Christmas Markets River Cruise: 6 Magical Destinations

A Christmas markets river cruise might just be the purest form of holiday celebration in the world. Cruisers on these voyages get to experience everything that makes Christmas magical, from fresh baked treats to artisanal crafts, all while being enchanted by holiday music and nostalgic decorations. Besides, many of the destinations that these cruises voyage to have been celebrating Christmas longer than the US has even existed, so there is no Christmas experience more authentic. If you are thinking of celebrating Christmas with one of these enchanting voyages, then read on as we review a few of our favorite Christmas market cruise destinations.

Germany’s Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt

The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg is a historic Christmas market dating back to the 16th century, making it an obvious choice for a Christmas market cruise. As you approach, you’ll be greeted by iconic red-and-white stalls decked out in holiday decorations and strings of Christmas lights, with the scents of Nuremberg sausages, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts wafting in the air. If you arrive for the opening ceremony, you may also get to meet Christkind, the market’s official representative, draped in gold and wearing a majestic crown. While you browse through the shops full of handmade toys, ornaments, and other artisanal goods, don’t forget to grab a glass of traditional Nuremberg mulled wine, a must for any visit to the Christkindlesmarkt!

Austrian Elegance in Vienna

If you take a Christmas markets river cruise to Vienna, you will experience a new level of opulent festivities that will leave you in awe. With the bright lights of the Vienna City Hall illuminating the night sky above it, the Rathausplatz Christmas Market is something to behold. It features handcrafted gifts like wooden toys and glass ornaments, cultural programs including carolers and festive performances, and a signature spiced wine called Austrian Glühwein. At the center of the square, a towering Christmas tree completes the experience with thousands of twinkling white Christmas lights.

Magical Strasbourg, France

Up next on our list of Christmas market cruises, Strasbourg is often called the “Capital of Christmas” in France thanks in large part to the enchanting and magical atmosphere of its Christmas market. The La Petite France district takes on new life during the holiday season, with festive decorations, a light and sound show projected onto the façade Strasbourg Cathedral, and a towering Christmas tree at Place Kléber. The city’s historic half-timbered houses never look better than when they are draped in Christmas lights. Along with unique Alsatian crafts and decorations, they offer local delights like bretzels and choucroute garnie, with vin chaud as their signature mulled wine.

Budapest’s Winter Wonderland

Budapest’s holiday cheer permeates all across the city’s streets, from Vörösmarty Square’s Advent Market, where a festive stage hosts live performances, to St. Stephen’s Basilica, the  largest Christmas market in the city. The iconic old-world architecture is the perfect backdrop for any Christmas market river cruise, with façades that are lit by strings of lights and adorned with adorable decorations. Enjoy Hungarian specialties like chimney cake and kürtőskalács while you sip on forralt bor, a warm spiced wine. Stall after stall sell handcrafted ornaments and gifts lovingly made by the locals and ready to be added to your Christmas collection.

Czech Christmas Traditions in Prague

A Christmas market cruise in Prague will give you the opportunity to experience the rich holiday traditions of the Czech Republic. At Prague’s Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, sample their signature treats like the sweet pastries called trdelník and their mulled wine, svarak. As you shop for handcrafted Czech glass ornaments, wooden toys, and Bohemian crystals, enjoy the soothing melodies of carolers and street musicians all throughout the market. Participate in local customs like the casting of molten lead to predict the future, and be sure to check out the historic Astronomical Clock, which is the site of a special Christmas performance.

Rhine River’s Festive Magic

For our final Christmas markets river cruise destination, we have the Rhine River in all its festive glory. Festive markets are held in charming towns along the river, waiting to be visited one after the other. Each town has something different to offer, from the shops along the Drosselgasse in Rüdesheim, to the picturesque Christmas market in Koblenz, or the magnificent cathedral in Cologne. Enjoy the festivities on board while you sail from town to town, sampling local treats at each stop from gingerbread to glühwein. If you want the complete Christmas markets river cruise experience, this is the cruise for you!

To book your own Christmas markets river cruise, visit Cruises.com for the largest selection of cruise line deals — we can help you book the smart way! We give you our exclusive bonus offers and all qualifying cruise line offers, plus all of the cruise line loyalty program benefits. Book online at Cruises.com or call 800-288-6006 today.

Related: Holiday Cruise Destinations: 6 Destinations for a Festive Vacation