Romantic Christmas Markets River Cruise on the Rhine with Emerald Waterways
There’s nothing quite as magical as experiencing Europe’s Christmas markets from the comfort of a river cruise. With Emerald Waterways, we set sail on a stunning journey through the heart of Europe’s most enchanting holiday destinations, cruising the Rhine from Basel, Switzerland, to Amsterdam, Netherlands. For couples looking to embrace the festive spirit, sip on mulled wine, and stroll hand in hand through twinkling market stalls, this is a bucket-list-worthy adventure.
Why a Christmas Markets River Cruise?
River cruising offers a unique and intimate way to explore Europe, allowing travelers to dock in the heart of charming cities and immerse themselves in the local culture. Unlike ocean cruises, where ports are often far from the city center, river cruises bring you right to the heart of historic towns, making it easy to step off the ship and wander through picturesque streets filled with holiday cheer.
For couples, this is an especially romantic way to experience the magic of Christmas. Imagine waking up in a new fairytale-like destination each day, with the scent of roasted chestnuts and spiced glühwein filling the air. The Rhine’s Christmas markets are among the best in Europe, offering everything from handcrafted ornaments to delicious seasonal treats.
What’s Included in the Cruise?
Emerald Waterways provides a seamless, stress-free experience, making this a perfect trip for couples looking to relax and indulge in the holiday season. Here’s what was included in our itinerary:
7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship – A luxurious, boutique-style river cruise ship with elegant staterooms and panoramic views.
Airport transfers – Hassle-free transportation to and from the ship.
The services of an Emerald Cruises Cruise Director – A knowledgeable guide ensuring we made the most of every stop.
Port taxes and charges – No hidden fees, making budgeting easy.
All tipping and gratuities – So we could simply enjoy the experience.
Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner – The perfect way to toast to the holiday season.
Highlights of Our Christmas Markets Cruise
Each stop along the Rhine had its own unique charm, offering a mix of historic sights, festive markets, and cozy cafes. Here were some of our favorite highlights:
Cologne, Germany
One of the most iconic Christmas markets in Germany, Cologne’s festive celebration is set against the breathtaking backdrop of its famous cathedral. We spent the afternoon sipping hot cocoa, indulging in gingerbread, and admiring the handcrafted gifts sold at the market stalls. The Old Town’s cobblestone streets were filled with the sounds of carolers, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
Koblenz & Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
Koblenz was a delightful mix of history and holiday magic. We took a guided walking tour through the charming town before heading up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, where we were greeted with panoramic views of the Rhine. At the fortress, a smaller but equally enchanting Christmas market offered mulled wine and artisan crafts.
Heidelberg, Germany
Famous for its picturesque castle, Heidelberg was another standout destination. The Christmas market here was spread throughout the Old Town, creating a festive wonderland with over 140 stalls. We picked up some beautifully carved wooden decorations and enjoyed a warm plate of käsespätzle (German cheesy noodles).
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is often called the 'Capital of Christmas,' and it’s easy to see why. The entire city is draped in sparkling lights, and its Christkindelsmärik (Christmas market) is one of the oldest and most impressive in Europe. We strolled through the market, admiring the Alsatian architecture and tasting local treats like bredele cookies.
Breisach, Germany
Nestled in the Black Forest region, Breisach offered a cozy and intimate market experience. The highlight here was the regional specialties—think Black Forest ham and cherry brandy. We also took a scenic walk through the vineyard-covered hills just outside town.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Our cruise ended in Amsterdam, where we took a canal cruise to admire the city’s twinkling lights reflecting off the water. While Amsterdam doesn’t have traditional Christmas markets like Germany or France, the festive spirit was still alive with beautifully decorated streets, ice skating rinks, and holiday pop-up shops.
Our Takeaway from our First River Cruise
For couples who love cruising and want a romantic, stress-free way to experience Europe’s Christmas markets, a river cruise on the Rhine is an unforgettable choice. From sipping glühwein under twinkling lights to exploring charming towns steeped in history, this itinerary was the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season together.
If you're considering a Christmas markets cruise, we highly recommend Emerald Waterways for their excellent service, luxurious accommodations, and well-planned excursions. Have you ever been on a Christmas markets river cruise? Let us know in the comments or reach out if you’re ready to plan your own magical holiday getaway!