Holiday Season River Cruises
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s on the river.
Get Holiday Cruise QuotesSpending the Holidays on the River
Christmas market sailings are the best known, but they are only part of the season. Some ships sail right through Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, which suits travelers who want to be somewhere special for the holidays, or simply to avoid cooking.
| Holiday | Typical timing | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving week | Late November | Start of the market season; some ships host a Thanksgiving dinner for American guests |
| Advent / Christmas markets | Late November – about December 23 | Markets in every port; see Christmas market cruises |
| Christmas | Around December 24–26 | Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on board, festive dinners, carols, church services ashore |
| New Year’s Eve | Around December 28 – January 2 | Gala dinner, music and fireworks, often in Budapest or Vienna |
What Is Different About Holiday Sailings
- Markets close. Most Christmas markets close by December 24, so Christmas and New Year sailings are less about shopping and more about celebration.
- Shops and sights close on holidays. December 25–26 and January 1 are public holidays in much of Europe.
- Celebrations on board. Ships usually lay on special menus, decorations and entertainment.
- Short days. Expect early darkness and cold weather.
Christmas Market Cruise or Holiday Sailing?
They are easy to confuse, and the difference matters. A Christmas market cruise runs in Advent, from late November until just before Christmas; every port has a market, and shopping and glühwein are the point. A holiday sailing is on board over Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve itself. The markets have mostly closed, but you get the celebration: Christmas Eve dinner, carols, a midnight service ashore in some towns, or a New Year’s gala and fireworks over the river.
If you want both, look for a sailing in the last market week, then add a few days in a city like Vienna or Budapest over Christmas — or ask us to find a sailing that straddles the two.
What to pack for a December river cruise
- A warm coat, hat, scarf and gloves — you will spend evenings outdoors at markets and fireworks.
- Waterproof shoes with grip for cobblestones that can be wet or icy.
- Something smart for gala dinners; river cruises are mostly casual, but holiday nights are dressier.
Family Holidays on the River
Tauck’s Bridges family brand runs a December Holiday Magic family sailing on the Danube, with stops including the Wachau Valley, Budapest and Salzburg. See more on our family river cruises page.
Booking tips
- Holiday dates are limited and popular — book as early as you can.
- Flights around Christmas and New Year are busy and can be expensive; plan air early too.
- Check exactly which nights fall in which city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be on a river cruise on Christmas Day?
Yes. Several lines run sailings over Christmas itself, usually on the Danube or Rhine, with festive dinners on board. Some Christmas market sailings end just before Christmas, so check the dates.
Where is the best place for New Year’s Eve on a river?
Budapest and Vienna are popular. Budapest’s Danube fireworks and Vienna’s New Year traditions make good backdrops. New Year sailings typically include a gala dinner on board.
Are Thanksgiving-week sailings available?
Late November sailings (often the start of the Christmas market season) are popular with American travelers using Thanksgiving week. Some ships serve a Thanksgiving dinner for American guests; ask about your sailing.
Book a Holiday-Season River Cruise
Tell us whether you want Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s on the river, and our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will find the sailings.
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