There’s nothing more magical than Europe in December — twinkling lights reflecting off the water, the smell of mulled wine in the air, and centuries-old town squares transformed into winter wonderlands. And the best way to experience it all? A Christmas Market River Cruise.

Unlike land tours where you’re packing, unpacking, and navigating trains in the cold, a river cruise lets you sail smoothly between the most charming markets — all while your cozy floating boutique hotel waits for you at the dock.

Here are the best Christmas Market river cruises in Europe (and what makes each one special).

Rhine River Christmas Market Cruises 

The Rhine is the most iconic choice for Christmas market lovers. From Basel to Amsterdam, this route sparkles with fairy-tale towns and markets that feel straight out of a snow globe.

Highlights include:

🎄 Strasbourg, France – Known as the Capital of Christmas with over 300 stalls.

🎁 Rüdesheim, Germany – Home to the world’s largest Nativity scene and a “Christmas market of nations.”

✨ Cologne, Germany – Seven unique Christmas markets, including the cathedral market with its giant Christmas tree.

🏰 Heidelberg, Germany – A castle backdrop plus ice skating in the town square.

👉 If you’re looking for castles, cozy villages, and festive charm at every stop, the Rhine Christmas Market Cruise is the perfect fit.

Danube River Christmas Market Cruises 

The Danube combines grand European capitals with storybook markets. This sailing is ideal if you want culture, music, and history wrapped up in your holiday travels.

Highlights include:

🎶 Vienna, Austria – The famous Rathausplatz market with sparkling lights and live choirs.

🍷 Budapest, Hungary – Glühwein (mulled wine), handmade crafts, and thermal baths to warm up.

🎁 Bratislava, Slovakia – Local artisan stalls, hearty Slovak street food, and charming Old Town.

⛪ Passau, Germany – A picturesque market set against Baroque architecture and the cathedral where Mozart once played.

👉 If you love music, culture, and big-city flair mixed with quaint charm, the Danube Christmas Market Cruise should be on your list.

Main & Moselle Christmas Market Cruises 

These rivers are less traveled during the holidays — which means smaller crowds and more intimate experiences. The markets feel authentically local, with fewer tourists and plenty of hidden gems.

Highlights include:

🍷 Bernkastel, Germany – Over 40 stalls tucked into half-timbered squares, plus famous Moselle wines.

🏰 Cochem, Germany – Reichsburg Castle overlooks the Christmas market below, glowing with lanterns.

🥨 Wertheim, Germany – A medieval old town market known for pretzels, wine, and cozy family traditions.

👉 Perfect for those who want a slower pace and to feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

French Christmas Market Cruises 

France is pure holiday romance — think cobblestone streets, fine wines, and artistic flair. River cruises through the Seine, Rhône, and Bordeaux bring unique twists to Christmas markets.

Highlights include:

🕯️ Paris – Markets along the Champs-Élysées and by the Eiffel Tower.

🍷 Lyon – Famous for its Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières).

🍇 Bordeaux – Regional wines, delicacies, and a Christmas market by the Garonne.

🏘️ Rouen – Normandy’s Gothic cathedral with festive stalls and local pastries.

👉 Choose France if you want romance, wine, and holiday flair with a touch of sophistication.

Douro River Christmas Cruises in Portugal 

The Douro might not be the first river you think of for Christmas markets, but it offers a warm-weather alternative with fewer crowds and incredible scenery.

Highlights include:

🍷 Porto, Portugal – Port wine tastings alongside local artisan markets.

🏞️ Douro Valley – Vineyards lit with festive charm.

🎄 Smaller towns – Authentic Portuguese traditions, sweets, and nativity displays.

👉 Great for travelers who want the beauty of Europe’s wine country plus a more relaxed holiday cruise.

Featured Hosted Cruise: Christmas Markets on the Rhine 2027

Want to experience the magic of Europe’s Christmas markets with a group of like-minded travelers (and a built-in host to handle all the details)?

I’m hosting a Christmas Markets on the Rhine River Cruise from Basel to Amsterdam, December 4–11, 2027 aboard AmaWaterways’ brand-new AmaSophia.

Here’s what makes this sailing special:

🎄 Explore festive markets in Strasbourg, Rüdesheim, Cologne, Heidelberg, and Amsterdam

🍷 Sip Glühwein under twinkling lights and taste holiday treats at every stop

🛳️ Enjoy luxury amenities onboard — fine dining, wine & beer with meals, cozy lounges, and holiday décor

👥 Travel with a group that loves Europe just as much as you do

👉 This group is already open for booking — but cabins are limited. Schedule a complimentary consultation or join my VIP group to learn more: Luxury Vacations by Sonia.

Why Choose a Christmas Market River Cruise?

✅ One trip, multiple markets – Unpack once and wake up in a new city every morning.
✅ Festive atmosphere onboard – Ships are decked out in holiday décor, with carols, cookies, and mulled wine.
✅ Included excursions – Walking tours and transfers take you right into the markets.
✅ Stress-free travel – No trains, no hotel hopping — just cozy sailing.

 Want a sneak peek of what this cruise is like? 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode: Christmas Markets on the Rhine — Europe Unveiled, Ep. 7

A Christmas Market River Cruise is more than a vacation — it’s a chance to step inside Europe’s storybook holiday traditions. Whether you choose the Rhine, Danube, Moselle, France, or even the Douro, you’ll come home with memories that sparkle brighter than the Christmas lights themselves.

🎄 Ready to plan your Christmas Market Cruise? I’d love to help you find the perfect sailing.

👉 Join my VIP Facebook Group: Luxury Vacations by Sonia
👉 Get your free guide: The Ultimate Guide to River Cruising in Europe
👉 Schedule a complimentary consultation: Book here

A Christmas Market River Cruise isn’t just a vacation — it’s stepping right into Europe’s holiday traditions. From sipping mulled wine under twinkling lights to wandering centuries-old squares filled with handcrafted gifts, it’s an experience that lingers long after December ends.

And if the Rhine is calling your name, you don’t have to wait too long — join me December 4–11, 2027, as I host a Christmas Markets on the Rhine River Cruise from Basel to Amsterdam. Together, we’ll explore the very best markets along the Rhine while enjoying the comfort of AmaWaterways’ newest ship, AmaSophia.

👉 Whether you choose to join my hosted sailing or explore another festive itinerary, a Christmas Market River Cruise is one of the most magical ways to celebrate the season.