractions, like the mind-bending Paradox Museum, or to explore the cultural treasures within the Royal Palace. After a morning of discovery, the next leg of your journey begins as you board your floating hotel, the MS Baltic Queen.

As you sail through Stockholm's glittering archipelago into the Baltic Sea, the evening is yours to enjoy. This modern cruise ferry offers a wealth of amenities to make your crossing a memorable experience. Savor dinner at one of the multiple onboard restaurants, enjoy live music in the nightclub, or find a quiet bar for a cocktail. If you're looking to dance the night away, the top-deck disco has you covered. But whenever your bed beckons, you'll fall asleep in the comfort of your private cabin, ready to wake up to the medieval skyline of a new country.

Monday, 14 December: Medieval Magic in Tallinn

As the Baltic Queen approaches port, look south from the viewing decks to witness the breathtaking sight of Tallinn's medieval skyline materializing on the horizon. After disembarking, a private tour will guide you from the onion domes of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, down through the winding cobblestone lanes of the Old Town, and right to the door of your perfectly located four-star hotel.

From here, you are just a short distance away from the heart of what many call Europe’s perfect Christmas city. Crowned Best Christmas Market in Europe in 2019, Tallinn's legendary status is undeniable. This is your chance to stand on the same square that has displayed a public Christmas tree since 1441, sipping hot mulled wine under a blanket of twinkling fairy lights.

Tuesday, 15 December: Tallinn's History, Inventions, and Flavors

While many visitors only visit Tallinn's main square, today you can choose your own adventure. Will you step into the steampunk world of the Proto Invention Factory? Or dive into maritime history at the nearby Seaplane Harbour? For a different kind of thrill, you could confront the city's Soviet past at the chilling KGB Museum, hidden on a secret floor of the only hotel foreigners were allowed to visit during the Soviet era. These are the immersive stories most travelers miss. Don't forget to explore Estonia's unique cuisine, a fascinating blend of German, Russian, and Scandinavian influences that results in hearty and unforgettable dishes. Be sure to seek out a cozy restaurant for a lunch of black bread, savory pancakes, or wild game.

Wednesday, 16 December: Hyperferry to Helsinki

This morning, a quick two-hour journey on a modern hyperferry transports you across the Gulf of Finland to the stylish Finnish capital. After a city tour introduces you to the Helsinki's highlights, you’ll check into your hotel, perfectly positioned in the heart of the city. Conveniently nestled between the iconic Senate Square and Helsinki's grandest avenues—Mannerheimintie and the beautifully decorated Aleksanterinkatu (Alexander Street)—bountiful shopping and festive sights right at your doorstep.  Your hotel is just steps away from the main Christmas Market, the unique crafts at the Harbor Market, or the chance to join locals in marveling at the magical annual Christmas window at Stockmann’s department store.

Thursday, 17 December: Helsinki's Design and Grandeur

Today, immerse yourself in Helsinki's unique blend of neoclassic grandeur and cutting-edge design, beginning with the architectural wonders of the white Lutheran Cathedral and the red-brick Uspenski Cathedral. In the nearby harbor, you can take a ride on the SkyWheel Helsinki, perhaps even reserving its one-of-a-kind private sauna gondola for an unforgettable view. From here, a walk through the Harbor Market leads you into the beautiful Esplanade, the city's combined high-end shopping street and green space.

You will pass several smaller markets on your way to Mannerheimintie, where you will find the striking Oodi Central Library (which is so much more than "just" a library) and the imposing Finnish Parliament House. This route leads you directly toward the incredible Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church), carved directly out of solid stone. And don't worry about winter weather slowing you down; Helsinki features a network of underground tunnels throughout the downtown district if you feel the need to step inside to warm up.

Friday, 18 December: Santa's Official Ship & Farewell Party

Your overnight cruise won't set sail until this evening, giving you a full day in Helsinki to visit any locations you may have missed. Tonight, you'll board the magnificent Silja Symphony, a ship officially designated as Santa Claus's personal cruise ship. The moment you step on board, you'll be captivated by its stunning centerpiece: a multi-story indoor promenade lined with shops and cafes, fully decorated for the holidays and bustling with festive energy.

This is the last night of your Baltic Christmas celebration, so make it count. For dinner, indulge in a spectacular seasonal smörgåsbord at the grand buffet, or choose from the ship's wide variety of table-service and casual restaurants. Afterwards, enjoy the seasonal performers along the promenade, take in a live show at the Starlight Nightclub, or simply relax in one of the lounges. For a truly unique experience, unwind in the hot tub in Deck 12's Sunflower Oasis, or if you're ready to party, the New York Disco on Deck 13 will keep you dancing until dawn. It's the perfect, festive farewell as you sail back toward Stockholm.

Saturday, 19 December: Return to Germany

After disembarking in Stockholm this morning, your private transfer will take you to Arlanda airport for your flight to Frankfurt. You'll return home this afternoon with memories of a unique Christmas adventure across three distinct countries: a journey most people only dream of taking.