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.
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Dutch Waterways
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Fly for FREE in 2025 & 2026 plus Save up to £1000 per couple
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Rhine
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Danube
FREE Superior drinks package - Available on all 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
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Danube
Save up to 40% on selected Europe 2025 sailings
Ultra-luxury, all-inclusive cruising in a class of its own
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Danube
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Rhine
FREE Superior drinks package - Available on all 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
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Rhine
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
10 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Douro
Save up to 40% on selected Europe 2025 sailings
Ultra-luxury, all-inclusive cruising in a class of its own
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Danube
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Fly for FREE in 2025 & 2026 plus Save up to £1000 per couple
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Danube
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Douro
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Fly for FREE in 2025 & 2026 plus Save up to £1000 per couple
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Danube
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Rhine
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Rhine
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Rhine
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 14 Dec 2025
Rhine
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 14 Dec 2025
Rhine
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 14 Dec 2025
Danube
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 14 Dec 2025
Danube
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 14 Dec 2025
Danube
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Fly for FREE in 2025 & 2026 plus Save up to £1000 per couple
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 14 Dec 2025
Rhine
FREE Superior drinks package - Available on all 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
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 14 Dec 2025
Danube
Save up to 40% on selected Europe 2025 sailings
Ultra-luxury, all-inclusive cruising in a class of its own
10 Nights
Sailing Date : 14 Dec 2025
Danube
Save up to 40% on selected Europe 2025 sailings
Ultra-luxury, all-inclusive cruising in a class of its own
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7 Nights
Sailing Date : 14 Dec 2025
Seine
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 14 Dec 2025
Danube
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 14 Dec 2025
Rhine
Save up to 40% on selected Europe 2025 sailings
Ultra-luxury, all-inclusive cruising in a class of its own
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 14 Dec 2025
Rhine
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 14 Dec 2025
Rhine
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 14 Dec 2025
Rhine
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 14 Dec 2025
Rhine
