Discover the Christmas markets of Europe on a 2026 luxury river cruise from just £1,895pp.

Breathe in the scent of gingerbread, sip warm mulled wine, and enjoy carols beneath twinkling lights on a Christmas markets cruise through Europe’s timeless festive traditions. Discover the magic of a Christmas market cruise, and celebrate Yuletide as the Germans, Austrians and Hungarians do.

Take advantage of our Festive Sale Event and book your 2026 Christmas river cruise today and save up to £550pp with free drinks# or €200 on board credit# per couple. Plus, receive a luxurious Fortnum & Mason hamper to begin your journey in style.

Call 0161 768 7906 and quote FESTIVE25 before 17th December 2025 to guarantee your preferred sailing. 

German Christmas markets

Idyllic Christmas markets effortlessly transform the postcard-worthy towns and cities of Germany into a winter wonderland of quaint wooden stalls, twinkling lights, and festive treats.
Christmas Market stall with hanging gingerbread Christmas Market stall with hanging gingerbread

2026 Featured Cruises

Amsterdam to Budapest

15 Days

SEASON: 2026

Christmas Markets of Europe

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

From
GBP
£5,059*
Basel to Amsterdam

8 Days

SEASON: 2026

Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

From
GBP
£2,324*
Paris to Prague

21 Days

SEASON: 2026

Prague to Paris & Christmas Markets of Europe

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

From
GBP
£6,170*

2025 Featured Cruises

Amsterdam to Budapest

15 Days

SEASON: 2025

Christmas Markets of Europe

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

From
GBP
£5,935*
Prague to Paris

21 Days

SEASON: 2025

Prague to Paris & Christmas Markets of Europe

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

From
GBP
£7,480*

Budapest Christmas markets

The Hungarian capital comes to life with the twinkling of lights, market stalls, and general festivities in December. There’s something undeniably magical about the setting of Budapest’s Christmas markets, set in front of the grand St. Stephen’s Basilica.
Christmas market at Saint Stephen Basilica square in the centre of Budapest, Hungary Christmas market at Saint Stephen Basilica square in the centre of Budapest, Hungary

2026 Featured Cruises

Budapest to Munich

8 Days

SEASON: 2026

Christmas Markets on the Danube

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

From
GBP
£2,508*
Budapest to Vienna

5 Days

SEASON: 2026

Christmas time on the Danube

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

From
GBP
£1,996*
Vienna to Budapest

7 Days

SEASON: 2026

Christmas Time on the Danube & Budapest

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

From
GBP
£2,828*

2025 Featured Cruises

Amsterdam to Budapest

15 Days

SEASON: 2025

Christmas Markets of Europe

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

From
GBP
£5,935*

Vienna Christmas markets 

During the festive season, Vienna's most charming squares transform into magical Christmas markets. The delightful aroma of Christmas cookies baking, hot punch, and roasted chestnuts allure many visitors this time of the year.
Christmas markets located in front of the Vienna City Hall Christmas markets located in front of the Vienna City Hall

2026 Featured Cruises

Amsterdam to Budapest

15 Days

SEASON: 2026

Christmas Markets of Europe

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

From
GBP
£5,059*
Budapest to Vienna

5 Days

SEASON: 2026

Christmas time on the Danube

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

From
GBP
£1,996*
Vienna to Budapest

7 Days

SEASON: 2026

Christmas Time on the Danube & Budapest

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

From
GBP
£2,828*

2025 Featured Cruises

Amsterdam to Budapest

15 Days

SEASON: 2025

Christmas Markets of Europe

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

From
GBP
£5,935*

France Christmas Markets

France glows with festive charm in December, as lights twinkle above bustling market stalls and seasonal celebrations fill the air. There’s something truly magical about exploring France’s Christmas traditions, from the enchanting markets of Lyon.
The old town of Colmar. Alsace in France decorated in sparkling Christmas lights and Christmas trees either side of  a cobbled street. The old town of Colmar. Alsace in France decorated in sparkling Christmas lights and Christmas trees either side of  a cobbled street.

Your guide to Europe river cruising

Start planning your extraordinary Emerald Cruises journey, details about river cruises and frequently asked questions. 


View Terms & Conditions
All our holidays are subject to availability. Prices are based on two people sharing our lowest available cabin grade. Offers applicable to new bookings only made between 17th June and 31st June 2025 and are valid when paying in full at time of booking. *Savings of up to 40% applies to 2025 and 2026 Danube river cruises. These offers available on selected Danube itineraries, departure dates and cabin grades. Discount is applicable to the cruise element only. ^Flights are up to a value of £500 per person dependent on itinerary and departure date. Flights may not be a direct service. If the required air fare exceeds the set credit amount, additional charges will apply. ~Free Premium Drinks Package applies to on board drinks only and includes soft drinks, juices, mocktails, non-alcoholic bottled beers, house red & white wine and a selection of draft beers, all by the glass. We reserve the right to withdraw offers and promotions at any time and only applicable to residents of the UK. Full booking conditions can be found at emeraldcruises.co.uk/terms-conditions. E&OE.