Yuletide Magic on the Rhine: A Viking River Cruise Through Europe's Enchanting Christmas Markets

Picture this: You start in Amsterdam, where the canals twinkle with Christmas lights, and you can stuff your face with the most heavenly cookie croissants at Lourens. Pro tip: Before you board, fly in a day early to avoid any flight issues and then explore all that AMS has to offer by walking the canals, shopping and eating! The canals are lined with Christmas lights this time of year that'll make your Instagram followers envious. Try the Upstairs Pancakes, or do a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter and see Anne Frank’s House (book tickets well in advance!) Try amazing Italian sandwiches from Zero Zero or book brunch from their garden at Gartine. While AMS is not known for large Christmas markets, it's a winter wonderland near Museumplein. Complete with an ice skating rink and stalls selling Dutch specialties like poffertjes (mini pancakes) and oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts). Book a stay at The Hoxton and thank me later. If you're looking for a truly luxurious start (or end) to your trip, consider booking a stay at the De L'Europe Amsterdam. It's hands down one of the best luxury hotels I've ever experienced — the perfect way to treat yourself before or after your cruise adventure.

Image 1: Christmas market in Germany; Image 2: Christmas market in Strasbourg, France

Christmas market in Cologne, Germany

Oh, and if you're into amazing dinners, hit up Bar Gui — it feels like a traditional Brown Bar but has exquisite food. Their brioche bread is wow! Trust me, your taste buds will write you a thank-you note. Then you meet up with your Viking Cruise boat. Start gliding down the Rhine River, mulled wine in hand, as twinkling Christmas markets unfold before your eyes like scenes from a holiday snow globe. Sounds magical, right? Well, that's exactly what you're in for on this eight-day journey from Amsterdam to Basel.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "A river cruise? Isn't that for retirees and newlyweds?" Well, let me tell you, this ain't your grandma's cruise (although she'd probably love it too). Viking has created an experience that's equal parts cozy and cool, traditional and trendy. Although the age range of the attendees definitely skewed to 55+, we were two 30-somethings and had fun. It is definitely good to know the demographic before contacting me to book.

Image 1: Christmas market in France; Image 2: Busy Strasbourg market

First stop: you'll sail to Dordrecht, where you can channel your inner Dutch baker and make your own stroopwafel. We did an additional-cost excursion to visit the town of Gouda. Yes, like the cheese. You'll get to make your own stroopwafel (because who doesn't want to play with their food?) and sample delicious Gouda.

Next up, Cologne, home to not one, not two, but six Christmas markets. This place is the motherlode, each more festive than the last. The moment when the cathedral market lights up, pure magic. And don't even get me started on the warm, cheesy pretzels. I may have shed a tear. In Cologne, the Heinzels Wintermärchen is a must-visit. This market is run by gnomes (well, people dressed as gnomes) and offers a unique blend of traditional and modern crafts. Pro tip: Each market has its own special mug design. Start collecting them — they make for great souvenirs and conversation starters back home! It's like the Disneyland of Christmas markets, only with more Glühwein and fewer mouse ears.

Image 1: Dinner at Bar Gui, Amsterdam; Image 2: Lounge on the boat

While in Cologne, we couldn't resist the allure of local cuisine. We found ourselves at Peters Brauhaus, where we indulged in some of the most delicious schnitzel I've ever tasted. It was a perfect example of why sometimes it's worth venturing off the boat for meals. Don't get me wrong, the food onboard was consistently good, but there's something special about dining in local establishments. In fact, whenever we were docked in town during dinner time, we often opted to eat at local restaurants or sample the diverse offerings at the Christmas markets. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and culinary scene.

As you continue down the Rhine, you'll stop at picturesque towns like Rüdesheim, Mannheim and Strasbourg. Each one offers its own unique take on holiday cheer, from Christmas market mug collecting to handmade artisanal ornaments, it’s a festive trip of a lifetime!

As we sailed on, we docked in Koblenz. We opted for the Medieval Marksburg castle tour because what's a European trip without a castle? It was very cool as it is the only hill castle on the Rhine that has never been destroyed. Its medieval architecture and stunning views of the river valley offer a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich history, making it a true highlight of the trip. After resting, we enjoyed a stroll on the walking pad on the top of the boat while we sailed by more beautiful castles. Then we arrived in Rüdesheim (smaller market, but they've got potato latkes that'll knock your lederhosen off), and Heidelberg (where I discovered glüh gin — move over, mulled wine!).

When we docked in Mannheim, we decided to go off the beaten path a bit. With the help of the incredibly accommodating boat staff, we arranged a taxi to take us to the Heidelberg Christmas market instead. Let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions we made on the trip! Heidelberg's market, set against the backdrop of the city's stunning castle and old town, was nothing short of magical. The scent of roasted chestnuts and cinnamon filled the air as we wandered through stalls selling everything from handcrafted ornaments to local delicacies. We even tried the aforementioned glüh gin — a delightful twist on the traditional glühwein. The extra effort to get there was well worth it, and it's a detour I'd highly recommend to anyone taking this cruise. Just remember to coordinate your return trip with the boat's schedule!

As if the day wasn't magical enough, our evening brought another delightful surprise. After returning from Heidelberg, we took a short trip to nearby Speyer for their night market. Let me tell you, it was a sight to behold! The star of the show was undoubtedly the stunning Speyer Cathedral, its Romanesque architecture beautifully illuminated against the night sky. The cathedral's distinctive red and white striped exterior created a candy-cane-like effect that perfectly complemented the festive atmosphere. The market itself was charming, with wooden stalls circling the cathedral, offering everything from local crafts to steaming mugs of glühwein. The combination of the historic setting, twinkling lights and the scent of roasted almonds in the air made for an unforgettable evening. It's moments like these that really make a Rhine Christmas cruise special — you never know what hidden gems you'll discover just around the river bend!

Strasbourg, oh Strasbourg! It's like stepping into a Christmas snow globe, but with better food and more people. Warning: It gets crowded, but the decorations? *chef's kiss*. In Strasbourg, opt for the culinary walk through the old town. You'll sample local delicacies like kougelhopf (a type of Alsatian cake) and tarte flambée while soaking in the city's unique blend of French and German cultures.

Our final days on the cruise brought even more festive adventures. When we docked in Breisach, Germany, we decided to venture out to Colmar, France, instead of the planned Freiburg market. Colmar, with its picturesque old town and charming canals, was like stepping into a real-life fairy tale. The Christmas market here was truly spectacular, albeit crowded on a Saturday. Despite the bustle, I managed to snag some of my favorite souvenirs of the trip — hand-blown glass ornaments from a factory just outside Colmar.

If I could do it again, though, I might have tried to visit Ribeauville. This quaint town only hosts its Christmas market on certain weekends, and we were lucky enough to be there during one of them. Unfortunately, limited taxi availability meant we couldn't make it. I also heard wonderful things about the Christmas market in Riquewihr. Pro tip for future cruisers: If you're interested in exploring these smaller towns, try to arrange transportation in advance!

Our journey concluded with a sail into Basel, Switzerland, where we bid farewell to our floating home and flew back to reality. But the memories of twinkling lights, festive melodies and the warm glow of Christmas markets along the Rhine will stay with us long after the last ornament is packed away..

Now, let's talk about the ship itself. Picture a boutique hotel, but one that moves and has a better view. The rooms are cozy (though if you're planning to be out and about most of the time, you might want to skip the balcony upgrade). The food was delicious and the staff was really helpful and kind.

Each day starts with a generous breakfast spread, available from 6 am to 11 am. You have two options: the café breakfast room or the Aquavit Lounge, which offers stunning views to accompany your morning coffee. It's the perfect way to fuel up for a day of Christmas market exploration.

In the evenings, our Cruise Director, Jackie, would give a port talk, detailing the next day's excursions and events. Missed the talk? No worries! You can catch it later on your stateroom TV. It's like having a personal tour guide right in your room.

While the ship offers many comforts, it's worth noting that there are some limitations due to its size. Unlike larger ocean cruises, there's no gym or hot tub on board. For fitness enthusiasts or those who enjoy a post-sightseeing soak, this might be a downside to consider. However, with all the walking you'll do exploring Christmas markets and charming towns, you might not miss the gym too much!

Speaking of guides, Viking provides each guest with an earpiece for excursions. Trust me, this little device is a game-changer. You can hear your guide crystal clear, even in the bustling markets. No more awkward huddles or straining to hear over the crowd!

And just when you think it can't get any better, Viking throws in themed dinners. One night, we were treated to a German-themed feast, complete with pretzels, beer and all manner of German delicacies. It was like visiting another Christmas market, but in the comfort of our floating home.

And the best part? You only have to unpack once. That's right, no lugging suitcases through crowded train stations or navigating unfamiliar roads. Your floating hotel takes you right to the heart of each destination.

This expanded section provides a more detailed picture of life on the boat. Giving potential travelers a better idea of what to expect from their Viking River Cruise experience.

One of the things that really impressed me about this cruise was its inclusivity. If you have mobility issues or prefer a slower pace, Viking has you covered with their "Leisure Group." This group does walking tours at a more relaxed speed, ensuring everyone can enjoy the sights comfortably. I noticed quite a few multi-generational families on board, often with grandparents in tow. It was heartwarming to see how the cruise catered to all ages and abilities. From the leisurely tours to the onboard activities, there truly was something for everyone. So whether you're a sprightly youngster or a great grandparent who prefers to take things easy, you'll find this cruise accommodating and enjoyable. It's a fantastic way to experience the magic of European Christmas markets without the usual stress of travel logistics.

But wait, there's more! (I feel like an infomercial, but I swear this is all true.) Viking also offers onboard activities like Christmas tree trimming parties, gingerbread decorating workshops and even German lessons. Because nothing says "Frohe Weihnachten" like butchering the German language after a few too many Glühweins. Viking offers a wide array of excursions to suit every interest, from Christmas market tours to wine tastings and cultural experiences. While we couldn't do them all, each one we chose added a unique flavor to our Rhine Christmas adventure.

Now, full disclosure: The average age on these cruises tends to skew towards the "I remember when this was all fields" demographic. But don't let that deter you. There's something oddly liberating about doing the conga line with a 65-year-old who has better moves than you do. The beds were a tad uncomfortable (but hey, who sleeps when there are markets to explore?). The extra costs for excursions were also a bit of a bummer. But if you want to see Europe's best Christmas markets without lugging your suitcase through cobblestone streets, this is the way to go!

So, if you're looking for a holiday experience that combines old-world charm with modern comforts, delicious food with picturesque scenery and Christmas cheer with, well, more Christmas cheer, then this is the trip for you.

Just remember to pack your stretchy pants (those Christmas market treats are no joke) and your sense of adventure. And maybe brush up on your German. "Noch ein Glühwein, bitte" (Another mulled wine, please) is a phrase you'll want to know.

Ready to make your Christmas dreams come true? Give me a shout, and I'll hook you up with all the details. After all, nothing says "holiday spirit" quite like planning a trip to Europe's most festive destinations. Prost!

Practical tips from a seasoned Christmas market cruiser:

• Bring an extra bag (or leave room in your suitcase) for all the mugs and goodies you'll collect. Each market has its own uniquely designed mugs, and they make for great souvenirs or gifts. I loved all the hand-made ceramics, ornaments and meeting the artists who made them was a highlight. The best find was a hand-carved Santa with a huge nose.

• Pack comfortable, waterproof walking shoes. You'll be doing a lot of strolling on potentially snowy or icy cobblestone streets.

• Don't forget cash! While many vendors accept cards, some smaller stalls are cash only.

• Layer up! The weather can be unpredictable & cold, and you'll want to be comfortable both indoors and out.

• Learn a few basic phrases in German and French. A simple "Danke" or "Merci" goes a long way.

• Consider extending your stay in Basel at the end of the cruise. The city's Christmas market is one of Switzerland's largest and most beautiful.

• Don't overlook the excursions! We regret missing out on some fantastic tours, like the Gengenbach Christmas tour. If you're a wine enthusiast, consider booking the Alsatian wine tour, the Medieval Staufen and wine tour or the wine tasting and dinner at Eberbach Monastery.

• Book your excursions well in advance. Popular tours can sell out quickly, especially during the festive season. Don't miss out on experiences you're excited about!

• Consider your drinking habits when deciding on a beverage package. While wine and beer are included with meals, drinks outside mealtimes are extra unless you opt for a drink package. If you enjoy a nightcap or midday refreshment, it might be worth the investment.

• Be flexible with your plans. Sometimes, the unplanned detours (like our trip to Colmar) can lead to the most memorable experiences. Also, the plans on their website do change, as in they might not be able to dock at a certain location at a certain time, etc. So if you are an Excel sheet-by-the-hour person, it can and will change. The crew is incredible and gives information the day before and makes sure everything is taken care of.

• If you're interested in exploring smaller towns like Ribeauville or Riquewihr, try to arrange transportation in advance. The limited taxi availability can make spontaneous trips challenging.

Remember, this cruise isn't just about the destinations — it's about the journey. So sit back, sip your Glühwein and watch the festive Rhine scenery roll by. Frohe Weihnachten and bon voyage!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Cruises page.