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A Viking River Cruise is a wonderful experience any time of year, but is especially during the holidays.  Festive activities on the ship and as port excursions that include five of the best Christmas markets in Europe make a cruise to visit Christmas Markets on a Viking Rhine River Cruise a truly magical experience.

{I was invited as a guest of Viking River Cruises-my opinions are my own.}

 

Magical Christmas Markets on a Viking Rhine River Cruise

I started my trip in Basel, Switzerland, on the Viking River ship Eir.  From the moment I boarded the ship, I was immersed in the celebration of the holiday season. The entire ship is festively decorated–Christmas trees glittered in the lobby and cocktail lounge; twinkle lights and garland glowed on outside ship railings. An elaborate handmade gingerbread village held center stage in the front lobby, beckoning shipgoers to marvel in its grandness. Throughout the cruise, staff kept the holiday spirit alive with nighttime activities centered around the holidays, such as special holiday foods, an ornament decorating party, and crew-led Christmas caroling in the lounge.  One could not help but get into the holiday spirit!

 

 

The European Christmas Markets

Viking Rhine River cruises visit several ports in Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands during the cruise, including five with holiday Christmas markets.  These markets are not just a few craft booths set up for tourists, they are some of the biggest and most popular Christmas markets in Europe.

For those not familiar, Christmas markets, Christkindlmarkt (German) or March de Noel (France), are holiday festivals featuring handmade crafts and wares, seasonal music, enchanting decor, and delicious holiday food and drinks. The tradition of the Christmas market began in Germany in the middle ages with the very first market in Bautzen, Germany in 1384. The Christmas market were a way for Catholic churches to celebrate the season of Advent and allow people to purchase holiday gifts and food before the Christmas holiday.  Today, most major European cities host some type of Christmas market, with some of the more well-known markets in Strasbourg and Cologne.

 

Colmar Christmas Market, France

Our first river port was Breisach, Germany. After a morning excursion to the Black Forest, we had the afternoon free to visit Colmar, France, for several hours. The picturesque French town of Colmar looks like something straight out of a fairy tale, especially during the holiday season. Colorful half-timbered houses, narrow cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and twinkling Christmas lights create an enchanting backdrop for one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. Every street and storefront seemed to be decorated for the holidays, with festive garlands, oversized ornaments, and sparkling lights adding to the magical atmosphere.

One of the things that makes the Colmar Christmas Market so special is that it isn’t just one large market. Traditionally, the town features five distinct Christmas markets spread throughout its historic old town, each with its own personality and charm. Visitors can wander from one market square to another, discovering wooden chalets filled with handmade Christmas ornaments, Alsatian crafts, holiday decorations, and unique gifts. The market at Place des Dominicains is particularly beautiful, set beneath the illuminated Dominican Church, while Place de l’Ancienne Douane features colorful stalls surrounding the historic Koïfhus area.

Families will especially enjoy the Children’s Christmas Market in Petite Venise, or Little Venice, where charming wooden chalets line the canals. This market features festive decorations, children’s activities, and a traditional mechanical nativity scene. Another favorite is the indoor craft market inside the historic Koïfhus building, where local artisans display handmade pottery, glassware, jewelry, and other unique Alsatian creations. It’s a wonderful place to find a special souvenir to take home.

Of course, no visit to a French Christmas market would be complete without sampling some of the delicious seasonal treats. Look for traditional Alsatian pastries, gingerbread, roasted nuts, and warm holiday drinks as you stroll through the market. The combination of delicious food, festive music, beautiful decorations, and historic architecture makes Colmar an unforgettable Christmas destination.

Travel Tip: We visited Colmar on a Saturday, one of the busiest days for the Christmas markets. Because the markets are spread throughout the historic town, the main squares can get quite crowded. Don’t let the crowds discourage you! Take time to explore the smaller side streets and tucked-away market areas, where you can discover charming shops and vendors that are easy to miss. Allow yourself plenty of time to wander and enjoy the atmosphere. Colmar is a destination where getting a little lost is part of the fun!

 

 

Strasbourg Christmas Market, France

Strasbourg boasts one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe, dating back to 1570. Known as the Christkindelsmärik, or “Market of the Baby Jesus,” this historic Christmas market has been a beloved holiday tradition for more than 450 years. It’s no wonder Strasbourg has earned the nickname “Capital of Christmas!” During the holiday season, the entire city transforms into a magical winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, elaborate Christmas decorations, and festive displays adorning the historic buildings and charming streets.

Set against the magnificent backdrop of the towering Strasbourg Cathedral, the Christmas markets feature more than 300 wooden chalets spread throughout the historic city center. Each market area has its own personality, offering everything from beautiful Christmas ornaments and handmade decorations to traditional Alsatian crafts, jewelry, and unique holiday gifts. Be sure to explore Place Broglie, home of the original Christkindelsmärik, as well as the market squares surrounding the cathedral. Place Kléber is another must-see, featuring the enormous illuminated Christmas tree that has become one of Strasbourg’s most recognizable holiday symbols.

Of course, the Strasbourg Christmas Market is just as much about the food as it is about shopping! The market stalls are filled with delicious Alsatian specialties, including freshly baked gingerbread, bredele (traditional Alsatian Christmas cookies), pretzels, and other seasonal treats. Warm up with a cup of vin chaud, the French version of mulled wine, as you wander through the beautifully decorated streets. The aroma of cinnamon, spices, and freshly baked goodies makes the entire experience even more festive.

One of the things I especially appreciated about visiting Strasbourg was the security. With such a large number of visitors attending the Christmas markets, I found security to be tight and felt quite safe while exploring the city. Be prepared for crowds, particularly around the cathedral and the most popular market squares, but don’t let that discourage you. The festive atmosphere and beautiful decorations make Strasbourg well worth a visit.

Shopping Tip: Be sure to pick up a white stork ornament or stuffed animal as a special souvenir! The white stork is an important symbol of Alsace and is associated with good luck, happiness, and new beginnings. You’ll find stork-themed souvenirs throughout the region, making them a wonderful reminder of your visit to this enchanting French Christmas market. A Strasbourg Christmas market visit is truly a highlight of any European Christmas market river cruise!

 

Bonus:  Obernai

I participated in one of the optional wine tour excursions available on our cruise.  After the wine tasting, our motor coach stopped in Obernai for a short visit before heading back to the ship.  This pretty little medieval town went all out for the holidays, with sparkling lights decorating every building from one end of town to the other.  Obernai also has several delicious-looking chocolate and pastry shops along the path of the markets.

 

 

Heidelberg Christmas Market, Germany

Nestled beneath the magnificent Heidelberg Castle in the historic Old Town is the Heidelberg Christmas Market, one of the most charming Christmas markets in Germany. With seven market areas spread throughout the picturesque town center, visitors can stroll from one festive square to another, each offering its own unique holiday atmosphere. The historic buildings, cobblestone streets, sparkling Christmas lights, and beautifully decorated wooden stalls create a magical setting, especially with the illuminated castle overlooking the town.

The Heidelberg Christmas Market is particularly family-friendly, with plenty of activities to keep children entertained. One of the highlights is the outdoor ice skating rink at Karlsplatz, where visitors can skate beneath the impressive backdrop of Heidelberg Castle. Other market areas feature children’s activities, festive entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to find special holiday gifts. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth taking time to wander through all seven market locations and enjoy the beautiful decorations and lively holiday atmosphere.

Of course, one of my favorite parts of visiting the Heidelberg Christmas Market was sampling the delicious German food! The market stalls offer an assortment of traditional holiday specialties, including hearty German sausages, freshly prepared spätzle (a delicious German egg noodle), roasted nuts, gingerbread, and other tempting treats. I especially loved the spätzle and German sausage. There are so many wonderful foods to try that you’ll want to arrive hungry!

And no visit to a German Christmas market would be complete without a cup (or two!) of glühwein. This traditional hot mulled wine is made with red or white wine infused with warming spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and citrus. It’s the perfect drink to enjoy while strolling through the chilly outdoor markets. One of the fun traditions at many European Christmas markets is serving glühwein in special collectible mugs. Each market often has its own unique cup design, making them wonderful souvenirs to bring home. Just pay the small mug deposit when ordering your drink, and you can either return the cup for your deposit or keep it as a souvenir.

If wine isn’t your thing, don’t worry! You can also warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or French-style chocolat chaud. Between the delicious food, festive music, charming market squares, and spectacular castle views, the Heidelberg Christmas Market is a wonderful stop on a European Christmas market river cruise. Be sure to allow enough time to explore all seven market areas because each one has something special to offer!

 

 

Koblenz Christmas Market, Germany

At the crossroads of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers lies Koblenz, one of Germany’s oldest cities and home to one of the most enchanting Christmas markets along the Rhine River. During the holiday season, the historic Old Town transforms into a veritable winter wonderland, with sparkling Christmas lights, festive decorations, and beautifully illuminated historic buildings at every turn. The charming cobblestone streets and picturesque squares provide the perfect backdrop for the Koblenz Christmas Market, creating a magical atmosphere that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into a traditional German Christmas village.

One of the things that makes the Koblenz Christmas Market so special is that it isn’t just one market, but six different market areas spread throughout the historic city center. Each square has its own festive personality, with traditional wooden chalets offering handmade Christmas ornaments, holiday decorations, handcrafted gifts, and seasonal treats. As you wander from one market to another, you’ll discover beautifully decorated stalls, twinkling lights, and plenty of opportunities to shop for unique German Christmas souvenirs. During our visit, horse-drawn carriages added to the old-fashioned holiday atmosphere, making the entire town feel like a scene from a Christmas story.

Of course, one of the best reasons to visit any German Christmas market is the food! Koblenz has several local specialties worth seeking out, including Lebkuchenherzen, heart-shaped gingerbread cookies traditionally decorated with colorful icing and sweet messages. These oversized gingerbread hearts are popular throughout Germany and make fun souvenirs or gifts. Koblenz is also known for its Riesling wine cakes and other delicious regional sweets. You’ll find plenty of tempting treats throughout the market, along with roasted nuts, freshly baked pastries, sausages, and other traditional German holiday foods. Pair your sweet treat with a warm cup of glühwein (mulled wine) as you stroll through the festive market squares.

Because Koblenz is located where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers meet, it is a particularly memorable stop on a Viking Rhine River Christmas Market Cruise. Take time to wander through all six market areas rather than limiting yourself to the busiest square. Each offers something a little different, and the illuminated historic buildings make the markets especially beautiful after dark. Between the charming architecture, traditional German Christmas decorations, delicious seasonal food, and festive atmosphere, the Koblenz Christmas Market is a wonderful place to experience the magic of Christmas in Germany!

 

 

Cologne Christmas Market, Germany

One of our last Christmas market stops on the Viking Rhine River Christmas Market Cruise was the majestic German city of Cologne. Best known for its magnificent Gothic cathedral, Cologne is also home to some of the largest and most spectacular Christmas markets in Germany. During the holiday season, the entire city comes alive with Christmas lights, festive decorations, and seven different Christmas markets spread throughout the city center. Each market has its own unique theme and atmosphere, making Cologne a wonderful destination for Christmas shopping, sightseeing, and sampling traditional German holiday treats.

Our visit began with a tour of the incredible Cologne Cathedral, or Kölner Dom, one of Germany’s most recognizable landmarks. The towering Gothic cathedral provides a breathtaking backdrop for the famous Cathedral Christmas Market, where hundreds of beautifully decorated wooden chalets surround a huge illuminated Christmas tree. The market is filled with handmade ornaments, traditional German crafts, holiday decorations, jewelry, and unique gifts. Even if you’re not planning to shop, the spectacular setting alone makes this Christmas market worth visiting.

One of the things that makes the Cologne Christmas markets especially fun is their connection to the city’s famous Heinzelmännchen of Köln, or Elves of Cologne. According to local folklore, these little elves secretly helped the townspeople with their daily chores while everyone slept. The story is celebrated throughout the city, and the elfin theme can be found in the beautifully decorated wooden booths, whimsical artwork, carved figures, and festive decorations throughout the markets. Be sure to look for the themed displays and elf-inspired souvenirs as you explore!

Cologne actually has seven Christmas markets, each offering something a little different. In addition to the Cathedral Christmas Market, visitors can explore the charming Old Market and nearby Alter Markt, where the Heinzelmännchen theme is especially prominent. Other markets feature maritime decorations, traditional crafts, and festive entertainment. Because the markets are spread throughout the city, you’ll want to plan your route ahead of time. Public transportation makes it easier to get between the different market areas, and you can use Cologne’s trams and trains to cover longer distances rather than walking everywhere.

And come hungry! The food at the Cologne Christmas markets is plentiful and delicious. You’ll find traditional German bratwurst, freshly baked pretzels, roasted almonds, gingerbread, potato pancakes (Reibekuchen), and plenty of other seasonal specialties. Be sure to try a mug of glühwein while browsing the stalls, and save room for something sweet. The markets are also wonderful places to shop for handcrafted Christmas ornaments, wooden toys, candles, and locally made gifts.

Cologne was a wonderful final highlight of our Rhine River Christmas market experience. Between the magnificent cathedral, whimsical elf decorations, beautifully themed market squares, and delicious German food, it’s easy to see why the Cologne Christmas markets are among the most popular in Europe. If you’re taking a Viking Rhine River Christmas Market Cruise, I recommend allowing plenty of time to explore more than just the market surrounding the cathedral. Each of Cologne’s Christmas markets offers a different glimpse into the city’s holiday traditions!

 

Note: If you do a pre-cruise package in Basel and/or a post-cruise package in Amsterdam, you will have an opportunity to experience their Christmas markets as well. 

 

Tips for Visiting European Christmas Markets

Planning to visit the Christmas markets in Germany and France? Here are a few helpful tips to make the most of your European Christmas market experience!

• Bring Cash: Although some vendors accept credit cards, many Christmas market stalls still prefer cash. Be sure to have some euros on hand for food, drinks, souvenirs, and small purchases.
• Watch Out for Pickpockets: European Christmas markets can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends and in the evenings. Keep your purse or wallet secure, be aware of your surroundings, and watch out for pickpockets in busy market areas.
• Plan Your Visit During Advent: Most European Christmas markets open during the Advent season, generally beginning in late November and continuing until December 23 or 24. Opening dates vary by city and year, so check the market schedules before booking your Christmas market river cruise.
• Pack Carefully When Shopping: Christmas markets are a shopper’s paradise, with beautiful handmade ornaments, glass decorations, snow globes, and unique gifts. However, some items can be fragile and difficult to transport home by air. Ask vendors whether they offer shipping so you don’t have to worry about packing delicate souvenirs in your suitcase.
• Check for Nut Allergens: Many traditional European Christmas treats contain nuts, particularly hazelnuts and praline. Even hot chocolate and other seasonal drinks may contain nut ingredients or be prepared around allergens. If you have a nut allergy, always ask vendors about ingredients and possible cross-contamination before purchasing.
• Come Hungry! One of the best parts of visiting European Christmas markets is sampling the delicious holiday food. From German sausages and freshly baked pretzels to French pastries, gingerbread, roasted nuts, and warm mulled wine, there are so many seasonal specialties to try. Save room for a few treats as you explore!
• Be Aware of Sunday Shopping Hours: Many shops in Germany and France have limited Sunday hours or are closed altogether, although Christmas market stalls and restaurants often remain open. If you plan to do additional shopping outside the markets, check local business hours ahead of time.
• Learn a Few Local Phrases: Many Christmas market vendors speak English, particularly in popular tourist destinations. However, learning a few basic German and French phrases is always appreciated. Knowing how to say hello, please, thank you, and how much does this cost can make shopping a little easier and more enjoyable.
• Dress for Cold Weather: European Christmas markets are primarily outdoors, and temperatures can drop significantly, especially after sunset. Pack a warm winter coat, hat, gloves or mittens, scarf, and comfortable walking shoes. Dressing in layers will help you stay comfortable while exploring the markets for several hours.

With a little preparation, you’ll be ready to enjoy all the magic, food, shopping, and holiday traditions that make European Christmas markets such a memorable experience!

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhine River Christmas Market Cruises

What are the best Christmas markets to visit on a Rhine River cruise?

Some of the most memorable Christmas markets along a Rhine River cruise include Colmar and Strasbourg in France, as well as Heidelberg, Koblenz, and Cologne in Germany. Each offers a unique combination of holiday decorations, handmade gifts, local foods, and traditional Christmas celebrations.

Does Viking offer Christmas market river cruises?

Yes! Viking offers Rhine River itineraries during the holiday season that allow travelers to experience some of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets while enjoying the comforts of a river cruise ship.

When is the best time to take a European Christmas market cruise?

The best time to visit European Christmas markets is generally late November through December, during the Advent season. Exact market opening dates vary by destination and year, so check the dates before booking your trip.

What should I pack for a Rhine River Christmas market cruise?

Pack warm layers, a winter coat, comfortable walking shoes, gloves, a scarf, and a hat. Temperatures can be cold, especially when visiting outdoor Christmas markets in the evening.

Are Christmas markets in Germany and France worth visiting?

Absolutely! European Christmas markets offer a wonderful combination of holiday traditions, local crafts, seasonal foods, music, and beautiful decorations. Visiting several markets on a Rhine River cruise is an especially convenient way to experience different cities and cultures.

 

Highlights from each Christmas Market 

Christmas market	Country	What makes it special
Colmar	France	Fairytale village and five markets
Strasbourg	France	Historic market and cathedral setting
Heidelberg	Germany	Castle views and collectible mugs
Koblenz	Germany	Six markets and beautiful old town
Cologne	Germany	Cathedral backdrop and themed markets

 

Expert Travel Planning

For more information about Viking River Cruises, please visit here.  If you would like to book a cruise as a new traveler, please visit my travel advisor website or contact me at julie@wanderbloomtvl.com, I would love to help you make a Christmas markets river cruise a reality for you! 

 

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