08/27/2026
There are a LOT of Christmas market river cruise options, so I narrowed it down to 10 of the most iconic routes for 2026:
1. Viking — Christmas on the Rhine
Nov 29–Dec 6 | Basel → Amsterdam
Christmas markets through Switzerland, France, Germany & the Netherlands.
2. Viking — Christmas on the Danube
Dec 1–8 | Budapest → Regensburg
Budapest, Vienna, Passau & Regensburg wrapped in Christmas magic.
3. Uniworld — Classic Christmas Markets
Dec 16–23 | Nuremberg → Frankfurt
Germany at its most festive, including legendary Nuremberg.
4. Tauck — Christmas Markets Along the Danube
Dec 15–22 | Nuremberg → Vienna
Seven nights of markets, medieval towns & Austrian Christmas charm.
5. Scenic — Rhine Christmas Markets
Dec 9–16 | Amsterdam → Zurich
Amsterdam, Cologne, Strasbourg & the Rhine Gorge.
6. Emerald — Christmas Markets on the Danube
Dec 16–23 | Munich → Budapest
A festive journey through Bavaria, Austria & Hungary.
7. Scenic — Christmas Markets
Nov 25–Dec 9 | Amsterdam → Budapest
A longer Christmas journey combining the Rhine & Danube.
8. Avalon — Christmastime in the Heart of Germany
Dec 6–11 | Frankfurt → Nuremberg
Würzburg, Bamberg & the famous Nuremberg Christmas Market.
9. Uniworld — Rhine Holiday Markets
Dec 2–9 | Basel → Cologne
Strasbourg, Koblenz, Cologne & some seriously beautiful Christmas scenery.
10. AmaWaterways — Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles
Dec 1–8 | Basel → Amsterdam
Christmas markets, Rhine castles & festive European towns.
✨ And here’s the thing: the “best” one really depends on what you want > iconic markets, luxury, itinerary, timing, budget or the easiest flights from Canada.
That’s where I come in. 😉
Save this for later… and if a European Christmas market cruise has been sitting on your bucket list, let’s talk.