How to book a Vienna Christmas market River cruise tour
- Deb at Vorrei Travel
- Apr 23
- 5 min read
Updated: May 4
Why Vienna’s Christmas Markets Are the Heart of a Magical River Cruise Holiday
Few travel experiences are as magical as exploring the Christmas markets of Europe. Regarding elegance, tradition, and holiday spirit, the Christmas Markets in Vienna and Austria set the gold standard.
Imagine stepping off a cozy, beautifully decorated river cruise ship into a city sparkling with fairy lights, surrounded by the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, with carolers echoing off the walls of imperial palaces.
In this post, we’ll explore why a Christmas market river cruise is a must-visit vacation, what makes Vienna Christmas markets one of the best stops on a river cruise, offer a sample itinerary, highlight festive activities, and share how and when to book your river cruise for Christmas with our travel agency.
Why Vienna is One of the Best Christmas Markets to See on a River Cruise
Vienna’s long-standing traditions, picturesque settings, and royal charm make it an essential stop on a Danube River Christmas market cruise including Vienna. The city boasts over 20 different Christmas markets, each with its own personality—from the grand Rathausplatz market in front of City Hall, to the artsy Spittelberg market tucked into narrow alleys lined with artisan stalls.
River cruises often dock along the Danube, making it easy for travelers to walk directly into the heart of Vienna’s festive action. With the city’s historical architecture blanketed in snow and the scent of holiday treats wafting through the air, it’s no wonder Vienna tops the list for travelers searching for unique things to do in Vienna during Christmas.
Why a Christmas Market River Cruise is a Must-Visit
A river cruise during the Christmas season offers a stress-free, scenic, and unforgettable way to experience the magic of the holidays. Here’s why:
Unpack once and enjoy multiple European cities dressed in their holiday best.
Daily festive excursions offer intimate access to Christmas traditions across countries.
Onboard holiday celebrations like tree decorating, gingerbread-making workshops, and seasonal cuisine keep the magic alive between ports.
Enjoy an inclusive experience with meals, wine, guided tours, and transfers often covered.
Witness small towns and big cities lit up with seasonal décor, local choirs, and open-air markets without the hassle of winter driving or complex travel logistics.
Booking a cruise that includes a Vienna Christmas markets river cruise itinerary ensures you’ll visit one of Europe’s most famous holiday spots while enjoying the comfort and joy of cruising.
Sample 8-Day Christmas Market River Cruise Itinerary Featuring Vienna
Here’s a sample Vienna Christmas markets river cruise itinerary to give you a taste of what you can expect:
Day 1: Embark in Budapest, Hungary
Welcome aboard your river cruise. Settle into your cabin and enjoy a welcome dinner with festive ambiance.
Day 2: Bratislava, Slovakia
Explore cozy Christmas markets in the Slovakian capital and enjoy a guided city tour.
Days 3 & 4: Vienna, Austria
Spend two full days discovering the grand Viennese Christmas markets. Take a guided tour to Schönbrunn Palace, enjoy classical music concerts, and sip glühwein as snowflakes fall. Evening market visits and carriage rides are available.
Day 5: Krems and the Wachau Valley
Sail through the scenic Wachau Valley with holiday storytelling on board. Stop in Krems for local wine tastings and a small, charming Christmas market.
Day 6: Linz, Austria
Visit the Linz Christkindlmarkt and try traditional Linzer Torte. An optional excursion to Salzburg for its stunning Old Town market.
Day 7: Passau, Germany
End your journey with a stroll through this Bavarian town’s riverside Christmas market.
Day 8: Disembark in Passau
Enjoy a festive farewell breakfast and transfer to your next destination or flight home.
Unique Things to Do in Vienna During Christmas
In addition to exploring Vienna’s markets, you’ll have opportunities to:
Attend a Christmas concert at the Vienna State Opera House or St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Take a carriage ride through the old town while wrapped in warm blankets.
Enjoy a guided tour of Belvedere Palace, which hosts a boutique Christmas village.
Visit the Christmas Museum in the Spittelberg district.
Indulge in a Viennese coffeehouse and savor sachertorte while watching snow fall outside.
This is where the search for unique things to do in Vienna during Christmas turns into cherished memories.
Onboard Activities During a Christmas Market River Cruise
River cruise lines truly lean into the holiday magic. During your cruise, you’ll enjoy:
Holiday-themed cooking classes (learn how to make strudel or Christmas cookies)
Seasonal wine and cider tastings
Tree decorating parties with the crew
Festive live music performances
Lectures on local Christmas customs and folklore
Visits from St. Nicholas for younger travelers
These experiences bring the season to life in a cozy, communal atmosphere.
When Should You Book a River Cruise for the Holiday Season?
The best time to visit Vienna Christmas markets on a cruise is late November through December 23, when most markets are in full swing. However, you should aim to book your holiday river cruise 9–12 months in advance for the best cabin selection and pricing.
River cruises during Christmas are incredibly popular and often sell out by summer. Early booking ensures you can lock in a stateroom with a view, benefit from early bird discounts, and customize your itinerary with optional extensions in Prague, Munich, or Budapest.
How to Book a Vienna Christmas Market Cruise Tour With Us
Looking to experience the holiday magic of Vienna and beyond on a river cruise? Here’s how to book:
Contact our travel advisors. We specialize in custom tours and riverboat cruises through Europe, Asia, and Egypt, and we’ll tailor the perfect itinerary to your preferences.
Discuss your ideal travel dates and interests. We’ll match you with the best cruise lines and departure dates, including a Vienna Christmas markets river cruise itinerary.
Let us handle the details—flights, pre- and post-cruise extensions, insurance, excursions—we care for everything.
Book early and save – We’ll help you take advantage of early booking discounts, group specials, and seasonal promotions.
Simply reach out via Askus@vorreitravel.com and we’ll take care of the rest.
Wrap-Up: Your Magical Holiday Journey Awaits
Whether you dream of sipping mulled wine beneath the twinkling lights of Rathausplatz or enjoying a candlelit concert aboard a river cruise, Vienna is the crown jewel of holiday travel. Let us help you design the perfect Vienna Christmas market cruise tour, so all you have to do is pack your scarf, gloves, and a sense of wonder.
Ready to start planning? Contact us today to reserve your spot on a Danube River Christmas market cruise including Vienna—and make this holiday season unforgettable.
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