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Christmas Markets Holidays

Celebrate the festive season this year on one of 117 uniquely tailored tours & river cruises showcasing Europe's renowned Christmas Markets. Take a river cruise along the Danube and the Rhine to soak up the culture of Europe’s historic Christmas Markets in quaint town centres and palace squares, filled with modern and traditional stalls and the aroma of mulled wine and Christmas baking.

Popular Tours View all

Alpine Christmas Markets

9 Days Munich to Zurich

Operator: Insight Vacations

From 3,454

Save 88

Alpine Christmas Markets (Small Group)

9 Days Munich to Zurich

Operator: Insight Vacations

From 4,013

Save 98

Christmastime from Basel to Nuremberg with Pragu...

12 Days Basel to Prague

Operator: Avalon River Cruises

From 7,542

Save 770

Danube Holiday Markets

8 Days Passau to Budapest

Operator: Uniworld River Cruises

From 5,591

Save 118

Discover Must do highlights on a tour of Europe's Christmas Markets

Rothenburg and the Romantic Road

Visit picturesque Rothenburg on the Romantic Road with cobblestoned streets, and alleyways filled with quaint Christmas Markets stalls. The Christmas Shop is famous for its stunning displays.

Christmas Market River Cruise

River cruise along Europe's mighty rivers, crossing up to five countries, stopping along the way to enjoy the colourful Christmas markets, from Budapest to Paris.

Vienna's Christmas Dream Market

There are many Christmas markets in Vienna but the Vienna Christmas Dream Market, in front of the City Hall, offers an unforgettable winter festive scene.

Warm Christmas Treats

Roasted chestnuts, mulled wine or steaming hot chocolate; decorative cookies and pastries, warm and fresh from the bakery. Sample each region's unique festive specialities as you explore the Christmas Markets for trinkets and trimmings for your tree.

Strasbourg, France

Take a walking tour of the Christkindlmarkt, host to 300 wooden stalls that light up the heart of the World heritage-listed Grande Île. Fairly lights and Christmas cheer light up this ever popular French Christmas market.

Recent Reviews What our clients are saying about their European Christmas Market tours

Our first river cruise experience was nothing but AMAZING! Zyra & Ryrenn Joseph, WA, Australia, Dec 2022

We would like to thank Toni our travel advisor at Global Journeys & the rest of the Avalon Tranquility 2 crew for making our holiday cruise getaway a memorable and relaxing experience. From getting in touch with yourself to enquire at first, to sorting out our trip, I couldn’t believe how easy everything was.

Onboard the cruise, EVERY crew member ...read more

Christmas Markets on the Rhine Angela & Michael, Christchurch, New Zealand, Dec 2022

We made new friends and took home many wonderful memories. From the hotel on arrival in Amsterdam to the hotel at the end in Basel, the whole trip was supremely organized. The crew onboard were very good at their job and clearly enjoyed what they do. Nothing was a problem and the smaller number on board a river boat meant we could be alone if we wanted ...read more

Christmas Markets Diane, QLD, Australia, Nov 2022

Had snow in Heidelberg which was nice to see. Trip went well, my only issue was that it was actually 3 cruises in one which I was unaware of. First leg to Nuremberg, got to know everyone on board but then 90% of passengers and the tour director disembarked and another lot of people came on board. This meant we were docked in Nuremberg for 3 days which ...read more

An excellent trip with some fantastic sites Nick, NSW, Australia, Nov 2022

The trip was excellent in terms of the locations visited. The markets were great to see but can get rather repetitive after the second or third one. One downside is that there isn't much time for exploring the other sites in the cities. To make the most of the journey I would recommend planning some additional sites to see yourself at each of the d ...read more

Explore More Your guide to travelling

18 June, 2018
7 Festive Foods to Enjoy at the European Christmas Markets
Indulging in rich and delicious food and drink is a quintessential part of the experience when you visit traditional European Christmas Markets. Truth be known, it is the coldest time of year in Europe and when you come from the Southern Hemisphere you will be feeling it. Layered clothing and...

15 June, 2018
Explore Six Festive European Christmas Markets with Albatross
If you are travelling to Europe over the festive season you need to visit to one of the beautiful Christmas Markets. The Christmas Market tradition dates back to the middle ages, and are an important event on the European festive season calendar for locals in current times too. Enjoy An...