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As early as mid-November, Christmas markets pop up in town squares across France, Germany, Austria, Hungary and other parts of Europe. Each market has its own traditions, flavours and festive charm. The best way to experience the variety of Christmas markets is taking a luxury river cruise on the Danube, Rhine, Main and Seine rivers which are the most popular waterways for Christmas market cruises. Leading river cruise brands like Avalon Waterways, Uniworld, Trafalgar, AMA Waterways, Viking & Nicko Cruises offer a range of Christmas market cruises. Read our blog to know more about what to expect on these cruises.
Beyond India's vast coastline, India's majestic rivers - the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus, Narmada, and Kaveri- flow across multiple states, nurturing civilizations and cultures along their banks. The Ganges and Brahmaputra, in particular, present extraordinary opportunities for river cruise tourism. Leading operators such as Assam Bengal Navigation and Antara Cruises offer world-class luxury river cruises, inviting travellers to discover India's rich history and vibrant culture through unforgettable journeys along these iconic waterways.
Pioneering river cruising in India since 2003, Assam Bengal Navigation (ABN) specialises in intimate journeys along the Brahmaputra and Ganges, aboard boutique vessels that bring travellers closer to the region’s landscapes, wildlife and culture. Guests get to experience India's authentic charm through guided excursions to wildlife sanctuaries, tea estates, and historical landmarks.
For the upcoming season, Assam Bengal Navigation offers 3- and 4-night sailings aboard ABN Charaidew II and ABN Sukapha to explore Assam, visiting Sualkuchi, Pobitora and Kaziranga. ABN Rajmahal traces the historic Hooghly on 3-night journeys, visiting Chandernagore, Kalna and Mayapur, offering glimpses of Bengal’s heritage and timeless river landscapes. Apart from showcasing the region's rich heritage & diverse wildlife, guests on ABN journeys get to visit the vibrant riverbank communities, and eat locally inspired cuisine onboard.
Click here for ABN’s winter sailings on the Ganges & the Brahmaputra
Founded in 2009, Antara Cruises offers intimate luxury journeys along India’s rivers, combining all-suite accommodation with a deeper exploration of the country’s heritage, culture and landscapes. With elegantly designed ships, refined hospitality, and gourmet dining featuring regional cuisine, each voyage blends comfort with cultural discovery.
This winter, you can choose the 3-night sailings aboard MV Bengal Ganga and MV Ganges Voyager sailing on the Hooghly, with visits to Bandel, Kalna, Mayapur and Chandernagore. Longer 7-night journeys delve further into Bengal, with itineraries featuring Fulia, Guptipara, Murshidabad and other historic towns, bringing together riverside heritage, traditional crafts and the timeless landscapes of eastern India.
Click here for Antara’s winter sailings on the Ganges
Avalon Waterways is known for its contemporary Suite Ships, spacious Panorama Suites and immersive river journeys that bring Europe’s landscapes, culture and cities closer. During the festive season, Avalon sets sail on enchanting Christmas cruises along the Danube, Rhine and Main, bringing travellers to beautifully decorated cities and storybook riverside towns. Discover the glow of Christmas markets in Vienna, Budapest, Strasbourg, Nuremberg and Cologne, with winter scenery and local traditions adding to the magic along the way.
Click here for Avalon’s Europe Christmas Market sailings
AmaWaterways is a leading river cruise line celebrated for its intimate ships, spacious staterooms, fine dining and destination-focused itineraries. For the Christmas season, its European sailings along the Danube and Rhine take on a special festive charm. Step into Vienna’s festive elegance, browse the markets of Nuremberg and Strasbourg, and discover Budapest and other beautifully decorated riverside cities, while seasonal celebrations, twinkling lights and the warmth of life onboard make the journey part of the holiday experience.
Click here for AMA’s Europe Christmas Market sailings
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises brings a five-star hotel experience to the world’s great rivers, with individually designed ships, fine dining and highly personalised service. Its Christmas collection takes travellers through some of Europe’s most atmospheric destinations, with 7 night sailings from Vienna to Nuremberg and Basel to Cologne. Explore the festive markets of Strasbourg, wander through Vienna and the Wachau Valley, and discover historic cities along the Rhine and Danube as Europe comes alive with Christmas spirit.
Click here for Uniworld’s Europe Christmas Market sailings
Viking River Cruises pairs elegant Scandinavian-inspired ships with thoughtful itineraries, regional cuisine and enriching experiences shaped around the destinations along the way. Its Christmas collection spans some of Europe’s most celebrated waterways, from 7-night Danube journeys between Budapest and Regensburg to longer voyages along the Rhine, Main and Moselle. Visit Vienna, Passau, Strasbourg, Nuremberg and other festive cities, with Christmas markets, winter scenery and centuries-old traditions unfolding at every stop.
Click here for Vikings’s Europe Christmas Market sailings
Nicko Cruises blends relaxed river cruising with comfortable ships, regional cuisine and a slower way of discovering Europe. Its Christmas sailings range from intimate 4-night Advent escapes to longer 5- to 7-night journeys along the Rhine, Danube and Main. Sail from Cologne or Frankfurt, follow the Danube from Passau through Vienna and Budapest, or explore Nuremberg and the Main, with festive markets, historic towns and the anticipation of Christmas woven into the journey, making every sailing a memorable way to experience Europe at its most festive.
Click here for Nicko’s Europe Christmas Market sailings