There is no feeling more quintessentially festive than strolling amongst charming market stalls with the alluring scent of spiced mulled wine filling the air against backdrop of twinkling lights. A river cruise is an opportunity to explore a new enchanting Christmas market each day, sailing from one of Europe’s historic towns and cities to the next in search of festive charm, medieval streets and the ultimate winder wonderlands.
Discover the most sought after Christmas market itineraries sailing Europe’s waterways to truly bring your festive season to life.
Christmas Market River Cruises
For Europe’s grandest cities and imperial architecture, a journey along the Danube is guaranteed to delight as you wander gothic streets, revel in magnificent city squares and enjoy the authentic regional flavours amongst charming Christmas markets.
Vienna is home to one of the continents largest and most impressive markets, including an ice rink pulled from the scenes of a Christmas film to captivating festive performances. For more intimate seasonal delights, Bratislava hosts a cosy market in the Old Town showcasing handmade crafts whilst Budapest features artisan stalls and Hungarian cuisine in Vörösmarty Square.
A Christmas setting pulled from the pages of a storybook, the medieval towns and enchanting castles along the Rhine are the perfect backdrop for your winter river cruise.
In Rudesheim, meander the famous Drosselgasse alley as it twinkles with festive lights and comes alive with live music and the scent of traditional German winter cuisine. Cologne is home to a must-visit Christmas market experience, with a plethora of stalls and magical festive decorations adorning the magnificent cathedral square.
Christmas is timeless along the Main as you sail through half-timbered towns and medieval streets, decorated with charming lights and beautiful traditional fare.
Enjoy Christmas carollers in Würzburg, intimate markets in Bamberg and of course the iconic Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany’s most highly-renowned Christmas market. Centuries-old traditions come alive here, with mulled wine, smoked sausages and roasted almonds to delight your tastebuds whilst gingerbread and nutcrackers warm your soul – there is truly no better destination to embrace the magic of the season.
Intimate, quaint markets await in the Moselle Valley, home to charming medieval towns and beautiful vineyards that come to life during the festive season.
Trier, Germany’s oldest city, hosts a Christmas market that echoes the traditions of centuries, whilst Cochem enchants with its beautiful decorations and castle overlooking the river, offering captivating views from your river cruise ship. A cosy yet soul-stirring festive experience, a Christmas cruise along the Moselle is guaranteed to ignite a sense of warmth despite the crisp winter chill in the air.
Sailing the rivers in the festive season is an experience that cannot be matched, sipping mulled wine from the deck of your river cruise ship as you sail alongside beautiful cities adorned with twinkling lights and charming décor, after a day spent savouring Europe’s premier, most authentic Christmas markets. Explore a range of fairytale itineraries and Christmas market experiences with leading river cruise lines and look forward to an unforgettable festive adventure.
