Always a popular choice, a Christmas Market River Cruise is the perfect way to see a host of Europe’s world famous Christmas markets. Whether you wish to sample local specialities at some of Europe’s most stunning markets, with city backdrops of Cologne, Strasbourg and Budapest or if you are just looking for a Christmas getaway with a difference, we are sure you will be tempted by some of the fantastic offers detailed below.
See Christmas River Cruises See New Year River Cruises See Festive River Cruises
Christmas markets in Europe tend to start mid-November and stay open until the end of December, with some closing just before Christmas day. Popular Christmas markets include*:
Strasbourg, France - Rhine River - 22 November to 30 December
Budapest, Hungary - Danube River - 23 November to 6 January
Vienna, Austria - Danube River - 16 November to 24 December
Metz, France - Moselle River - 20 November to 29 December
Dresden, Germany - Elbe River - 27 November to 24 December
Basel, Switzerland - Rhine River - 28 November to 23 December
Cologne, Germany - Rhine River - 26 November to 23 December
*Dates are provisional
With the listing above, the popular rivers to experience the Christmas markets along include the Rhine, Danube and Moselle rivers - each of which offers fantastic markets teeming with wooden chalets and Christmas decorations. These visit the regions of France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary - each of which offers their own slice of Christmas heaven!
Enjoy mulled wine and gingerbread as you browse handicrafts made by locals, each hut adorned with beautiful Christmas decorations making them the ideal festive destination for friends and family.
Suggested read: River cruising during the winter months
With the Christmas markets running on selected dates, and festive sailings even more so, it's best to book as soon as possible to ensure you secure your place on-board. Christmas markets river cruises always sell out fast so ensure you have booked your sailings as soon as you know where you would want to visit.
Take a look at our latest sailings below and find your perfect Christmas markets river cruise for you. If you can’t find exactly what you are looking for, don’t hesitate to give our Cruise Concierge team a call and they will help you handpick your perfect Christmas Markets voyage.
featured cruise
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 05 Dec 2024
Rhine
FREE Superior drinks package worth £400pp per week - Available on all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Captain's Dinner
featured cruise
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 08 Dec 2024
Danube
FREE Superior drinks package worth £400pp per week - Available on all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Captain's Dinner
featured cruise
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2024
Rhine
Enjoy unique sightseeing activities designed to make your holiday that little bit more special
Save up to 60% on 2024 European sailings
featured cruise
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 14 Dec 2024
Rhine
World-class fleet of contemporary floating boutique hotels
Save up to 35% on 2024 Europe River Cruises
featured cruise
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 16 Dec 2024
Danube
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
14 Nights
Sailing Date : 21 Nov 2024
Danube, Rhine
Save up to 35%* plus return flights included^ + free private door-to-door chauffeur transfers^ on select itineraries
Truly all-inclusive luxury
17 Nights
Sailing Date : 21 Nov 2024
Danube, Rhine
Save up to 35%* plus return flights included^ + free private door-to-door chauffeur transfers^ on select itineraries
Truly all-inclusive luxury
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 21 Nov 2024
Rhine
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 21 Nov 2024
Rhine
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 21 Nov 2024
Rhone
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
14 Nights
Sailing Date : 22 Nov 2024
Danube, Rhine
Complimentary Home to Airport Transfers
Save up to 60%
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 22 Nov 2024
Danube
Save up to 35%* plus return flights included^ + free private door-to-door chauffeur transfers^ on select itineraries
Truly all-inclusive luxury
14 Nights
Sailing Date : 22 Nov 2024
Danube
Enjoy unique sightseeing activities designed to make your holiday that little bit more special
Save up to 60% on 2024 European sailings
0 Nights
Sailing Date : 22 Nov 2024
Rhine, Main
Enjoy unique sightseeing activities designed to make your holiday that little bit more special
Save up to 60% on 2024 European sailings
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 23 Nov 2024
Rhine
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 23 Nov 2024
Danube
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
17 Nights
Sailing Date : 23 Nov 2024
Danube, Rhine
Save up to 35%* plus return flights included^ + free private door-to-door chauffeur transfers^ on select itineraries
Truly all-inclusive luxury
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 23 Nov 2024
Douro
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 23 Nov 2024
Douro
World-class fleet of contemporary floating boutique hotels
Save up to 35% on 2024 Europe River Cruises
14 Nights
Sailing Date : 24 Nov 2024
Danube, Rhine
Complimentary Home to Airport Transfers
Save up to 60%
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 24 Nov 2024
Rhine, Main
Complimentary Home to Airport Transfers
Save up to 60%
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 24 Nov 2024
Douro
Save up to 35%* plus return flights included^ + free private door-to-door chauffeur transfers^ on select itineraries
Truly all-inclusive luxury
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 24 Nov 2024
Douro
Save up to £1,500pp on Selected Sailings
Includes flights & overseas transfers
10 Nights
Sailing Date : 24 Nov 2024
Douro
Save up to £1,500pp on Selected Sailings
Includes flights & overseas transfers
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 24 Nov 2024
Danube
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
