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European Christmas market river cruises
Experience the magic of Christmas on a European Christmas market river cruise and sail from just £1,895pp in 2026.
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.
2026 Featured Cruises
Amsterdam to Budapest
15 Days
SEASON: 2026Christmas Markets of Europe
Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises
From
GBP
£5,059*
Basel to Amsterdam
8 Days
SEASON: 2026Christmas Markets on the Rhine
Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises
From
GBP
£2,324*
Paris to Prague
21 Days
SEASON: 2026Prague 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: 2025Christmas Markets of Europe
Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises
From
GBP
£5,935*
Prague to Paris
21 Days
SEASON: 2025Prague 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.
2026 Featured Cruises
Budapest to Munich
8 Days
SEASON: 2026Christmas Markets on the Danube
Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises
From
GBP
£2,508*
Budapest to Vienna
5 Days
SEASON: 2026Christmas time on the Danube
Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises
From
GBP
£1,996*
Vienna to Budapest
7 Days
SEASON: 2026Christmas 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: 2025Christmas 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.
2026 Featured Cruises
Amsterdam to Budapest
15 Days
SEASON: 2026Christmas Markets of Europe
Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises
From
GBP
£5,059*
Budapest to Vienna
5 Days
SEASON: 2026Christmas time on the Danube
Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises
From
GBP
£1,996*
Vienna to Budapest
7 Days
SEASON: 2026Christmas 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: 2025Christmas 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.
Your guide to Europe river cruising
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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.
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