Five of the Best Christmas Markets You Can Visit on a Cruise

• Festive Magic: Immerse yourself in the scent of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and pine needles at Europe's most beautiful markets.

• Convenient Travel: Forget the hassle of airport queues and packing limits - sail directly to the heart of the festive season.

• Multiple Destinations: Why settle for one market? On a cruise, you can explore a new winter wonderland every single day.

A visit to a Christmas market is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit. Think twinkling lights, handcrafted gifts, and the warming glow of glühwein in a commemorative mug.

While a city break usually limits you to just one location, booking a Christmas market cruise allows you to tick off several magical destinations in a single holiday.

From the fairytale squares of Vienna to the hygge-filled streets of Copenhagen, your ship is your comfortable sleigh ride between them all.

Read on to discover how to explore these winter wonderlands by sea and find out which markets should be at the top of your wish list.

How to See Christmas Markets by Cruise

The great news is that many of Europe's best festive markets are located on major rivers or near the coast of Northern Europe, making them incredibly accessible by ship.

Ocean Cruises

Ocean cruises are perfect for visiting the grand coastal cities of Northern Europe. Sailing from UK ports like Southampton or Newcastle, you can cross the North Sea to visit:

• Belgium & Netherlands: Zeebrugge (for Bruges), Amsterdam, and Rotterdam.

• Germany: Hamburg and Bremerhaven (for Bremen).

• Scandinavia: Copenhagen, Gothenburg, and Oslo.

River Cruises

River cruises offer a more intimate experience that takes you right into the heart of the Old Towns, river cruising is unbeatable.

• The Rhine: Visit Cologne, Rüdesheim, and Strasbourg (the "Capital of Christmas").

• The Danube: Sail to the imperial cities of Budapest, Vienna, and Bratislava.

Most Christmas market cruises run from late November through to the New Year.

5 of the Best European Christmas Markets

There are dozens to choose from, but here are five that consistently top the polls for atmosphere, food, and festive cheer.

1. Budapest, Hungary

Best for: Spectacular Light Shows

Budapest is often cited as the most beautiful market in Europe. When the magnificent St. Stephen's Basilica and the surrounding city squares are illuminated, the view is simply breathtaking.

• The Vibe: The ‘Advent Feast at the Basilica’ features a spectacular 12-metre-high Christmas tree and a dedicated ice-skating rink.

• Don't Miss: The nightly 3D light shows projected onto the front of the Basilica itself—it is a spellbinding experience.

• Cruise It: Emerald Cruises offers itineraries sailing the Danube that stop here, often combining it with other gems like Bratislava and Vienna.

2. Vienna, Austria

Best for: Traditional Romance

Vienna is renowned for art and culture year-round, but at Christmas, it transforms into a fairytale.

• The Vibe: The 'Vienna Magic of Advent' turns City Hall Square (Rathausplatz) into a glowing wonderland. The surrounding park trees are draped in lights, and the air is thick with the smell of punch and gingerbread.

• Don't Miss: The "Tree of Hearts" and the classic carousel, which delights children and adults alike.

• Cruise It: River lines like Riviera Travel and Avalon Waterways offer dedicated Danube cruises that feature overnight stays in Vienna, giving you time to see the lights at night.

3. Basel, Switzerland

Best for: Foodies and Scale

Basel hosts Switzerland's largest and arguably prettiest Christmas market.

• The Vibe: Held in the historic Old Town on Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, the market attracts visitors from all over the world. The rustic wooden chalets are individually decorated with great care, often competing for the award of "best stall."

• Don't Miss: The famous Basel Läckerli (a type of gingerbread) and the stunning views over the Rhine River from the Pfalz terrace.

• Cruise It: Avalon Waterways offers itineraries that start or end in Basel, often visiting German favourites like Heidelberg and Cologne along the way.

4. Bruges, Belgium

Best for: Chocolate and Charm

Belgium is already the home of waffles and chocolate, so adding Christmas to the mix creates a truly indulgent experience.

• The Vibe: The market in the Grote Markt is wonderfully romantic. The medieval bell tower overlooks wooden chalets selling Belgian beers, artisan cheeses, and handmade gifts.

• Don't Miss: The ice rink in the centre of the square, where you can watch skaters swish by while you warm your hands on a hot chocolate.

• Cruise It: P&O Cruises and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offer short "festive breaks" from Southampton that call at Zeebrugge, giving you a full day to explore Bruges.

5. Copenhagen, Denmark

Best for: Nordic 'Hygge'

If you want to understand the Danish concept of hygge (cosiness and comfort), visit Copenhagen in December.

• The Vibe: The highlight is Tivoli Gardens. This historic amusement park is transformed with thousands of glittering lights and fake snow. The sixty wooden cabins here don't just sell plastic trinkets; they offer high-quality Nordic crafts and design.

• Don't Miss: Sampling Aebleskiver (pancake balls served with jam and sugar) and Gløgg (mulled wine with almonds and raisins).

• Cruise It: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offers itineraries that sail deep into the Baltic, stopping at Copenhagen and often combining it with other German markets.

Ready to start your festive countdown?

Whether you want to sip spiced wine on the Danube or shop for handmade gifts in Bruges, we can help you find the perfect winter escape.

To book a European Christmas market cruise, please get in touch with our cruise specialists today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the best time to book?

Christmas market cruises are incredibly popular and often have limited capacity (especially river ships).

It is best to book 9-12 months in advance to secure your preferred cabin and itinerary.

2. What clothes should I pack?

Layers are essential. You will be walking outdoors in freezing temperatures, but shops and the ship will be warm. Essential items include:

• A thick, waterproof coat.

• Thermal layers.

• Comfortable, flat boots with good grip (cobblestones can be slippery).

• Hat, scarf, and gloves.

3. Are the markets open on Christmas Day?

Generally, no. Most European Christmas markets close either on Christmas Eve (24th December) or a day or two before.

If you are booking a cruise that sails over Christmas Day, the markets will likely be finished, so check the dates carefully if the markets are your main priority.