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Discover the Christmas markets of Europe on a luxury river cruise

Europe during winter is unlike anywhere else, with gingerbread stalls and twinkling fairy lights welcoming in the festive period. Discover the magic of a Christmas markets cruise, and celebrate Yuletide as the Germans, Austrians, and Hungarians do. 

A bird’s-eye view of Cologne Christmas markets, Germany, filled with red tenst, a large Christmas tree, and twinkling lights
Vienna’s Christmas market situated in front of the City Hall, a lit-up sign reads ‘Frohe Weihnachten’
Women shopping at Christmas markets in Austria
Impressive festive lights at Strasbourg for Christmas

Nuremberg Christmas markets

Over 2 million people a year visit Nuremberg’s Christmas markets due to its reputation for being one of the world’s finest. The best parts of any German Christmas market can be found here, including spiced gingerbread and festive decorations.
Christmas Market stall with hanging gingerbread Christmas Market stall with hanging gingerbread

Cologne Christmas markets

Offering seven German Christmas markets from its location on the banks of the Rhine, Cologne is the ideal city for those who are looking for a European Christmas market cruise. One of its must-visit markets has Cologne Cathedral as its backdrop.
Famous Christmas markets in front of the Cathedral in Cologne, Germany Famous Christmas markets in front of the Cathedral in Cologne, Germany

Budapest Christmas markets

The Hungarian capital comes to life with the twinkling of lights, market stalls, and general festivities in December. There’s something undeniably magical about the setting of Budapest’s Christmas markets, set in front of the grand St. Stephen’s Basilica.
Christmas market at Saint Stephen Basilica square in the centre of Budapest, Hungary Christmas market at Saint Stephen Basilica square in the centre of Budapest, Hungary

Breisach Christmas markets

Set on the banks of the Rhine, the German town of Breisach is one of the warmest spots in the country - although this doesn’t mean you won’t experience winter temperatures during the festive season! Great for those looking for a smaller Christmas market.
Ornaments and decorations at a German Christmas market Ornaments and decorations at a German Christmas market

Vienna Christmas markets 

Schönbrunn Christmas Market runs from the end of November until Boxing Day before reopening on December 27th and running through the first few days of the new year. Another fantastic market in Vienna is the Christmas market at Spittelberg.
Christmas markets located in front of the Vienna City Hall Christmas markets located in front of the Vienna City Hall


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Europe River Cruises 2025 Brochure
Europe River Cruises 2025 Brochure

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