Europe’s Christmas markets are a cherished holiday tradition that attract visitors from around the globe. These charming open-air markets offer a festive atmosphere where shoppers can find unique gifts like nutcrackers and handcrafted toys while enjoying mulled wine and local treats. For those dreaming of experiencing these beloved markets as they begin to open for the holidays and before the steady stream of visitors arrive, AmaWaterways‘ Taste of Christmas cruises provide an alluring alternative.

With departures starting in mid-November, these special Taste of Christmas sailings allow guests to experience this magical time of year in Europe as town and city squares begin their transformation into Christmas wonderlands. While some of the smaller markets may not yet be open, the larger markets in popular cities such as Vienna, Budapest and Amsterdam will be kicking off and AmaWaterways guests can be among their first visitors.

“We are excited to invite our guests to experience the enchanting atmosphere of Europe’s Christmas markets in the most intimate way,” said Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice-president at AmaWaterways. “Our Taste of Christmas cruises offer a unique opportunity to be among the first visitors to these magical markets, allowing travelers to savor the festive spirit while discovering local traditions and culinary delights. From the twinkling lights of Vienna to the charming stalls of Nuremberg, we aim to create unforgettable memories that celebrate the joy of the holiday season.”

In 2024, the seven-night Blue Danube Discovery Taste of Christmas cruise will depart Budapest on November 16 and call on ports in Austria—including Vienna—and Germany before ending in Nuremberg. In addition to visiting the famed Christmas markets in Vienna and Budapest, guests can sample traditional Slovakian specialties with a special home visit in Bratislava, take in the famed Melk Abbey, or embark on a scenic 18-mile guided bike tour along the river.

Three departures of the Rhine Castles and Swiss Alps Taste of Christmas sailing have availability in 2024, with embarkations in Basel and Amsterdam on November 18, and a special wine-focused embarkation in Amsterdam on November 25. This enchanting sailing takes guests from the shores of Lake Lucerne to the banks of the Rhine Gorge, home to some 40 castles. Christmas markets in Cologne and Amsterdam provide plenty of opportunities for shopping and sampling the local delicacies.

Other Taste of Christmas offerings for 2024 include Gems of Southeast Europe along the lesser-known lower Danube from Hungary to Romania, and Rhine & Moselle Splendors sailing from Luxemburg to Basel, Switzerland.

For those who want to visit Europe while the markets are at their peak, AmaWaterways offers an assortment of Christmas Market sailings on the Danube, Rhine, and Rhône rivers as well as the waterways of Holland and Belgium. Christmas market sailings tend to sell out early so travelers interested in sailing during these peak time in 2025 should book soon.

Cruising with AmaWaterways includes fine dining in multiple venues, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, a daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks, a daily variety of small group excursions, including hiking, biking and special interest tours, high-quality Wi-Fi, a complimentary Wellness Program in Europe and on the Mekong with a variety of host-led fitness classes, and much more.

For more information or to reserve an AmaWaterways river cruise and land package, contact your preferred Travel Advisor, call 1.800.626.0126 or visit AmaWaterways.com.

About AmaWaterways

Family-owned and operated for 22 years, AmaWaterways offers unparalleled river cruise experiences with 31 custom-designed ships sailing Europe’s major rivers; Southeast Asia’s Mekong River; Africa’s Chobe River; Egypt’s Nile River and Colombia’s Magdalena River (2025). Co-founded by pioneering river cruise executives Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy, the company is renowned for its warm and welcoming crew; innovative and sustainable ship design; wellness activities (including a wide choice of included small group shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options); and award-winning, locally sourced cuisine paired with complimentary fine wine. Modern, spacious and tastefully decorated, most AmaWaterways ships welcome an average of just 150 guests and feature onboard amenities such as a stunning Main Lounge, specialty Chef’s Table restaurant, hair and massage salons, Sun Deck walking track and heated outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars. AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry in innovation, highlighted by the launch of the revolutionary AmaMagna. The company also offers a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, with sailings geared towards active travelers and families, as well as group and charter options.