Which AmaWaterways Holiday Cruise Is Right for You?

There is something truly magical about Europe during the holiday season. Historic town squares glow with lights, the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the air, and centuries-old traditions come to life in festive Christmas markets.

If a European Christmas market river cruise is on your travel wish list, AmaWaterways offers several holiday-themed experiences. While they all capture the charm of the season, each sailing has its own unique focus. Here's a closer look at the options to help you decide which holiday cruise is right for you.

Taste of Christmas Markets Cruises

If you're eager to kick off the holiday season early, a Taste of Christmas Markets cruise may be the perfect fit.

These sailings take place at the beginning of the Christmas market season when towns are just beginning to transform into winter wonderlands. One of the unique advantages of traveling this time of year is that some destinations may have multiple Christmas Markets, allowing you to experience a variety of festive traditions in a single port.

Onboard, the holiday spirit is already

in full swing. AmaWaterways ships are beautifully decorated for the season, creating a festive atmosphere from the moment you step aboard. It's a wonderful way to embrace the excitement of the holidays before the busiest travel period arrives.

Get ready to shop for beautiful items and food at the Christmas Markets.

Christmas Markets Cruises

For many travelers, this is the quintessential European holiday experience!

AmaWaterways' Christmas Markets cruises are specifically designed around visiting some of Europe's most famous Christmas Markets along the Danube, Rhine, and Main rivers. These iconic markets are fully open and glowing with festive lights, offering the perfect opportunity to shop for handcrafted gifts, sample regional treats, and soak up the holiday atmosphere. And yes, you will have opportunities to visit some in the evenings to see them all lit up!

Between ports, you'll return to a cozy floating holiday retreat. Enjoy warm beverages, seasonal dishes, holiday music, and festive décor as you sail through enchanting winter landscapes. Help decorate the tree, find the pickle ornament, and frost your own Christmas cookies. The combination of charming towns, centuries-old traditions, and the comfort of your river ship creates an unforgettable holiday experience.

Holiday Time Cruises

Looking to celebrate Christmas, New Year's, or both while exploring Europe? Holiday Time cruises offer a truly special way to spend the season.

Christmas departures feature festive celebrations onboard and local holiday traditions ashore. One guest favorite is a visit from Santa Claus himself. Following European tradition, guests can place their shoes outside their stateroom door and wake up to discover a sweet chocolate surprise. (Good guests get chocolates; bad guests get coal. I’m pretty sure everyone gets chocolate!)

For those sailing over New Year's Eve, the celebrations continue with special onboard festivities and gala events. Depending on your itinerary, you may ring in the new year onboard or ashore in a beautiful European city creating memories you'll cherish for years to come.

AmaWaterways also offers select departures that combine both Christmas and New Year's celebrations allowing guests to experience the magic of both holidays during one extraordinary journey.

Which Holiday Cruise Should You Choose?

Choose Taste of Christmas Markets if you love the anticipation of the season and want to experience Europe's holiday preparations before peak crowds arrive. Lower crowds and potentially lower pricepoints.
Choose a Christmas Markets Cruise if visiting Europe's iconic Christmas markets is your top priority.
Choose Holiday Time if you want to celebrate Christmas, New Year's, or both in a truly unique and memorable way.

No matter which sailing you choose, you'll be wrapped in the magic of the season—from beautifully decorated ships and included excursions to charming towns, festive traditions, and unforgettable holiday memories.

Make It a Multi-Generational Holiday to Remember

One of the most special aspects of a holiday river cruise is the opportunity to bring the entire family together. Imagine strolling through twinkling Christmas markets with your children and grandchildren, sharing mugs of hot chocolate (or gluhwein for the adults!) while browsing the Christmas Markets and creating memories that will be talked about for years to come.

Whether it's watching your grandchildren's eyes light up at the sight of holiday decorations, celebrating Christmas in a storybook European village, or counting down to the New Year together in a new destination, an AmaWaterways holiday cruise offers a meaningful way to spend time with the people who matter most. Instead of exchanging more "stuff," give the gift of shared experiences, family traditions, and unforgettable moments that span generations.

Many families are discovering that a Christmas market river cruise is the perfect way to reconnect, celebrate, and make the holiday season truly magical. 🎄✨

Ready to Experience the Magic?

Holiday river cruises are among the most popular sailings of the year, and many 2026 departures are already seeing strong demand.

If you've been dreaming of strolling through Europe's Christmas markets, sipping mulled wine beneath sparkling lights, or celebrating the holidays in a storybook setting, now is the time to start planning.

Contact your Upon a Star Travel advisor today to learn more about AmaWaterways' holiday sailings and find the perfect Christmas market cruise for your travel style. If you don’t have an advisor yet, feel free to reach out here.