Enjoy the magic of Christmas and excitement of New Year on a festive river cruise, offer the chance to spend time at some of Europe's top Christmas markets or celebrate New Year with your loved ones. Look forward to Christmas shopping and a wonderful winter atmosphere with a festive river cruise.
See Christmas River Cruises See New Year River Cruises See Christmas Market River Cruises
River cruises sailing around the festive season mainly set sail throughout the month of December, offering the ideal time to visit popular markets and experience the wintery season first-hand. Our selection of festive river cruises run all through December, with varying durations, so you can take your pick of the best itinerary to suit you.
Suggested Read: Christmastime on the Rhine with Gary Buchanan
Festive sailings are available across the world's waterways, from Europe's many rivers to the more exotic worlds of Asia's Mekong. Destinations all depend on what you're looking for during the festive season.
If you're keen to explore the traditional Christmas markets of Europe, then a sailing along the Danube or the Rhine would be ideal. For a chance to sun yourself and enjoy the warmer weather, the Mekong is ideal to visit during December with temperatures reaching 30°C.
More: River Cruising During the Winter Months
It's always best to book a festive river cruise as early as possible. Spaces and dates are limited and, with only a month to sail, they tend to sell out very fast! If you're keen to book a festive river cruise, take a look at the sailings below and call our Cruise Concierge to book your festive river cruise today.
11 Nights
Sailing Date : 20 Dec 2025
Nile
Inspired by their destinations, each ship in the fleet has a uniquely beautiful design
THE MOST ALL-INCLUSIVE AMENITIES finely tailored to your tastes.
2025 Early Booking Savings - Save up to 20%
11 Nights
Sailing Date : 20 Dec 2025
Nile
Inspired by their destinations, each ship in the fleet has a uniquely beautiful design
THE MOST ALL-INCLUSIVE AMENITIES finely tailored to your tastes.
2025 Early Booking Savings - Save up to 20%
14 Nights
Sailing Date : 21 Dec 2025
Danube, Rhine
Custom-designed ships offer you space to relax and indulge
Ultra-luxury cruising in a class of its own
Save up to 30% and FREE flights on 2025 Europe sailings
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 21 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.
14 Nights
Sailing Date : 21 Dec 2025
Danube
Custom-designed ships offer you space to relax and indulge
Ultra-luxury cruising in a class of its own
Save up to 30% and FREE flights on 2025 Europe sailings
17 Nights
Sailing Date : 21 Dec 2025
Danube
Custom-designed ships offer you space to relax and indulge
Ultra-luxury cruising in a class of its own
Save up to 30% and FREE flights on 2025 Europe sailings
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 21 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 : 21 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.
17 Nights
Sailing Date : 21 Dec 2025
Dutch Waterway
Custom-designed ships offer you space to relax and indulge
Ultra-luxury cruising in a class of its own
Save up to 30% and FREE flights on 2025 Europe sailings
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 22 Dec 2025
Danube
Enjoy unique sightseeing activities designed to make your holiday that little bit more special
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 22 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.
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 22 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
12 Nights
Sailing Date : 22 Dec 2025
Danube
Inspired by their destinations, each ship in the fleet has a uniquely beautiful design
THE MOST ALL-INCLUSIVE AMENITIES finely tailored to your tastes.
2025 Early Booking Savings - Save up to 20%
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 22 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 : 22 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.
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 22 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 : 22 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 : 22 Dec 2025
Mekong
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 22 Dec 2025
Nile
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
10 Nights
Sailing Date : 23 Dec 2025
Danube
Inspired by their destinations, each ship in the fleet has a uniquely beautiful design
THE MOST ALL-INCLUSIVE AMENITIES finely tailored to your tastes.
2025 Early Booking Savings - Save up to 20%
10 Nights
Sailing Date : 23 Dec 2025
Dutch Waterway
Inspired by their destinations, each ship in the fleet has a uniquely beautiful design
THE MOST ALL-INCLUSIVE AMENITIES finely tailored to your tastes.
2025 Early Booking Savings - Save up to 20%
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 23 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 : 24 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 : 24 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 : 24 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
