As winter arrives, our thoughts inevitably turn to Christmas and, naturally, this is the perfect month in which to explore the world's waterways. We have a fantastic selection of river cruises in December, visiting Christmas markets, festivities and all-around wintery fun during a sailing. Take a look at our best December cruises and see why this festive period is perfect for visiting the banks of the Danube, Rhine and more.
Why not head to Northern Europe and visit some of the continent’s most stunning Christmas Markets? Cities such as Cologne, Budapest and Strasbourg feature some of the world's best Christmas Markets and a river cruise is an ideal way to visit them.
Christmas Markets River Cruises
December is also the ideal time of year to escape the cold weather and head east to the exotic waterways of China, Vietnam, or Cambodia, where the riverbanks of these regions are hot, sunny and humid - the perfect place to escape the winter blues back home! Take a look at river cruises in December for the Mekong, for a taste of tropical temperatures.
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 09 Dec 2025
Rhine
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
FREE case of wine with every Avalon booking
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 09 Dec 2025
Dutch Waterway
THE MOST ALL-INCLUSIVE AMENITIES finely tailored to your tastes.
Inspired by their destinations, each ship in the fleet has a uniquely beautiful design
10 Nights
Sailing Date : 10 Dec 2025
Danube
Ultra-luxury cruising in a class of its own
Custom-designed ships offer you space to relax and indulge
Save up to 30% and FREE flights on 2025 Europe sailings
BLACK FRIDAY SALE - Save up to an additional £200pp
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 10 Dec 2025
Danube
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
FREE case of wine with every Avalon booking
6 Nights
Sailing Date : 10 Dec 2025
Danube
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
FREE case of wine with every Avalon booking
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 10 Dec 2025
Danube
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 10 Dec 2025
Rhine
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 10 Dec 2025
Rhine
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
11 Nights
Sailing Date : 10 Dec 2025
Rhine
Ultra-luxury cruising in a class of its own
Custom-designed ships offer you space to relax and indulge
Save up to 30% and FREE flights on 2025 Europe sailings
BLACK FRIDAY SALE - Save up to an additional £200pp
12 Nights
Sailing Date : 10 Dec 2025
Mekong
World-class fleet of contemporary floating boutique hotels
Save up to 25% on 2025 Asia sailings
BLACK FRIDAY SALE - Free Premium Drinks Package plus extra savings
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 10 Dec 2025
Rhine
FREE Superior drinks package - Available on all 2024, 2025 and 2026 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
Fly from your local airport at no extra cost
6 Nights
Sailing Date : 10 Dec 2025
Danube
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
FREE case of wine with every Avalon booking
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 10 Dec 2025
Nile
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 10 Dec 2025
Amazon
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
6 Nights
Sailing Date : 11 Dec 2025
Danube
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
FREE case of wine with every Avalon booking
10 Nights
Sailing Date : 11 Dec 2025
Rhine
World-class fleet of contemporary floating boutique hotels
Save up to 30% on 2025 Europe River Cruises
BLACK FRIDAY SALE - Free Premium Drinks Package plus extra savings
-custom_banner-banner_half.jpg)
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 11 Dec 2025
Rhone
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 11 Dec 2025
Rhine
FREE Superior drinks package - Available on all 2024, 2025 and 2026 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
Fly from your local airport at no extra cost
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 11 Dec 2025
Rhine
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 11 Dec 2025
Rhine
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 11 Dec 2025
Danube
FREE Superior drinks package - Available on all 2024, 2025 and 2026 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
Fly from your local airport at no extra cost
10 Nights
Sailing Date : 12 Dec 2025
Danube
World-class fleet of contemporary floating boutique hotels
Save up to 30% on 2025 Europe River Cruises
BLACK FRIDAY SALE - Free Premium Drinks Package plus extra savings
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 12 Dec 2025
Danube
FREE Superior drinks package - Available on all 2024, 2025 and 2026 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
Fly from your local airport at no extra cost
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 12 Dec 2025
Douro
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Dutch Waterway
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
