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Christmas market with festive lights during the late evening in Rathausplatz square, Vienna, Austria

Winter River Cruises

Winter is such a magical time of year, with snowfall, fun with loved ones, and new discoveries in the New Year. Discover the many trinkets, traditional foods and handcrafted items at the yuletide markets on a Christmas market cruise to Germany or Vienna – full of splendour and festive charm. Or perhaps a river cruises over Christmas or the New Year, with like-minded people and festive food along the way.

You could also escape to a warmer country for some winter sun. February is a great time to get away from the biting cold at home and venture to a more exotic climate for a luxurious river cruise. The days are bright and sunny, but the temperatures haven’t yet reached their peak, meaning you can comfortably explore the many sights on offer.

Unbeatable value

which always includes

  • Direct flights & transfers
  • Five-star ships with impeccable on-board service
  • Itinerary curated by Riviera experts
  • Insightful excursions & visits every day with local guides
  • Expert Riviera Cruise Director & Cruise Host looking after you throughout
  • Evening entertainment from quizzes to impressive performers
  • Onboard restaurant, bar & lounge, spa & wellness facilities, plus free Wi-Fi
  • Delicious full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • 20kg+ checked luggage
  • 24/7 support from our UK-based team
  • All-inclusive drinks package

Find your perfect winter escape

We've found you 14 River Cruises

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Classic view of Salzburg and Festung Hohensalzburg fortress illuminated at Christmas time in Austria
Aerial view of Salzburg's Christmas Market illuminated at night in Austria
Traditional Christmas market at Vienna Town Hall at night in front of town hall

River Cruise

Christmas on the Danube River Cruise

  • Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Full board with Christmas Gala dinner
  • 9 included experiences
  • Live Christmas classical quartet recital
  • Hungarian Christmas Folklore Show
10% off all 2026 holidays. Every. Single. One
10% off all 2026 holidays. Every. Single. One
Canal and illuminated buildings during a Christmas market in Strasbourg, France
Christmas market lights in front of Speyer Cathedral at night, Germany
St. Michael church covered in snow at night in Cologne, Germany
Christmas market and Catholic cathedral at night in the city of Cologne, Germany

River Cruise

Christmas on the Rhine River Cruise

  • France, Germany
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board with Christmas Gala dinner
  • 9 included experiences
  • Festive folklore show
  • Violin Duo performance on board
10% off all 2026 holidays. Every. Single. One
10% off all 2026 holidays. Every. Single. One
  • France
  • 5* ship
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board dining
  • 5 included experiences
  • Visit 3 castles adorned with festive decor
  • Enjoy a musical performance in Vernon Cathedral
  • Explore Paris and the Christmas markets
10% off all 2026 holidays. Every. Single. One
10% off all 2026 holidays. Every. Single. One
St. Stephen's Cathedral basked in the glow of evening streetlights, Vienna
Entrance of Buda district at sunrise with colourful sky in Budapest, Hungary
View of Bratislava Castle from the river under a colour evening sky

River Cruise

New Year on the Danube River Cruise

  • Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • 6 included experiences plus New Year’s Eve celebrations on board
  • Full board including New Year's Eve Gala dinner
  • Live classical music recital
10% off all 2026 holidays. Every. Single. One
10% off all 2026 holidays. Every. Single. One
Koblenz City overlooking the Moselle River before sunset in Germany

River Cruise

New Year on the Rhine River Cruise

  • Germany
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board including New Year's Eve Gala dinner and New Year’s Brunch
  • 7 included experiences plus New Year’s Eve celebrations on board
10% off all 2026 holidays. Every. Single. One
10% off all 2026 holidays. Every. Single. One

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The Best Winter Sun Destinations To Escape The Cold

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Traditional Christmas market at Vienna Town Hall at night in front of town hall

10 Best European Cities to Visit in Winter

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Where to Go on a Christmas Market Cruise

Explore a winter wonderland of Yuletide delights on a Rhine or Danube Christmas market cruise.

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