We’d talked about a Christmas market cruise for years, and this past December we finally went for it—just seven days after moving into our new apartment. We left Austin full of energy and high spirits, ready for an adventure that took us through the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Along the way we explored markets in Prague, Regensburg, Passau, Vienna, and Budapest, picked up more history than expected, and enjoyed a misty sail through the Wachau Valley. Prague gave us our one sunny day; the rest was cold and damp but never truly wet, and our Alaska layers—and a few hot drinks—kept us comfortable. It was a wonderful trip, full of small discoveries and moments we’ll remember.