Experience the magic of European Christmas markets from the comfort of a river cruise ship. From seasonal treats to cozy holiday celebrations with fellow travelers, the answer is YES, this is a trip is a dream worth making come true.
I’d been on the Danube with Viking Cruises before, but never for Christmas markets. In fact, I’d never been to any European Christmas markets. Now I understand why these cruises book months in advance.
Fashion Street Budapest
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Why a Christmas markets cruise is worth the hype
You already know my answer but just in case you missed it, let me be more explicit: if you love Christmas, the markets are like having Christmas every day in December.
Advent markets are a tradition in many cities (especially in Germany), and they have hundreds of years of history. Markets are a way for a community to gather, enjoy seasonal food and drink, music, and take home unique and handmade gifts you can’t buy on Amazon.
Now that I’ve experienced the Christmas markets via a river cruise, would I recommend it? Absolutely! In addition to experiencing cities on the Danube River decked for the holidays, the cruise ship also felt cozier, with people gathered together to celebrate the season. The festive decor, along with Viking’s special holiday programs and dining events added to the holiday cheer.
Highlights of the Danube Delights Christmas River Cruise
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- Visit multiple Christmas markets in just one week!
- Walk at night in the markets with a warm cup of gluhwein.
- Take a food tour in Budapest
- Hearing the Salzburg Sound of Music Singers onboard Viking Vilhelm Note: the onboard entertainment may vary from ship to ship.
- Wine tasting at Gottweig Abbey (wine is one of my niche topics)
Was it boring sailing the same itinerary I had sailed just a few years before?
The Danube Christmas Delights itinerary includes some of the most exciting and beautiful cities in the world: Vienna, Budapest, Linz, Passau, and Bratislava. How could that be boring?
Christmas carols, church bells, and festive music at each port added to the experience. Yes, you can travel the Danube in any season, but the festivities of the Christmas holidays are exclusive to that time of year.
Benefits of seeing the markets by river cruise
Traveling by cruise ship allows you to visit multiple markets in each port, or as many as are available. Some of the smaller cities only have one or two markets. Larger cities, like Vienna, will have many more markets to choose from.
Save time
Viking makes it so convenient by including some of the markets as part of a shore excursion, especially in Vienna and Budapest. If you want to go to other markets the tour director can help you with locations and transportation. No need to spend hours scrolling the internet to find dates, times, and locations for markets. When you’re planning to go to multiple markets, this is a huge time saver. Note that most markets close on December 24th or 25th, though a few are open afterward. This will vary from city to city.
Vienna
If you take a morning excursion or tour it will usually end at one of the markets. Your Viking guide will provide tickets for a complimentary mug of gluhwëin. Many people collect the mugs at each market as a souvenir. I noticed that the locals either returned theirs or left them on a table…that’s what I chose to do. Sometimes I wish I had brought just one cup home!
Convenience
Another great feature of a river cruise is that your hotel moves with you. You only unpack once, saving so much time. This is one of my favorite aspects of a river cruise. More time to enjoy traveling and less time spent on organizing the trip details is a true luxury.
Can you walk from the ship to the city center?
On the Danube River you can walk off the ship and into the city center at every port with the exception of Vienna. There, Viking will provide transportation by bus or you can take the metro or a ride share. I’ve taken the metro in Vienna…it’s very easy and safe. The historic area is not far from the river but it would be a long walk.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Are shore excursions included in the price of the cruise?
In general, everything you do will be included in the total price of the cruise, except your shopping! 🙂 Your room, meals, wifi, transportation from the airport to the ship and return to the airport if Viking books your flight. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are also included. There’s always at least one included tour per day; optional tours that are an extra fee.
You can add tips to your bill in advance, a practice I find very convenient. Viking has a recommended minimum, but you can pay whatever you wish simply put it on your final bill. 
Are shore excursions the same on the Viking Danube Delights Christmas markets cruise?
Yes, shore excursions are scheduled as usual, though there may be fewer options. People naturally want to go to the markets, and the schedules are adjusted to accommodate the season. Also, hours of operation at attractions vary from season to season. Morning city walks and tours usually conclude at, or near, a Christmas market.
You will have plenty of time on your own to explore the markets, drink something hot, and taste some of the seasonal traditions. There’s never any pressure to take a tour. If it’s too cold, you can stay on the ship relaxing in the cozy ambiance. If you need help with how to get to a market, the tour director will help you.
Are you ready to create your own Christmas traditions on the Danube? I’ve written another article with details about the Danube Waltz shore excursions
What to expect on your Viking Longship
Christmas decor enhances the understated elegance of the Viking longship’s Scandinavian design. Every detail immerses you in the fun and festivity of the season. A beautiful tree greets you as you board and all of the common areas are warmly decorated.
While the purpose of the cruise is focused on the markets, there’s a lot happening each evening on board the ship, from regional singers and dancers to cooking lessons. Our first night on the cruise the Viking crew sang us Christmas Carols while we all contributed our own hand made ornaments to the tree!
Another evening, we enjoyed a traditional Austrian dinner followed by music and a Christmas Quiz in the lounge with the tour director.
The most special evening on board was listening to the Salzburg Sound of Music Singers in the lounge. They sang classics by Mozart, and Stolz and familiar tunes from the Sound of Music. Absolutely beautiful.
There is usually at least one cooking demonstration…of course we made gingerbread men, or to be more exact, the chef showed us how and we decorated them. Fun, and tasty.
Staterooms
Like the rest of the ship, staterooms are decorated in a modern Scandinavian design. You can move from one Viking cruise ship to the next and the rooms will be consistent. Rooms have two twin beds that are pushed together to create a king unless you request otherwise. All rooms have outside views: some have windows, French balconies,or a veranda. I had a veranda and while I do like it I find I’m not in my room that much.
A few other details: your room is serviced daily unless you put the do not disturb on. Fresh, bottle water in glass bottles is replenished and a schedule with history and tips for each port is delivered. There’s a safe for valuables and a laundry service. I took advantage of this on a summer cruise because it was so hot and the cruise was two weeks long. I won’t go into any more detail!
Food and drink
Meals on board are always delicious but be sure to save room for tasting all the great food at the markets. Everything is very seasonal, and some are only available during the holidays.
There’s only one main dining room and it’s open seating. I love this because I can sit with someone different every night. Other people stake out a table and try to sit in the same spot. If you’re an introvert, a river cruise is probably not a good option.
Menus include one classic menu that doesn’t change throughout the cruise. This menu will include things like a Caesar salad, hamburgers, or a steak. The second menu changes daily and is focused on regional tastes and seasonings.
Regional favorites
In Central Europe, the food is hearty and includes goulash, schnitzel, sausages, fresh cheeses, and accompaniments. I absolutely love the food in this part of the world. There’s always one themed night, as well. On the Danube, it’s Austrian night featuring sausages, beer, pretzels, cabbage, and other Austrian delights.
A choice of a red and white wine, beer, or soft drinks comes with the meal, but there are options for wines that are not included with the cost. Viking offers a Silver Spirits package that includes all of the alcohol you can drink, but if you prefer wine it may not be a good choice for you.
Is This Cruise Right for You?
This cruise is ideal if you:
- Love Christmas traditions and holiday atmosphere
- Prefer hassle-free travel (no packing/unpacking between cities)
- Enjoy socializing with fellow travelers
- Want to visit multiple countries without planning logistics
It may not be the best fit if you:
- Prefer complete independence and spontaneity
- Are on a tight budget
- Don’t enjoy structured group activities
- Want to spend multiple days in each city
When to book?
Whether this is your first Viking river cruise or first time visiting Christmas markets, or both, I know that experiencing the old world beauty during the Advent season is magical. Onboard your ship, you’ll find a warm welcome and place to call home during your week on the Danube. I know you will remember the experience for years to come.
Many people want to extend their trip either by arriving pre cruise departure, or staying after disembarking. Popular cities for extension include Budapest, Vienna, Munich, and Prague. Viking Cruises offers customized packages for cities related to your itinerary. If you want to book a hotel on your own in any of these destinations you can check Booking.com and Expedia.
When to Book
Christmas market cruises are among Viking’s most popular sailings and typically sell out 6-9 months in advance. If you’re hoping to sail during peak dates (the two weeks before Christmas), book even earlier—up to a year ahead. Shoulder season dates in early December may have more availability and can offer a quieter, more relaxed experience at the markets.
