Thinking of a magical holiday getaway? Best Christmas River Cruises in Europe might be the perfect way to celebrate the season. Imagine sailing past twinkling towns, visiting world-famous Christmas markets, and enjoying festive onboard experiences — all in one unforgettable trip.
In this article, discover the best Christmas river cruises in Europe, what makes them special, what to expect on board, sample itineraries with rates, and tips for planning your festive river cruise vacation.
Why Choose a Christmas River Cruise in Europe?
A Christmas market river cruise in Europe is more than just a vacation — it’s a cultural experience packed with charm, tradition, and festive magic. Here’s why travelers love these cruises:
- Direct Access to Europe’s Best Christmas Markets — Dock right in city centers like Vienna, Nuremberg, Strasbourg, and Cologne.
- All-Inclusive Packages — Most cruises include guided tours, meals, entertainment, and often drinks or gratuities.
- Intimate & Cozy Atmosphere — River ships accommodate fewer passengers (100–200), making for a more personal experience.
- Festive Activities Onboard — From holiday craft workshops to Christmas-themed gala dinners.
- Stress-Free Multi-City Travel — Explore several European countries without unpacking more than once.
Best Time for a Christmas River Cruise in Europe
- Late November to Christmas Eve (Nov 24 – Dec 24): The peak season for European Christmas markets.
- Some cruises extend to New Year’s, featuring special holiday-themed events on board.
What to Expect on a European Christmas River Cruise
Festive Onboard Experience
- Ships decorated with lights, garlands, and Christmas trees.
- Special dining menus with seasonal European dishes.
- Live music, caroling, gingerbread decorating, and mulled wine tastings.
Weather
- Expect winter temperatures between 0°C–10°C (32°F–50°F) — pack warm layers, scarves, gloves, and waterproof boots.
Inclusions
- Accommodation in river-view staterooms or suites.
- All onboard meals, often paired with regional wines.
- Guided shore excursions at each port.
- Onboard entertainment and festive activities.
Top Christmas River Cruises in Europe (2025)
1. Viking River Cruises — Christmas on the Rhine
- Route: Amsterdam to Basel
- Highlights: Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market, Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik, Basel holiday squares.
- What to Expect: Elegant Scandinavian-style ships, cultural immersion, holiday entertainment.
- Sample Package:
- 8 Days / 7 Nights
- From $2,500 per person (double occupancy)
- Includes guided tours, meals, Wi-Fi, port taxes
- Itinerary:
- Day 1: Amsterdam – Embarkation, welcome dinner onboard
- Day 2: Cologne – Visit Cologne Cathedral & Christmas Market
- Day 3: Koblenz & Rüdesheim – Explore wine town & holiday traditions
- Day 4: Speyer – Optional excursion to Heidelberg Castle
- Day 5: Strasbourg – Tour Christkindelsmärik & Petite France
- Day 6: Breisach – Excursion to the Black Forest
- Day 7: Basel – Discover holiday-decorated Old Town
- Day 8: Basel – Disembarkation
- What’s Included:
- Guided walking tours at each stop
- All meals onboard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Port taxes
- Holiday-themed onboard entertainment
2. AmaWaterways — Magical Christmas Markets on the Danube
- Route: Budapest to Nuremberg
- Highlights: Budapest’s Vörösmarty Market, Vienna’s Rathausplatz, Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt.
- What to Expect: Boutique river cruising, wine with meals, cooking classes, festive decor.
- Sample Package:
- 7 Nights
- From $3,200 per person
- Includes excursions, dining, drinks with meals, Wi-Fi
- Itinerary:
- Day 1: Budapest – Embarkation & welcome reception
- Day 2: Budapest – Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market
- Day 3: Vienna – Schönbrunn Palace tour & Rathausplatz Market
- Day 4: Vienna – Optional cooking class or Belvedere Palace visit
- Day 5: Krems & Wachau Valley – Wine tasting & holiday charm
- Day 6: Linz – Excursion to Salzburg’s Christmas Markets
- Day 7: Nuremberg – Christkindlesmarkt tour & WWII history
- Day 8: Disembark in Nuremberg
- What’s Included:
- Daily guided excursions
- Gourmet dining with wine, beer, and soft drinks
- Sip & Sail cocktail hour
- Wi-Fi access throughout
- Festive décor and special holiday onboard events
3. Avalon Waterways — Christmastime on the Danube
- Route: Vienna to Prague (with stops in Melk, Linz, Passau)
- Highlights: Vienna’s imperial Christmas markets, Salzburg’s Old Town, Prague’s medieval squares.
- What to Expect: Spacious Panorama Suites, fine dining, casual luxury.
- Sample Package:
- 9 Days / 8 Nights
- From $3,500 per person
- All tours, meals, and selected drinks included
- Itinerary:
- Day 1: Vienna – Embarkation & Christmas welcome dinner
- Day 2: Vienna – Explore multiple imperial Christmas markets
- Day 3: Melk – Abbey tour & seasonal charm
- Day 4: Linz – Optional full-day excursion to Salzburg
- Day 5: Passau – Bavarian holiday spirit & cathedral concert
- Day 6: Regensburg – Medieval town and Christmas market tour
- Day 7: Nuremberg – Optional WWII or gingerbread-focused tour
- Day 8: Prague – Arrival & orientation walk
- Day 9: Disembark in Prague
- What’s Included:
- Deluxe Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall windows
- Onboard enrichment programs
- All meals & select beverages
- Guided tours and immersive holiday experiences
4. Uniworld — Classic Christmas Markets (Boutique River Collection)
- Route: Nuremberg to Frankfurt
- Highlights: Nuremberg’s famous markets, Würzburg’s festive old town, Frankfurt’s Römerberg.
- What to Expect: Opulent décor, all-inclusive service, curated shore experiences.
- Sample Package:
- 8 Days / 7 Nights
- From $4,500 per person
- Includes all dining, drinks, gratuities, excursions
- Itinerary:
- Day 1: Nuremberg – Embark & market preview
- Day 2: Bamberg – UNESCO town with holiday flair
- Day 3: Würzburg – Explore the baroque city & Christmas markets
- Day 4: Wertheim – Traditional crafts & wine tasting
- Day 5: Miltenberg – Festive town square & gingerbread
- Day 6: Aschaffenburg – Palace tour and seasonal performances
- Day 7: Frankfurt – Römerberg Christmas market & city tour
- Day 8: Frankfurt – Disembarkation
- What’s Included:
- All gourmet meals and beverages onboard
- Gratuities for ship staff and guides
- Unlimited excursions
- Airport transfers
- Lavish décor with a boutique hotel feel
5. Tauck River Cruises — Yuletide Spirit: Danube Christmas Markets
- Route: Munich to Vienna
- Highlights: Oberammergau’s Christmas village, Salzburg, Vienna’s imperial markets.
- What to Expect: Exclusive experiences, small-group excursions, premium service.
- Sample Package:
- 8 Days / 7 Nights
- From $4,990 per person (includes gratuities & transfers)
- Itinerary:
- Day 1: Munich – Hotel stay and welcome dinner
- Day 2: Oberammergau – Visit the Bavarian Christmas village
- Day 3: Salzburg – Tour Mirabell Gardens & festive markets
- Day 4: Linz – River embarkation & Danube evening cruise
- Day 5: Melk Abbey – Guided tour and seasonal concert
- Day 6: Vienna – Explore Schönbrunn and local markets
- Day 7: Vienna – Exclusive gala dinner and performances
- Day 8: Disembarkation in Vienna
- What’s Included:
- Luxury small-group excursions
- All gratuities and airport transfers
- Beer, wine, and spirits onboard
- Elegant accommodations
- Exclusive events like Mozart-themed dinners
Must-Visit Christmas Markets on These Cruises
| City | Known For |
|---|---|
| Vienna, Austria | Imperial markets & festive lights |
| Nuremberg, Germany | Traditional crafts & gingerbread |
| Cologne, Germany | Market by the Gothic cathedral |
| Strasbourg, France | Oldest Christmas market in Europe |
| Prague, Czech Republic | Fairy-tale market in Old Town Square |
Onboard Christmas Activities & Perks
| Activity | Included On |
|---|---|
| Gingerbread Decorating | Viking, AmaWaterways |
| Holiday Craft Workshops | Uniworld, Tauck |
| Christmas Carol Evenings | Avalon, Viking |
| Mulled Wine Tastings | Most cruise lines |
| Festive Gala Dinners | All major cruise lines |
| Cultural Talks | Viking, Avalon, AmaWaterways |
Sample Budget for a European Christmas River Cruise
| Item | Cost per Person (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Cruise Fare (7-9 Nights) | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Flights (Roundtrip) | $800 – $1,500 |
| Pre/Post Cruise Hotel | $200 – $600 |
| Optional Tours/Upgrades | $200 – $500 |
| Total Budget | $3,700 – $7,500 per person |
Expert Tips for Booking Your Christmas River Cruise
Book Early: Best cabins sell out up to a year in advance.
Check Inclusions: Look for cruises that include drinks, gratuities, and excursions for better value.
Consider Shoulder Dates: Early December cruises often offer better deals than peak dates.
Pack Smart: Warm layers, comfortable shoes, and festive attire for themed dinners.
Extend Your Stay: Consider a few extra nights in major cities like Vienna, Prague, or Amsterdam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Christmas river cruises family-friendly?
A: While most are adult-focused, some cruise lines like AmaWaterways offer family-friendly holiday sailings.
Q: Is everything on board included in the price?
A: Most river cruises include meals, guided tours, entertainment, and some beverages. Always check specific inclusions before booking.
Q: What if I don’t celebrate Christmas?
A: The cruises focus more on cultural and festive traditions than religious celebrations — perfect for anyone wanting a unique winter experience.
Final Thoughts
Should You Book a Christmas River Cruise in Europe?
If you dream of sipping mulled wine at Europe’s most famous Christmas markets, enjoying festive onboard entertainment, and exploring fairy-tale cities in winter, a Christmas river cruise in Europe is the perfect holiday escape.
Luxury Vacations Consulting is here to help plan every moment of magic. Whether you choose the Rhine, the Danube, or a boutique itinerary with Uniworld or Tauck, you’ll experience timeless traditions, intimate luxury, and the magic of a European Christmas — all wrapped into one unforgettable journey.
BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION WITH US
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