Recently updated on October 16th, 2025 at 01:31 pm
When you think of a river cruise, you’re likely imagining green valleys, summer sun and hot days cruising down Europe’s waterways – but have you ever thought about a Christmas market river cruise?
Europe comes alive in a whole new way during the winter, with thousands of Christmas markets cropping up across the continent – there are up to 3,000 in Germany alone! Visiting at this time of year allows you to discover new cultural traditions, try some delicious traditional festive food, and maybe even catch some snowfall.
Our Christmas Markets River Cruise itineraries take you down either the Rhine or Danube rivers, passing twinkling lights, historic monuments and (of course) Christmas markets in nearly every city. Here’s everything you need to know, from what to expect to how to prepare.
What are Christmas market river cruises?
Christmas market river cruises offer a brand new way of exploring Europe’s Christmas markets – from the water. Our itineraries will take you down either the Danube or Rhine rivers, allowing you to get even closer to the festive action. You can explore markets in each city stop during the day, and come back to the calm of your cabin each evening.
Why should I join a Christmas market river cruise?
There are plenty of great reasons to join a Christmas market river cruise, but primarily it gives you the chance to visit multiple countries and cities, while only unpacking once! Your ship will take you right to the heart of the action, meaning you have more time to watch Christmas lights sparkle above you as you explore over 700 years of festive traditions.
What to expect onboard
You’ll travel on one of our two gorgeous ships: Trafalgar Verity, sailing down the River Rhine, and Trafalgar Reverie, sailing down the River Danube. Each ship has its own distinct personality; the classically-decorated Trafalgar Verity features the only open fireplace of any river ship in Europe, while Trafalgar Reverie is bright and bold, playing with light and mirrors. Oh, and did we mention all the bathrooms are finished with real marble?
Whichever trip or ship you choose, you’ll get the same exceptional treatment. On embarkation day, enjoy a welcome reception dinner and a personal welcome from your Captain, Experience Director and Hotel Manager (with a glass of sparkling wine in hand). Standout onboard experiences are sprinkled throughout the itineraries, with tea time during one special afternoon sailing, custom menus for your first and last days aboard, and a farewell reception to mark the end of your journey in style.
Beyond the ship, your land experiences are guided by English-speaking Local Specialists and hosts, bicycles are available to use at your leisure, and there are a spread of Optional Experiences that you can pick and choose to add to your itinerary and make it your own.
Which river is best for Christmas markets?
The Danube and Rhine Rivers are undoubtedly two of the best rivers for Christmas markets. On the Danube you’ll visit iconic markets in major capital cities like Vienna and Budapest, while the Rhine takes you to smaller, more traditional destinations like Rüdesheim and Strasbourg, passing historic castles along the way. Find out more about the differences between the Rhine and Danube below.
Danube Christmas Markets River Cruise
You have the chance to visit six different Christmas markets across Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany when you set sail on our Danube Christmas Markets River Cruise. If you want to tick off the big hitters of the Christmas market world and explore buzzing cities from Budapest to Bratislava, this is the tour for you.
The markets you visit are in Bratislava, Vienna, Linz, Salzburg and Passau, each with its own personality, from enchanting Salzburg (passing by filming locations from The Sound of Music) to the festive stalls in the gardens of Vienna’s stylish Schönbrunn Palace. You’ll have Local Specialists on-hand at each destination to give you their secrets and tips for making the most of the markets.
Get a taste for Vienna as you enjoy seasonal specialties with a Local Specialist, passing its landmarks before swinging by the Christkindlmarkt where you can refuel on pretzels, gingerbread and Käsespätzle (Vienna’s answer to mac and cheese).
Outside of the markets, there are countless experiences to get stuck into. You’ll join your hosts (and head brewers) Tomáš and Mário at DOCK7 in Bratislava, for a tasting of traditional Czech-style beers over lunch at a Be My Guest experience. Perhaps an Optional Experience of listening to the music of Strauss and Mozart at a live concert, or exploring Budapest’s Jewish Quarter takes your fancy?
After exploring Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets by day, you’ll then unwind on board Trafalgar Reverie by night. Share stories with newfound friends over regional wines, and soak up the ever-changing scenery and festive cheer during the most magical time of year.
Rhine River Christmas Markets River Cruise
On a Rhine River Christmas Market Cruise, you’ll have the chance to visit 10 Christmas markets as you travel from Basel to Düsseldorf, passing quaint storybook towns and fairytale castles of Germany, France and Switzerland along the way.
From Swiss crafts in lakeside Lucerne, Alsatian traditions in Strasbourg and historic cathedrals in Mainz, each market has boatloads of individuality – and Local Specialists will help you unlock the authentic side of these magical places. Optional Experiences give you the chance to explore markets in the heart of the Black Forest, or beneath the castle ruins of Heidelberg’s Old Town.
There are countless flavors to explore on this trip; your Be My Guest experience is at the Breuer family’s traditional weingasthaus (a German tavern) in the heart of the Drosselgasse where you’re served seasonal specialities, local wine and live music, alongside stories and hospitality passed down through generations. In Cologne you can discover the city’s brewing heritage with a visit to traditional Kölsch beer halls, while your Make Travel Matter Experience takes you to a vinegar tasting at Weinessiggut Doktorenhof, supporting eco-friendly farming and artisanal craftsmanship.
With guided walks, seasonal tastes and optional adventures along the way, this river cruise blends cultural highlights with the magic of the holidays.
What is the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe?
European Christmas market river cruises are all beautiful in their own way, but some are firm fan favorites. In previous years, the Strasbourg Christmas Market was voted a European favorite multiple times. As the oldest Christmas market in Europe, it’s affectionately nicknamed the ‘Capital of Christmas’. For four centuries now, the emblematic Christkindelsmärik has been working its magic in the European capital. Over 300 wooden chalets, spread around different squares in the city, invite you to make some mesmerising discoveries in a fairytale atmosphere!
Dresden’s Strietzelmarkt is the oldest Christmas market in Germany, hardly changing since 1434. Its unique decorations and twinkling lights mean that German’s regularly vote it their favorite Christmas market. There’s plenty to marvel at in this market, such as the Guinness World Record-holding Erzgebirge step pyramid (14.62 meters tall!) and a vast walk-in candle arch, a historic ferris wheel, and the adorable plum potato – made from dried plums and wooden legs, all dressed up in a top hat.
What to pack for a Christmas market river cruise?
Europe can get pretty chilly during the winter and you need to be prepared for all weather eventualities, so the key things to bring are lots of layers, a warm coat and waterproof, and sturdy shoes that will keep your feet warm (you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking!). River cruises are generally more relaxed than other kinds of cruises, so you don’t need to worry about packing formal clothing – but if you feel like dressing up you’re more than welcome!
Here’s our list of what to pack for a Christmas market river cruise.
- Hat & scarf
- Small day bag for exploring
- Layers – thermal tights, socks, vests, long sleeve tops
- Waterproof or water resistant shoes
- Warm coat (ideally water resistant)
- Comfortable clothes & shoes for evenings onboard
- Umbrella
- Portable charger for days out and about
Discover more about our Christmas Market River Cruises down the Rhine and Danube.