Cruise Europe’s Top 5 Christmas Markets

When it comes to embracing the festive season, few experiences rival a visit to Europe’s top Christmas markets. But what if you could enjoy these magical markets while gliding along some of Europe’s most picturesque rivers? Enter the enchanting world of Christmas market cruises—a perfect blend of cultural exploration, festive cheer, and the comfort of cruise travel.

Why Choose a Christmas Market Cruise?

Travelling by river cruise offers a unique way to explore Europe’s best Christmas markets without the stress of constant packing and unpacking, navigating busy roads, or trying to use local transportation. From the deck of your ship, enjoy panoramic views of snow-dusted villages, twinkling cityscapes, and historic landmarks. With river cruises often docking in the heart of the action, you’ll step off the boat and straight into the festive wonderland of a bustling Christmas market.

Beyond convenience, river cruises provide an intimate atmosphere with fewer passengers than ocean liners, making your journey all the more special. Add in the perks of fine dining, onboard entertainment, and shore excursions, and you’ve got a recipe for an unforgettable Christmas adventure.

Europe’s Best Christmas Markets Accessible by River Cruise

Ready to dive into the festive magic? Here’s our pick of the best Christmas markets in Europe that you can visit via a river cruise. From Christmas markets in France, to Christmas markets in Vienna and more:

1. Strasbourg, France – The Capital of Christmas

Known as the ‘Capital of Christmas,’ the Strasbourg Christmas market is one of the markets to visit as it’s one of the oldest and most famous in Europe. Nestled in the heart of Alsace, this market offers over 300 stalls filled with handcrafted ornaments, traditional French pastries, and mulled wine. A Rhine River cruise is the ideal way to explore this iconic France Christmas market, combining festive shopping with the charm of Strasbourg’s half-timbered houses. Put all this together and it’s a recipe for one of the top Christmas markets in Europe.

2. Vienna, Austria – A Fairytale Festive Dream

The Vienna Christmas market transforms the city into a dazzling winter wonderland. Located in front of the historic City Hall, this market boasts an array of beautifully lit stalls offering everything from gingerbread cookies to handcrafted gifts. Many Danube River cruises include a stop in Vienna, making it easy to experience one of the most magical Christmas markets in Austria. So, if you haven’t already, this Austria Christmas market is certainly one to tick off your list.

3. Budapest, Hungary – A Blend of Tradition and Glamour

The Budapest Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square is a must-visit for anyone seeking festive magic with a touch of Hungarian tradition. Indulge in chimney cakes, local crafts, festive atmosphere, and live music. A stop in Budapest is a fairy tale highlight of any Danube River cruise, ensuring you experience the charm of this Christmas market in Budapest firsthand.

4. Cologne, Germany – A Festive Riverside Delight

The Cologne Christmas market offers a stunning riverside setting beneath the shadow of the majestic Cologne Cathedral. With beautiful Christmas markets spread throughout the city, including a maritime-themed market by the Rhine, there’s something for everyone. A Rhine River cruise is a fantastic way to take in the festive charm of this Cologne Germany Christmas market.

5. Prague, Czech Republic – The Quintessential Christmas Fairytale

While not directly on a river cruise route, many Danube cruise packages offer excursions to the Prague Christmas market, renowned for its Old Town Square setting. Enjoy a glass of traditional Czech mead while browsing the vibrant stalls at this iconic Christmas market in Prague, Czech Republic. Take in the incredible Christmas decorations on show, browse the arts and crafts in the stalls, and soak in this unbelievable European Christmas market.

Travel Insurance for Cruises: Peace of Mind for Your Festive Escape

Before setting off on your adventure to one or more of these festive markets, don’t forget to secure appropriate travel insurance for cruising. With our policies, you can enjoy travel insurance for cruises, including cover for missed ports of call, cabin confinement, and more. Whether it’s your first Christmas market cruise or a seasoned journey, having travel insurance with cruise cover ensures peace of mind from start to finish, allowing you to cruise to Christmas markets worry free.

Cruise Travel Insurance with Able2Travel

At Able2Travel, we specialise in providing Travel Insurance for people with pre-existing medical conditions at competitive prices. Our policies also offer optional cruise cover for cruise related events such as unused shore excursions and cabin confinement, providing you with extra peace of mind on your next cruise.

With Able2Travel, you can enjoy the following benefits and limits are per person:

• Emergency Medical Expenses Cover - up to £10,000,000
• Trip Cancellation - up to £5,000
• Trip Interruption - up to £5,000
• Baggage Cover - up to £3,000
• Travel Delay & Missed Departure - up to £1,000

And much more…

For the love of travel, choose Able2Travel.

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The Magic Awaits

A Christmas market cruise is more than just a holiday; it’s a journey into the heart of Europe’s festive traditions. From the twinkling lights of Vienna to the aromatic delights of Strasbourg, France Christmas market, these markets offer something for everyone. So, pack your scarves, sip some mulled wine, and let the magic of Europe’s top Christmas markets unfold around you.

Don’t forget to prepare for your trip with travel insurance for a cruise holiday—because your peace of mind is the perfect gift to yourself this season.

This article is for information and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute advice in any way. The information provided here is correct at the time of writing however please check the latest policy wording for the latest terms, conditions, and exclusions.