The Best Way To Visit Europe's Christmas Markets

Some of the most popular river cruise itineraries are those that make port stops at Europe's Christmas markets. Even though the magical season for visiting these markets is quite limited—generally extending from the last week in November through Christmas—the markets draw millions of people from around the globe each year.

Visitors get to see all the Instagram-worthy churches, buildings and shops adorned in their holiday finest. With the sounds of festive brass bands and choirs as a musical backdrop, they can purchase unique decorations and one-of-a-kind gifts from open-air stalls; taste and smell the aromas of local foods and drinks (like gingerbread, grilled sausages and hot mulled wine); and mingle with local craftsmen and fellow shoppers.

In many cities and towns across Europe, this colorful holiday tradition dates back to the Middle Ages. And while there are many commonalities across these historical markets, each seems to have a unique personality, reflecting local culture and its sense of place, which compels visitors to seek out more than one.

The river ship advantage

The biggest advantage of visiting these markets on a river ship (as opposed to a land tour) is that passengers get to stop in multiple cities (and sometimes in multiple countries) over the course of a week-long cruise without the hassles of making arrangements on their own. River cruisers don't need to book hotels and restaurants; arrange local transportation; or pack and unpack their suitcases at each city. Often, river ships dock close enough to the heart of Christmas market destinations that passengers can get to them on foot without having to negotiate trafficked roads.

The joyful holiday ambiance outside is also evident on board the ships with tasteful themed decorations, seasonal foods and spirits, holiday musical performances, cooking demonstrations and more.

Where and when

Cruises along the Danube and Rhine Rivers are among the most popular itineraries for Christmas market cruises. On the Danube, some highlights include the Vienna Christmas Markets that date back to 1298 and one of Germany's oldest Christmas fairs, the Nuremberg Christmas Market (Christkindlesmarkt). Rhine itineraries include visits to the Cologne Christmas Markets, the Heidelberg Christmas Market, Basel Christmas Market, and the Strasbourg Christmas Market with its 98-foot-tall tree.

If you are intrigued by the idea of taking one of these cruises, it isn’t too early to check 2019 itineraries now. Most river cruise lines offer Christmas market cruises.

“Christmas time is a wonderful time to cruise the rivers of Europe,” says cruise expert Stewart Chiron, aka The Cruise Guy. What about timing? When should someone book a cruise? “People should begin to consider these cruises a year in advance,” he says. Although last-minute opportunities may be available later on, there will be fewer choices to be had in terms of cabin types and sailing dates, he adds.

In a time-limited offer expiring on November 30, 2018, Viking (which operates more than 60 river vessels around the world) is offering special fares on select river cruise itineraries, which include Rhine Getaway and Danube Waltz sailings. The promotion includes airfares starting from $499 per person and $599, respectively. See more details on Viking Holiday River Cruises here.

A river cruise is the best way to visit Europe's festive, historic Christmas markets.