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Enjoy a cozy Christmas Market in Frankfurt

Christmas Market Visits & Tours

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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

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10 Best Christmas Markets on the Danube River for 2026-2027

Trip Name From Days Summary
Christmastime on the Danube (Westbound) $4,215 7 Enjoy centuries-old Christmas markets and historical landmarks on a 7-day Danube River cruise on the Avalon Impression from Vienna to Nuremberg. Taste Austria's tastiest holiday delicacies. Tour the beautiful 11th-century Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest monasteries. Discover Nuremberg's medieval castles and gothic churches.
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Iconic Christmas Markets - Cruise Only $4,749 8 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!
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Iconic Christmas Markets - Cruise Only $4,349 8 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.
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Iconic Christmas Markets - Cruise Only $4,249 8 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.
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Christmas Markets on the Danube $6,124 11 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.
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Danube Holiday Markets $4,599 8 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.
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Taking in 3 countries: The Danube and its traditions $1,346 5 Cruise along Danube River on this 5-day cruise aboard MS Vivaldi and explore the enchanting Christmas Markets in Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest!
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Christmas on the Danube $2,799 8 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.
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Danube Christmas Delights $2,799 8 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.
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European Holiday Markets $4,999 8 Experience an 8-day European Holiday Market cruise along the Danube River from Nuremberg to Vienna aboard the S.S. Beatrice. Discover festive cities and charming villages with holiday lights. Visit Nuremberg’s grand Christmas Market, the romantic Thurn and Taxis Castle market, and savor mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and handcrafted treasures.
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Top 10 Christmas Markets on the Rhine River for 2026-2027

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. 
Jenna Fedyschyn Adventure Life employee profile
Jenna F.

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