We’ve just started to ease into summer, so thinking about Christmas right now might seem ridiculous.
However, if you’d like to experience the European Christmas Markets, now is the time to make plans.
Christmas markets operate from the last week of November through to Christmas. They’ve become increasingly popular in the past few years, and VERY popular with river cruisers.
Here are some of the most common questions we get about Christmas Market river cruises:
Where in Europe are the Christmas Markets?
There are variations of Christmas markets everywhere in Europe, however Germany is where the modern concept has gotten the most traction. There are also Christmas markets in France, Austria, Hungary and the Netherlands, so just about any European River Cruise itinerary at that time of year will include Christmas Markets.
I’m not much into shopping. Are there other reasons to go?
The markets themselves are cultural and community events, and offer entertainment, as well as a chance to interface with the locals and drink mulled wine or hot chocolate. It’s different than the Europe you’ve visited in summer. Also, visiting Europe in the off-season means the other tourist destinations, historical sites, and museums are far less crowded.
Are the River Cruises themselves any different?
The ports of call are mostly the same as they are in other months, but the shore excursions change to get people to the Christmas markets. Many of the other shore excursions to local historical sites and attractions are still available.
What can I expect for weather?
There is a high degree of error when predicting weather – particularly in winter months. It won’t be warm, but it won’t be punishingly cold either. Here are some historical temperatures for the month of December:
- Berlin – Highs: 40, Lows: 32
- Frankfurt – H: 42, L: 33
- Cologne – H: 42, L: 33
- Paris – H: 46, L: 36
- Vienna – H: 40, L: 32
- Amsterdam – H: 44, L: 32
- Budapest – H: 38, L: 32
Is a river cruise better than staying in a hotel in one of these cities?
If you want to focus on one city’s Christmas markets, then a hotel might serve you well. However, most people want to experience a variety of different Christmas Markets, and a river cruise is ideal in that case. It’s nice when you only have to unpack once and your “hotel” moves with you through Europe. River cruises are efficient in that the ship usually moves while you are asleep, so you can maximize your time at the Christmas Markets.
Today’s Travel Opportunities
Here are some Christmas market cruise deals I was able to find:
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises – 50% off cruises booked before July 31.
The prices below already include the 50% discount:
- Depart December 15th, 2022 from Budapest to Passau for 8-days. Prices start at $2499 per person.
- Depart December 15th, 2022 from Frankfurt to Nuremberg for 8-days. Prices start at $3299 per person (or leave December 1 for $3899).
- Depart December 15th, 2022 from Vienna to Nuremberg for 8-days for $3499 per person (or leave Dec 8th for $3999)
AMA Waterways – Free round-trip flights on ANY 2022 European departure:
Our friends at AMA have put together a deal with free airfare. If you want to travel to Europe in 2022, this is pretty hard to beat. Here are some examples of available Christmas Market cruises:
France from Avignon to Lyon (or reverse)
- 8-days starting at $3499 per person including air.
- Depart December 1, 8, 15, 22
Rhine River from Amsterdam and Basel (or reverse)
- 8-days starting at $3399 per person including air.
- Depart November 28, December 5, 12, or 19.
Viking Mississippi Holiday Season.
The Viking Mississippi itinerary is almost completely sold out for 2022, and is very tight for 2023, so if you wanted to experience this new product, and see the south all decorated for Christmas, this could be a good opportunity:
- Travel between New Orleans and Memphis for 8-days on this brand-new river ship.
- Depart December 17 or 24, 2022 for $4299 per person for a Deluxe Private Balcony room.
Have something to say about this?
Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/pfbid034pnEisQHSmG8E21BmdfezKpD8F7sW5RdqvjJhcpe7Xy7GsCgBCSMayZj1KS7G6GZl
If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.
I look forward to hearing from you.Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
