From finely crafted toys in Rüdesheim to anise-flavoured Anisbredle biscuits in Strasbourg, Christmas market cruises will transport your guests into the heart of Europe’s festive flair

The run-up to Yuletide sees many of Europe’s medieval squares packed with All Things Jolly because that’s when Advent markets, heavy with the fragrance of hot apple cider and freshly baked ginger biscuits, open for business.

The European Christmas market tradition dates back centuries when places like Dresden and Vienna hosted Wintermärkte (winter markets) or Dezembermarkts (December Markets) mainly so that locals could stock up on necessities at the beginning of winter.

Back then, Advent markets only lasted for a couple of days, while nowadays they are typically open from mid-November until 23 December and a few, including Vienna’s Schönbrunn market, stay open until the new year.

Though Christmas market-focused cruises are more common on the Rhine, Danube and Moselle, it’s worth remembering the Douro also offers up seasonal delights in the shape of visits to festive markets in Porto and other riverside towns. Wherever your clients choose to travel, there is no better way to experience several markets in one trip than on a river cruise, and this year, operators including Viking, AmaWaterways, Travelmarvel and TUI are joined by a newcomer to river cruising.

Trafalgar managing director Kelly Jackson says: “Following our expansion into river cruising, Trafalgar is delighted to introduce two Christmas itineraries, Danube Christmas Markets and Rhine Christmas Markets.

“The festive season is a wonderful time to travel and there’s no better way to experience Europe’s most magical markets than on a relaxing river cruise. Guests can enjoy the expert guidance of a Trafalgar experience director, the camaraderie of like-minded travellers and the peace of mind that comes with having every detail taken care of.”

The onboard experience complements the season with mulled wine tastings, singalong carol evenings and Christmas dinner celebrations, while Santa often pays a visit too. As Alex Pinelo, chief of sales for AmaWaterways says: “From mid‑November, our ships become floating winter wonderlands, offering guests the magic of the season both onboard and ashore.”

Here, we highlight four unmissable festive markets for your guests to add to their Christmas lists this year and next.

Germany – Rüdesheim

There is nowhere that can compete with the Christmas Wonderland that is Germany, at its romantic best this time of year. Rüdesheim’s global-themed festivities have led to its Christmas market being dubbed the ‘Christmas Market of Nations’, an apt description given there is everything from Finnish salmon, French crepes and Hungarian deep-fried flatbreads on the food front.

Every year, around 120 stalls groaning with handmade decorations, finely crafted toys and ceramics are spread across the central marketplace and along the old town’s winding cobbled alleys. The life-sized nativity scene is one of Europe’s biggest, while there is also something rather special about taking a break from the mulled wine and bratwurst to hop on the cable car that winds its way high above the market to the Niederwald Monument for an aerial view of the festivities.

AmaWaterways’ seven-night Christmas Markets on the Rhine cruise aboard AmaCerto from Amsterdam to Basel via Düsseldorf, Rüdesheim, Ludwigshafen, Strasbourg and Breisach departs 25 November 2026, from £4,126pp.

France – Strasbourg

“Our guests are increasingly keen to spend time exploring more Christmas markets on one single journey, so we have introduced longer festive itineraries such as our 11-day Christmas on the Rhine and Main itinerary,” says Neil Barclay, head of sales for Viking UK.

The itinerary includes a visit to a couple of Strasbourg’s Christmas markets in conjunction with a canal cruise through the town’s picturesque Petite France area. During the Christmas season, this merry destination is transformed into a festive wonderland festooned with thousands of twinkly lights and a giant Christmas tree, making it easy to understand why Strasbourg is referred to as France’s ‘capital of Christmas’.

It can’t be denied that Strasbourg, home to one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, packs a punch with abundant festive cheer whether your budget is bijou or bling. Make sure to tell your customers they can’t leave without trying some local anise-flavoured Anisbredle biscuits or a baguette flambée, topped with cream and raclette cheese then toasted.

Trafalgar’s eight-day Rhine Christmas Markets cruise aboard Trafalgar Verity from Düsseldorf to Basel via Cologne, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Mainz, Speyer and Strasbourg, departs 25 November 2026, from £2,889pp.

Austria – Vienna

Like the Three Wise Men, visitors travel from afar to enjoy the bustling festivities this idyllic city offers. Vienna isn’t somewhere that does things by halves and sets out to make the season a real occasion, which is why several captivating Christmas markets are dotted throughout the city bringing festive magic, carolling choirs, parades and brass bands to the historic streets of the Austrian capital.

Rathausplatz, the square in front of the town hall, is where to find the biggest and most magical market of all; one of the highlights of this colossal frosty wonderland is the illuminated ice-skating rink. No skates? No worries. You can rent a pair for a small fee then have fun gliding along a glittery Christmas trail where lanterns fill the trees turning them into colourful sculptures.

Refuel with sizzling sausages, Kaiserschmarrn (chopped pancake) and roasted chestnuts or gather round one of the alfresco bars serving hot gluhwein (mulled wine). For a raft of vegetarian or vegan delights, the nearby Spittelberg market is a good option.

Amadeus’ six-night Magic of Advent on the Danube cruise aboard Amadeus Amara from Nuremberg to Vienna via Regensburg and Passau departs on 11 December 2026, from £1,614pp.

Slovakia – Bratislava

There are no fewer than three Christmas markets in the Slovakian capital; two are in the centre of town, while the medieval market complete with lantern-lit stalls is set against the Christmas card backdrop of Bratislava Castle and always evokes a festive glow of nostalgia.

These markets offer sackloads of festive paraphernalia in the shape of live concerts, carousels for children, ice-skating and sometimes even a few pipers piping and drummers drumming. Drift through stalls selling a range of goodies such as handmade wooden toys, delicate mouth-blown glass baubles and pottery.

When it comes to drinks on offer, adventurous options include ‘turbo punch,’ a glass of alcoholic spirit, often rum, with a slug of absinthe to ensure its ‘turbo kick’. Foodwise, the potato pancake ‘lokša’ is worth a try, with one popular filling of plum jam mixed with poppy seeds.

All shopped out? Step away from the yuletide jamboree to hop on the fairylight-covered Christmas tram which travels a loop round the city, free of charge.

Viking’s eight-day Danube Christmas Delights cruise aboard Viking Skadi from Passau to Budapest via Linz, Krems, Vienna and Bratislava, departs 28 November 2026, from £3,295pp.