Have questions? We're here.
Enjoy a cozy Christmas Market in Frankfurt

Christmas Market Visits & Tours

Travel made your way
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
The Christmas Markets of Europe date back centuries, and these seasonal Christmas Market river cruises along the Rhine and Danube Rivers are the perfect way to experience them. Enjoy all kinds of Christmas cuisine served fresh on the cobblestone streets of the central European Old Towns, where bustling markets line the squares with vendors selling their handicrafts. Offered exclusively in November and December in the months leading up to Christmas, if you don't mind the chillier temperatures of Europe in the early winter, then many say this is the best time of year to see the local culture, customs, and traditions. Let us know when you're ready to start planning your Christmas Market adventure!

7 Best Christmas Markets in Europe

Top Christmas Tours in Europe

10Best Christmas Markets on the Danube River for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Danube Christmas Markets $10,790 8 Nov 30, 2026 Join an 8-day cruise from Budapest to Munich on the Scenic Amber, where you can experience enchanting Christmas markets along the Danube River. Enjoy exclusive events, such as a private concert at the historic Palais Liechtenstein, while soaking in Central Europe's rich history and festive spirit.
0
Danube Christmas Markets $10,790 8 Dec 07, 2026 Experience an 8-day Danube River cruise from Munich to Budapest aboard the Scenic Amber, exploring enchanting Christmas markets and local traditions. Enjoy exclusive events and guided tours that showcase Central Europe's cultural heritage during the festive season.
0
Danube Holiday Markets $4,199 8 Dec 02, 2025 Experience the Danube Holiday Markets on this 8-day river cruise from Budapest to Passau aboard the S.S. Maria Theresa. Music lovers enjoy special holiday treats, from onboard caroling to an exclusive organ recital. Shoppers delight in picking out unique gifts at Christmas markets in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Melk, Salzburg, and Passau.
0
Iconic Christmas Markets - Cruise Only $4,139 8 Dec 13, 2025 Travel back through centuries as you walk along cobblestone streets through grand cities and historic towns bedecked with twinkling Christmas trees and lined with wooden huts gleaming with handcrafted treasures. Enjoy an 8-day cruise of Iconic Christmas Markets aboard MS Amalea!
0
Iconic Christmas Markets - Cruise Only $3,939 8 Nov 26, 2025 Enjoy the Iconic Christmas Markets on this 8-day journey along the Danube River aboard the MS Amasota. Travel back through centuries as you walk along cobblestone streets through grand cities and historic towns bedecked with twinkling Christmas trees and lined with wooden huts gleaming with handcrafted treasures.
0
Christmas Markets on the Danube $5,114 11 Nov 28, 2025 Board the MS Amabella for this unique 11-day adventure visiting some of Europe's most enchanting Christmas Markets on the scenic Danube River route from Nuremberg to Budapest. Spend 2 nights in Prague, Czech Republic before departing toward historic German towns like Regensburg and Passau, and Austrian towns of Melk and Vienna.
0
Iconic Christmas Markets - Cruise Only $3,939 8 Nov 26, 2025 Experience an 8-day cruise on the MS Amareina, visiting charming towns and stunning cities adorned with Christmas decorations. Enjoy festive markets in Nuremberg, Regensburg, Vienna, and Budapest, filled with handmade crafts, mulled wine, and holiday delights.
0
Christmas on the Danube $2,799 8 Dec 09, 2025 Discover the wonders of Hungary, Austria, and Germany on an 8-day Christmas on the Danube cruise. Explore grand cities, medieval towns, & quaint villages, & enjoy the lively festivities of three countries. Experience the holiday atmosphere of Budapest's Christmas markets, Vienna's delightful handmade decorations, and Regensburg's fairy-tale beauty.
0
Danube Christmas Delights $2,799 8 Dec 02, 2025 Embark on an 8-day Danube Christmas Delights cruise aboard Viking Cruises. Explore Budapest's art nouveau beauty and Christmas markets. Experience winter wonderlands in Bratislava and Vienna. Sail through Wachau Valley's vineyards. Discover Linz's baroque charm and enjoy Linzer Torte. Explore Passau's history at the river confluence.
0
Grand Christmas & New Year's $7,899 13 Dec 22, 2025 Celebrate the holiday season on a 13-day river cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest aboard the S.S. Beatrice. Immerse yourself in festive Christmas markets, charming medieval towns, and iconic cities along the Danube River. Savor mulled wine, traditional gingerbread, and local delicacies as you journey through Germany, Austria, and Hungary.
0

Top 10 Christmas Markets on the Rhine River for 2025-2026

European Christmas Markets Travel Guide

The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets

Vibrant Christmas markets capture the holiday season's pleasure, merriment, and spirit of giving. Take a look at these must-see marketplaces from across the world to get into the festive mood this year.
  • Christmas Market in Vienna (Vienna, Austria)
  • Christkindlesmarkt in Salzburg (Salzburg, Austria)
  • Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg (Nurmeburg, Germany)
  • Christmas Market in Cologne (Cologne, Germany)
  • Christmas Market in Tallinn (Tallinn, Estonia)
  • Winter Wonders in Brussels (Brussels, Belgium)
  • Strasbourg's Advent Market (Strasbourg, France)
  • Basel Christkindlmarkt (Basel, Switzerland)
Highlights of the Christmas Markets
These exclusive tours come but once a year, just before the Christmas holiday. Temperatures aren't quite freezing, but don't expect a warm summer holiday either. That's the price you pay to witness and explore one of Europe's most ancient traditions - the Christmas Markets.

Primarily situated along the Danube River and a scattered also along the Rhine, small towns and big cities alike bring their squares and plazas into vibrant colors as they recognize this age-old holiday event. 

Here's what to look for:
  • Hot food and drinks - prepared in traditional ways, this is one of the best times to get a taste of the true flavor of central Europe.
  • Handmade souvenirs, like ornaments, toys, and artisanal goods.
  • Singing, dancing, and cultural celebrations on every corner. 

Christmas Market Traveler Stories

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By