The Best Way to Visit Europe’s Christmas Markets

When travelers ask, “What is the best way to visit Europe’s Christmas markets?” our travel agency consistently recommends an AmaWaterways holiday itinerary. These festive sailings combine the comfort of a luxury river cruise with the charm of Europe’s most beloved holiday destinations, inviting you to settle in once and enjoy the journey as you explore multiple Christmas markets across Germany, Austria, Hungary, France and beyond.

Discover the Magic of the Season, On Board and Ashore

AmaWaterways’ award-winning ships embrace the holiday spirit from the moment you board. Twinkling décor, classic holiday music and festive activities create a warm atmosphere throughout the cruise, while attentive crew members deliver the personalized service the brand is known for. Ships dock close to city centers, making it easy to step off and wander festive squares lined with lights, handcrafted gifts and mulled wine stalls.

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Chef's Table

Enjoy a Personalized Holiday Cruise Experience

Hosting an average of just 156 guests, AmaWaterways’ smaller ships create an intimate atmosphere perfect for the holiday season. On board, travelers enjoy spacious accommodations, wellness activities and regionally inspired dining that reflects the destinations visited along the journey, from Austrian pastries and German comfort foods to curated wines and specialty dining at The Chef’s Table.

Beyond the ship, AmaWaterways includes up to six onshore experiences each day, giving guests more ways to experience Europe in an immersive and meaningful way, from guided market visits to wine tastings, active experiences and historic tours led by local experts.

Why book your AmaWaterways river cruise with our agency?

Europe’s Christmas markets feel even more magical when experienced from the comfort of an AmaWaterways river cruise. From festive cities and scenic river sailings to award-winning dining and immersive cultural experiences, these holiday itineraries offer one of the most memorable ways to celebrate the season.

Our travel advisors specialize in these sailings. We can help you navigate itinerary choices, cabin categories, airfare planning and seasonal promotions. Book now and you’ll receive a complimentary land package or up to $3,000 savings per stateroom on select departures, plus up to US$300 onboard credit per stateroom, only when you book through our travel agency. On select 2026 holiday sailings, receive both a complimentary land package and up to $3,000 savings.

Featured Sailings

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7-Night Romantic Danube (Taste of Christmas)

AmaSonata · November 18, 2026

Vilshofen, Germany; Passau, Germany; Linz, Austria; Weissenkirchen, Austria; Vienna, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; Budapest, Hungary

Special Price Starting from $4,903  per person

Offer Options: 3 nights Prague pre-cruise OR save up to $300 per person

★ Agency Exclusive: Up to US$300 onboard credit per stateroom

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Antwerp, Belgium

7-Night Best of Holland & Belgium (Taste of Christmas)

AmaStella · November 21, 2026

Amsterdam, Netherlands; Utrecht, Netherlands; Hellevoetsluis, Netherlands; Ghent, Belgium; Brussels, Belgium; Antwerp, Belgium; Dordrecht, Netherlands; Amsterdam, Netherlands

Special Price Starting from $4,003 per person

Offer Options: 2 nights Amsterdam pre-cruise + $1,200-per-person savings OR Complimentary Economy Airfare combinable with $1,200-per-person savings

★ Agency Exclusive: Up to US$300 onboard credit per stateroom

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7-Night Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles (Taste of Christmas)

AmaSerena · November 24, 2026
AmaVenita · November 16, 2027

Basel, Switzerland; Strasbourg, France; Ludwigshafen, Germany; Rüdesheim, Germany; Rhine Gorge, Germany; Lahnstein, Germany; Cologne, Germany; Amsterdam, Netherlands

Special Price Starting from $4,735 per person

Offer Options: 2 nights Lake Como pre-cruise OR 2 nights Amsterdam post-cruise OR save up to $1,500 per person

★ Agency Exclusive: Up to US$300 onboard credit per stateroom

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7-Night Melodies of the Danube (Christmas Day Celebration)

AmaSonata · December 23, 2026

Budapest, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia; Vienna, Austria; Weissenkirchen, Austria; Melk, Austria; Linz, Austria; Passau, Germany; Vilshofen, Germany

Special Price Starting from $4,399 per person

Offer Options: Save $1,200 per person PLUS choose one of the following:

• 2 Nights Budapest pre-cruise
• 3 Nights Prague post cruise
• Roundtrip Economy airfare

★ Agency Exclusive: Up to US$300 onboard credit per stateroom

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7-Night Legendary Danube (Christmas Day Celebration)

AmaSonata · December 22, 2027

Nuremberg, Germany; Regensburg, Germany; Passau, Germany; Melk, Austria; Vienna, Austria; Budapest, Hungary

Special Price Starting from $4,875  per person

Offer Options: 3 nights Prague pre-cruise OR 2 nights Budapest Post Cruise OR save up to $1,500 per person

★ Agency Exclusive: Up to US$300 onboard credit per stateroom

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7-Night Captivating Rhine (Christmas Day Celebration)

AmaLucia · December 23, 2027

Amsterdam, Netherlands; Utrecht, Netherlands; Düsseldorf, Germany; Rhine Gorge, Germany; Rüdesheim, Germany; Ludwigshafen, Germany; Strasbourg, France; Breisach, Germany; Basel, Switzerland

Special Price Starting from $5,040 per person

Offer Options: 2 nights Amsterdam pre-cruise OR save up to $1,200 per person

★ Agency Exclusive: Up to US$300 onboard credit per stateroom

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