Today:

Read first: I am Ashley Hendrickson, an independent advisor with Travelmation. I am not affiliated with any cruise line. Everything expressed is my own opinion. To use my travel services, contact me for booking.

Christmas Market River Cruises: Rhine vs Danube

Christmas market cruises are the sailings the travelers I help ask me about earliest, sometimes a year or more ahead. Which Christmas market sailing should you book? The short answer is: choose the Rhine for Cologne and Strasbourg, and the Danube for Vienna, Nuremberg, and Regensburg. Book 12 or more months ahead for the best choice, because these sailings sell out and I would hate to tell you the cabin you wanted is gone.

A river boat passing a European old town. Winter sailings visit towns like this, dressed for Christmas.

When do Christmas market cruises sail?

Late November to about 23 December. Markets are in Vienna, Nuremberg, Cologne, Strasbourg, Regensburg, and Budapest. Early sailings may arrive before all markets open, so I always check the market dates for your sailing before you book. Days are cold and short, and that is part of the magic, but dress for it.

Rhine vs Danube for Christmas markets

River	Best markets	Feel
Rhine	Cologne, Strasbourg	Compact, festive, easy walking
Danube	Vienna, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Budapest	Grand, classical, more cities

What to pack and bring

Warm coat, gloves, and water resistant footwear
Layers for cold days and warm lounges
Cash in small euros for Gluhwein mugs, about 2 to 5 euros deposit, and toilets, about 1 euro
Medicines in your carry on

Book early

I cannot say this strongly enough. Christmas market sailings are repeatedly reported selling out 8 to 18 months ahead. Use 12 or more months for the best choice as the safe headline. River ships carry only about 190 guests, so choice goes fast. If a Christmas market cruise is on your list, ask me sooner rather than later.

Questions people ask

When do Christmas market cruises run?

Late November to about 23 December. Early sailings may arrive before all markets open, so ask me to check the market dates for your sailing.

How early should I book a Christmas market cruise?

Book 12 or more months ahead for the best choice of cabin, deck, and date.

What should I wear on a Christmas market cruise?

A warm coat, gloves, and water resistant footwear, with layers underneath. Days are cold and short, and you will be outside most of the day, so dress like you mean it.

Not sure where to start?

Take the two minute quiz. It points you to one river, one line, and one cabin.

Take the Quiz

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What the markets look like

A Christmas market at night with a carousel and a lit tree — A Christmas market at night, with a carousel and a lit tree.

Christmas market stalls with red striped roofs in the snow — Market stalls with red striped roofs, in the snow.

A snowy Christmas tree at a market at night — A snowy tree at a market at night. Dress warm, the markets are outdoors.

A wooden Christmas market stall with ornaments — A wooden stall with ornaments. The markets are for browsing, not just buying.

A Christmas market square at night with stalls and a tree — A market square at night, with stalls and a big tree in the middle.

A Christmas market square at dusk — A market square at dusk, full of stalls and lights.

A carousel at a Christmas market in an old town square — A carousel at a market in an old town square.

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I read every request myself, and I will reply by email.

Prefer email? Email me at ashleyhendrickson@travelmation.net