Blending charming landscapes with local traditions, authentic delicacies and seasonal spirit, these are the world’s best Christmas cruises in 2025.
Dreaming of a white Christmas strolling down brightly lit streets, or a day relaxing in the sand under the sun? This holiday season, several cruise lines are offering itineraries that sail to various regions and climates. From chestnut-scented markets and snow-dusted buildings to traditional Nativity scenes in a tropical archipelago, there’s a Christmas cruise to suit everyone. Exchange a typical Christmas Day at home for fairytale cities, festive markets and seasonal events on one of the world’s best Christmas cruises in 2025.
Christmas on the Rhine
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as you walk through storybook villages, sip on warm glühwein (mulled wine), sample local delicacies and browse vibrant markets with Viking. The line’s ‘Christmas on the Rhine’ itinerary spans eight days and four countries, visiting themed winter markets in the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland. Don’t miss out on tasting Strasbourg’s bredele (star-shaped spiced cookies) or a stroopwafel (syrup-filled waffle biscuit) in Amsterdam.
Departure dates: 26 November to 19 December 2025
Iconic Christmas Markets
From the oldest Christmas market in Germany to Budapest’s traditional handmade gifts, AmaWaterways’ ‘Iconic Christmas Markets’ is one of the world’s best Christmas cruises in 2025. The voyage takes guests to the most impressive markets along the Danube, stopping at Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, Regensburg’s Artisan Christmas Market and traditional markets in Vienna and Budapest. Expect streets laden with sparkling lights, joyful carolling and the scent of chestnuts roasting on an open fire.
Departure dates: 26 November to 20 December 2025
Magical Parisian Holiday
Let the City of Light be your enchanting backdrop this festive season on Uniworld’s eight-day ‘Magical Parisian Holiday’ cruise. Embarking from Paris, the S.S. Joie de Vivre will float along the Seine and venture into the countryside, passing brightly decorated châteaux. At Normandy’s medieval capital, you will have the opportunity to peruse the Christmas markets in front of the Rouen Cathedral before listening to a private choir performance.
Departure dates: 25 November to 16 December 2025
Christmas Highlights on the Danube
One of the best Christmas cruises in 2025 is Riverside Luxury Cruises’ ‘Christmas Highlights on the Danube’. Travelling across eight days in November and December, the Riverside Mozart sails through Austria and Germany along the Danube, passing vibrant Christkindlmarkte (Christmas markets) at every port. Here you can warm up with a steaming mug of glühwein and purchase hand-crafted holiday gifts.
Departure dates: 22 November and 6 December 2025
Prague & Christmas Time on the Danube
Immerse yourself in the splendour of the Danube during the holiday season with Emerald Cruises’ seven-day itinerary sailing from Prague to Budapest. Soak up the eastern charm of Bratislava, marvel at the twinkling lights decorating the historic buildings of Budapest and wander the festive markets of Vienna. Onboard, guests are treated to local Slovakian entertainment and a presentation on European Christmas traditions.
Departure dates: 25 November and 30 November 2025
Canary Islands Celebration
For those who prefer a warmer climate during Christmas time, Cunard offers several ‘Canary Islands Celebration’ cruises with varying durations. The Canary Islands is an archipelago with must-see Christmas traditions and Yuletide festivities, including the Traditional Nativity of Yaiza and a concert held by the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra in Santa Cruz. The highlight is the multi-course Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) feast serving fresh seafood, tomato soup, cinnamon pastries and traditional nougat, making this one of the best Christmas cruises in 2025.
Departure dates: 16 December to 21 December 2025
Fairytale Baltic with Christmas Markets
On the ‘Fairytale Baltic with Christmas Markets’ sailing with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, enchanting landmarks, historic castles and charming old towns are featured. Across 14 nights, you can soak up the magic of Christmas while floating on brightly lit canals and visiting festive markets in Denmark, Estonia and Latvia.
Departure date: 8 December 2025
Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine (Northbound)
Avalon Waterways’ eight-day ‘Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine (Northbound)’ is one of the world’s best Christmas cruises in 2025. Begin your Winter Wonderland voyage in Switzerland, stopping in festively lit and decorated destinations including France, Germany and Holland. Disembark in Strasbourg for a stroll through one of the continent’s oldest Christmas markets and its towering centrepiece tree, before continuing to Rüdesheim to view Europe’s largest Nativity scene.
Departure dates: 25 November to 16 December 2025
Christmas & New Year
Experience the most magical parts of Europe during the festive season on a ‘Christmas & New Year’ cruise with Scenic. Spanning 15 days, guests can savour the aromas of glühwein and roasted chestnuts while immersing themselves in the local traditions of Germany, Austria and Hungary. Throughout the Christmas period, you’ll visit small villages with expert guides to learn about their customs, then greet the New Year with an exclusive Viennese classical concert.
Departure date: 21 December 2025
Belgian Christmas Markets in Antwerp & Bruges
Prefer a short sojourn this Christmas? The three-night ‘Belgian Christmas Markets in Antwerp & Bruges’ journey with Ambassador Cruise Line is one of the best Christmas cruises in 2025. While often overlooked in favour of France, Belgium is a beautiful country teeming with rich history, festive cheer and indulgent delicacies. Sample the finest Belgian chocolate and waffles from market stalls that line the streets of Antwerp and Zeebrugge.
Departure date: 7 December 2025
Magical Paris & Festive Seine River Cruise
Across five days with Riviera Travel, guests on the ‘Magical Paris & Festive Seine River Cruise’ will witness the City of Light’s grandeur on full display. Soak up the seasonal splendour while passing wintry landscapes, meandering markets adorned with dazzling lights and ornaments, and exploring historic French châteaux dressed in full Christmas finery. Onboard, sip on mulled wine from the deck or disembark for a private organ recital in Vernon Cathedral.
Departure dates: 1 December to 17 December 2025
Which is the best Christmas cruise?
There are several outstanding Christmas cruises in 2025 that tick all the boxes, but singling out the best depends on personal predilection. Those who prefer a warm climate and sunny weather for the festive season will enjoy cruises to tropical destinations. For a classic Winter Wonderland experience, there is a vast selection of Christmas cruises throughout Europe to suit your tastes. Itineraries that include stops in multiple countries and cities with Christmas markets make for a truly magical voyage.
Where to go on a cruise for Christmas?
Destinations that are popular for a warm Christmas include Mexico, the Caribbean, the Canary Islands and Hawaii. River cruises in Germany, France, Austria, the Netherlands and other European countries promise all the hallmarks of a traditional Christmas: enchanting markets, twinkling lights and a festive atmosphere.
What is the best cruise for Christmas markets?
The best Christmas market cruises typically sail along the Rhine and Danube rivers, visiting major festive cities like Vienna, Budapest, Cologne and Strasbourg. River cruises in Europe offer access to a wide selection of authentic markets across multiple destinations, each showcasing handcrafted gifts and seasonal delicacies distinct to the region.
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