A Very Special Seasonal River Cruise

Now is the time to book an AmaWaterways Christmas Market River Cruise! These sell out very quickly because they are so popular!  


There are few travel experiences as enchanting and immersive as a Christmas Market river cruise—and among the very best are those offered by AmaWaterways. Blending old-world charm, culinary indulgence, and holiday magic, these journeys along Europe’s iconic rivers offer a front-row seat to centuries-old traditions. Imagine drifting past medieval towns illuminated by twinkling lights, stepping off your ship directly into festive squares, and sipping mulled wine beneath the glow of a towering Christmas tree. That is the heart of an AmaWaterways Christmas Market river cruise!

AmaWaterways typically sails the Danube, Rhine, and Main during the holiday season—routes that wind through countries renowned for their Christmas markets: Germany, Austria, Hungary, France, and sometimes Switzerland. Each port has its own personality, its own flavors, its own stories.
One day, you may find yourself wandering through Vienna’s sprawling Rathausplatz market, where the scent of roasted chestnuts and gingerbread lingers in the crisp winter air. Another day may greet you with the fairytale half-timbered houses of Strasbourg or the medieval charm of Nuremberg, home to one of the most famous Christmas markets in the world. The river truly becomes a ribbon tying together Europe’s most beloved holiday experiences.
Aboard an AmaWaterways ship, your floating hotel is as festive as the towns you’ll visit. Elegant decorations line the lobby and lounge, warm seasonal treats appear in the dining room, and carols often drift through the ship. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, with a relaxed pace that lets you unwind between adventures ashore.


Highlights onboard include:

• Spacious, beautifully designed staterooms—many with twin balconies for watching the winter landscape glide by
• Locally inspired cuisine, from hearty Bavarian comfort dishes to refined Austrian classics
• Included excursions in every port, often with special seasonal options
• Evening entertainment, such as local musicians or holiday performances
• A warm and attentive crew, bringing a sense of home during the season of togetherness

Exploring Europe’s Christmas Markets
Every stop along the river brings a new Christmas market to explore. Each is steeped in its own regional traditions:
Vienna, Austria
Grand and elegant, Vienna offers dozens of markets. The most iconic is the Rathausplatz Christmas Market, filled with handmade ornaments, artisanal toys, and glowing archways of lights.

Budapest, Hungary
Vörösmarty Square hosts Budapest’s premier market, where you’ll find traditional goulash bubbling in large cauldrons and artisans crafting ceramics, textiles, and wooden decorations.

Nuremberg, Germany
Home of the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg offers classic German favorites: Lebkuchen (gingerbread), bratwurst, and the beloved prune-figures called Zwetschgenmännle.

Strasbourg, France
Often called “The Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg transforms into a storybook city with displays, concerts, and charming half-timbered houses draped in lights.
Regensburg, Passau, Cologne, and More
Whether you’re savoring hot mulled wine (Glühwein), shopping for handmade crafts, or simply strolling cobblestone paths under a canopy of lights, each port adds its own magic to the journey.

Seasonal Culinary Delights
A Christmas Market cruise is as much about taste as it is about tradition. AmaWaterways excels at showcasing regional flavors:

• Warm Glühwein and spiced punch in every shade of red and white
• Freshly baked pastries such as stollen, strudel, and gingerbread
• Savory specialties like sausages, raclette, and Hungarian stews
• Artisanal chocolates, roasted nuts, and holiday cookies

Onboard, meals often highlight the regions you’re passing through, pairing local dishes with curated wines from vineyards along the riverbanks.

Why Choose a Christmas Market River Cruise?
Traveling by river is seamless: no packing and unpacking, no navigating winter roads, no stress. You glide from city to city while enjoying comfort, warmth, and festive touches at every turn. 
A Christmas Market cruise is perfect for:

• Couples seeking a romantic seasonal escape
• Families looking to celebrate the holidays in an unforgettable way
• Solo travelers who want a cozy, welcoming environment
• Anyone who loves culture, history, and holiday charm

December in Europe feels like stepping into a snow globe—and AmaWaterways is your elegant, joyful way to experience it.
An AmaWaterways Christmas Market river cruise offers not just sightseeing, but a celebration of tradition, community, and the simple joys of the season. Whether you’re strolling through a centuries-old market square, savoring a steaming cup of Glühwein, or admiring the illuminated shoreline from the comfort of your ship, this journey is one that lingers in your memory long after the holidays fade.
If you’re looking for a meaningful, magical way to celebrate the season, a Christmas Market river cruise may be the most heartwarming voyage you’ll ever take.

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