12 reasons to take a Christmas river cruise in Europe this season

Strolling the Christmas markets of Europe, a warm mug of mulled wine in hand, is a dream trip for holiday revelers. A festive swirl of holiday cheer awaits, eager to tickle the senses. From artisan crafts on display in rows of stalls adorned with garland and holly to the scent of spiced nuts and warm gingerbread hanging in the air—it’s enough to turn the grouchiest of Grinches into a warm-hearted reveler. Now imagine hopping from market to market in some of Europe’s most charming cities by way of river cruise.

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My mother and I turned this dream vacation into a reality by booking a trip with Viking Cruises for Christmas market season, which runs late November until December 24. This trip remains one of our most cherished mother-daughter memories and confirmed for me why no Christmas market in America fully captures the holiday magic of those found in Europe. (Keep in mind: Some of these markets date back to the 13th century, so it’s a holiday traditionwith strong roots.)

The trip also taught me that we made a wise move—a very wise move—by joining a river cruise. At the time, I thought it was the “practical” option for us. My mother has a disability, and cruise vacations tend to service her best. The benefits, however, extend well beyond this.

Here are 12 reasons to join a river cruise during Europe’s Christmas market season. With some early planning (it’s best to book these holiday river cruises 6 months to one year in advance), you, too, can experience the wonder and magic of Christmas in Europe.

1. See multiple markets in one trip

Why pick just one? European river cruises string multiple towns into one itinerary. This means that you will experience many markets over the course of a single journey, as each town typically boasts at least one. 

Down the Danube River

2. River cruises stop in diverse destinations

With a river cruise itinerary, you’ll experience grand European cities such as Vienna and Budapest, along with quaint villages such as Stradbourg and Passau. And with each stop, no two markets are the same. Myfavorite observation was the varied twist on the Glühwein, or mulled wine, across each market—both the wine and the beautifully decorated ceramic mugs in which the wine was served (great souvenirs!) were unique to each market. Just be sure to pick a river itinerary that includes your must-see markets. Popular rivers include the Danube (flows through 10 countries including Germany, Austria and Hungary) and the Rhine (flows through six countries including France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland).

3. Access to each port town is crazy good

The ships are significantly smaller than the average cruise ship you’ll find sailing the ocean. (My Viking longboard ship accommodated fewer than 200 passengers.) This intimate size is what enables them to sail European rivers that wind through the heart of cities and countrysides. It also means that ships can often dock right in the middle of each port town, making walking to most Christmas markets easy.

4. Unpack once

The ship serves as a floating hotel. Your cabin is your “hotel room” for the entire journey. If you were to DIY a trip bundling in multiple market cities, it would involve packing/unpacking, checking in/checking out and coordinating extra travel between destinations. No, thank you. Save that running around for exploring the markets.

5. It’s an all-inclusive experience

If you tried to book individual hotels and transport yourself, it would likely cost a lot more. (Not to mention, be a logistical headache.) Pay one price and have your itinerary, accommodations, meals and most activities covered with river cruise experts such as Viking Cruises, Uniworld, Ama Waterways, Avalon Waterways or Crystal Cruises.

6. Fellow travelers are filled with holiday cheer

You’ll be surrounded by like-minded travelers in the Christmas spirit. Go ahead and sing “Jingle Bells” at dinner while aboard the ship, and watch people put down their forks to join you.

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7. You’ll never go hungry

Between the meals on the ship, which include holiday accents such as Glühwein (mulled wine) and Lebkuchen (gingerbread), and spontaneously feasting on the local delicacies at the Christmas markets, you won’t have to make a single reservation.

Flickr CC: Gail Frederick

8.The ship is decked out in the holiday spirit

Ships are specially decorated with the season in mind, which keeps the festive mood going nonstop. I loved returning to our ship after exploring a port and seeing the giant, bedazzled Christmas tree in the main lobby.

9. <spanstyle=”font-weight: 400;”>Enjoy onboard holiday-themed activities and entertainment

From watching local musical performances to baking gingerbread cookies with onboard pastry chefs to decorating the ship’s Christmas tree, plenty of holiday-themed opportunities await. While our ship was sailing to a new port, my mom and I spent an afternoon making handmade ornaments together in a special class offered to passengers. It’s one of my favorite memories from our voyage.

10. Escorted shore excursions add extra spice

Most shore excursions are included in the price. Although you’re free to blow them off to explore the town and markets on your own, it’s worth taking advantage of them to learn about the history, the architecture and culture of each town from local guides. Because it’s the holiday season, these walking tours often wind through the Christmas markets—where you can get tips from your local guide on where to get the best items—and include some special surprises. For instance, while in Passau, I got to participate in a demonstration of how gingerbread is made at a local bakery, alongside the entertaining owner-chef.

11.  Onboard experts are ready with stellar advice

Everyone who works on the ship can serve as an in-the-know concierge, from the actual concierge to the bartenders to the waitstaff. They’ll tell you what to shop for at each market and which delicacies you absolutely, positively need to sample. They’ll also help you with recovery after you’ve indulged in all of this. While in Budapest, I wanted to experience a traditional Hungarian bath after a long day exploring the city’s Christmas market—and the Viking team hooked me up with a fabulous recommendation, complete with meticulous directions and instructions (written in Hungarian), so that I’d have a stress-free evening.

Down the Rhine

12. Float past the best of Europe during the most festive time of year

Watch the sweeping landscape from the comfort of the ship. To your right and left, you’ll be wowed by the ancient castles, historic churches and colorful hamlets nestled amidst the rolling hills and vineyards—all of which are adorned with the romance that comes with Christmastime. Thebest gift was getting to spend hours on the ship deck with my mother, both of us feasting our eyes on the splendor that is Europe in Christmas, without saying a word or lifting a finger.

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Tagged: Christmas Travel Ideas, Cruise, Europe