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I hope you’ve packed some self-control, because when it comes to shopping at the Christmas Markets in Europe you are going to need it.  Even those of us who aren’t big souvenir lovers can get swept up in the excitement of the collectible glühwein mug.  I even came home with two different adorable mugs as keepsakes. I’m a bit more restrained than my travel companion who had so many to fit in her bag, she resorted to stuffing socks in mugs and reworking all the laundry for packing just to be able to bring her dozen keepsake cups home from Europe! 

If wandering the cobblestone streets of a charming town with a steaming cup of glühwein sounds like a dream, then a Christmas market river cruise is definitely for you!  As a river cruise specialist, I’m sharing a few of the need-to-know tips if you are considering a river cruise, especially during the festive season.

Why a Christmas Market River Cruise is the Easiest Way to Explore Europe

There are many ways to explore Europe, and while these other methods aren’t wrong, I can tell you that river cruising will be the easiest and most stress free.  Your ship becomes not only your transportation, but also your cozy accommodation, and your comfortable dining room for the week. I personally sailed the Danube during the holiday season and gained a new perspective on the cities I’d visited before. One of the highlights was the Vienna Christmas Market which is lit up with its gorgeous and welcoming entry sign.  If you’ve seen pictures of the markets, you’ve no doubt seen this spectacular entrance. If Vienna is on your list, many of these sailings will offer an overnight in this magical city. To check out a few of these sailings in detail: click here.

What Is a Christmas Market River Cruise?

A Christmas Market or holiday sailing is different from the normal sailing in many ways. These operate during the festive season of late November through December, and are specially timed to allow guests time to access the markets during the day and the evening. The cruise ships are also decorated for the season and will offer a festive onboard environment. 

What River Is The Best For The Christmas Markets?

There is not one right answer for this as it depends on what cities you are most interested in seeing. Many cruises visit iconic cities while others focus on smaller towns and villages. This is exactly the kind of guest preference we’d discuss during our consultation so I can match you with the perfect itinerary.

A Few Important Tips to Keep In Mind:

Not to state the obvious, but Christmas Market River Cruising takes place during the winter months, there can be snow, rain and cold temperatures during your time abroad. Being prepared for the weather is the best way to not let the environment get in your way of a good time.  Packing warm layers, good walking shoes and hats and mittens will help you to manage just fine!  Keep in mind you will be spending most of your time touring outdoors, not only are the markets all outdoors but you’ll be taking walking tours, seeing the local architecture, and enjoying the good eats all while outside.

It’s also very important to choose your itinerary carefully. Many sailings will adjust their schedules during festive season to provide extra opportunities for visiting the markets and some will not at all. Choose your itinerary based on your interests and know that not all cruises during this time of year are the same. Some cruise itineraries won’t focus on Christmas markets at all, and if you choose the incorrect one you may miss out entirely. This is another reason having a specialist in your corner makes all the difference.

Top Reasons a Christmas Market River Cruise Is the Best Way to See Europe

As a river cruise specialist my goal is to help take all the guesswork out of the decisions of what cruise line to choose, what river you should sail and where you’ll go.  By partnering with me on these plans we’ll make sure to get the perfect river cruise experience for you!

One ship, multiple markets

You unpack once and wake up in a new city each day — no hauling luggage between hotels or navigating foreign train schedules.

Built-in flexibility for day and evening visits

Holiday sailings are timed specifically so you can visit the markets during peak hours including the magical evening atmosphere when everything is lit up.

All the logistics handled for you

Accommodation, dining, and transportation are all wrapped into one, leaving you free to focus on enjoying the experience.

A festive onboard atmosphere

The ship itself is decorated for the season, so the holiday spirit follows you from port to port, not just at the markets.

Expert guidance before you book

As a river cruise specialist, I help you choose the right cruise line, the right river, and the right itinerary, so nothing is left to chance.

Ready to start planning your Christmas market river cruise?

As a river cruise specialist, my goal is to take all the guesswork out of the decisions. I’ll help you with which cruise line to choose, which river to sail, and where you’ll go. Let’s work together to create the perfect festive river cruise experience for you. Connect with me to schedule your consultation.