Europe Holiday Markets River Cruises - Viking River Cruises

The cities of Europe shine extra bright during the winter holiday season as special Christmas markets pop-up throughout cities like Passau, Regensburg, Vienna, Cologne and Budapest. Starting in November, many of Viking's European itineraries feature special holiday-centered tours, such as visiting local craft shops, tasting fresh seasonal baked goods or grabbing a glass of warm mulled gluhwein to tour cobbled streets lightly sheathed in snow.

Viking's Christmas Market river cruises will reveal new holiday traditions from across Europe, and you'll be invited to interact with locals to learn about the churches, artisans, farmers, bakers and shopkeepers that make each city unique. You may even discover the roots to many of your own family traditions while learning about a classic European Christmas.

Your Viking river cruise ship will also be getting into the holiday spirit, as she'll feature traditional holiday music, onboard Christmas celebrations, a tree for decorating and other festive touches. Guests are encouraged to continue their own special holiday traditions on board, while learning a few new ones from the surrounding regions. Viking River Cruises' Executive Chefs might even share their recipe for the perfect gingerbread cookies!

Viking's European Christmas Market cruises offer a unique holiday touring experience, but they also feature all of the popular attractions and cultural discoveries that make every European river cruise so memorable. For examples, you'll still relish in tons of history and learn about centuries of fascinating cultures as you tour castles, cathedrals, town squares and more. Continue below for a few more ideas of the experiences available on a Christmas Markets river cruise with Viking River Cruises:

• Sip warm spiced wine, called gluhwein, as you stroll through picturesque cities and towns taking in the festive holiday lights. No matter the weather, cheerful crowds gather to spread holiday warmth.
   
• Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal, complete with turkey and all the delicious sides, aboard select November river cruises. With Viking, you'll be able to celebrate old traditions while making new ones onboard.
   

• Head to the local holiday markets to shop for the perfect Christmas present for friends and family back home. Even the pickiest of shoppers will appreciate the unique crafts of Europe's Holiday Markets.
   
• Tour the Dom in Cologne, a spectacular Gothic cathedral dating back to the 13th century. Other highlights in Cologne include St. Margin's Church, Old Town and the scenic dockside.
   

• Take in a charming Christmas carol performance by the local children, then visit the nearby stalls for personal crafts and sweet treats.
   
• Experience the rich sounds of the St. Stephen's Cathedral organ in Passau. This 17,000-pipe organ is Europe's largest, and you could be treated to a special concert with Viking River Cruises.
   

Viking River Cruises' Christmas Market river cruises are exclusive to the winter holiday season, so they often sell out. To guarantee you get to experience this unique vacation, contact one of our Viking cruise experts and we’ll help plan your perfect holiday market river cruise.

View Viking Rivers Christmas Market Cruises