Christmas Market Cruises 2027:
Every year, as soon as European Christmas markets are announced, they sell out. Australians who experience Christmas in 40-degree heat are consistently drawn to the idea of Europe in winter: mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, snow-dusted town squares, illuminated cathedrals, and handmade wooden decorations. A Christmas Market river cruise delivers all of this in the most efficient way possible: you visit multiple markets across multiple countries without unpacking once.
CroisiEurope's Christmas and New Year cruises are among the most popular sailings in the entire program booking out 12 18 months in advance. If 2027 Christmas markets are on your radar, now is the time to enquire.
Why a Christmas Market Cruise is Perfect for Australians
The timing works exceptionally well. European Christmas markets run late November to late December coinciding with Australian end-of-year school holidays. And a river cruise eliminates the biggest logistical headache: accommodation. During Advent, hotels in Vienna, Strasbourg, Cologne, and Budapest are expensive and hard to book. On a cruise, your hotel travels with you moored in the centre of each city, steps from the market.
CroisiEurope Christmas Market Cruises: What to Expect
CroisiEurope operates Christmas market cruises on the Danube, Rhine, and Rhône during Advent typically late November through late December. On board, the French hospitality takes on a festive character: special Christmas menus, seasonal decorations, vin chaud (mulled wine), and on some sailings a special Christmas Eve celebration with the captain and crew.
Top Christmas Market Cruise Routes for Australians in 2027
1. Danube Christmas Markets (Vienna, Linz, Passau, Budapest)
The most popular Christmas market cruise in Europe four countries, four exceptional markets.
• Vienna: The Rathausmarkt and Schönbrunn Palace Markets ice rinks, Glühwein, Advent concerts
• Linz: 'Magic of Advent' fills the old town with handmade crafts and regional food
• Passau: A smaller, more authentic market in a perfectly preserved medieval German city
• Budapest: Vörösmarty Square's market try kürtőskalács (chimney cake) and Hungarian pálinka
Duration: 7 8 days | Season: Late November Late December
Most in-demand sailing in CroisiEurope's program. Book 12 18 months in advance.
2. Rhine Christmas Markets (Cologne, Strasbourg, Basel)
Some of the oldest and most celebrated markets in Europe.
• Cologne: 7 different Christmas markets the Cathedral market at the base of the twin spires is iconic
• Strasbourg: The Christkindelsmärik, running since 1570 the 'Capital of Christmas'
• Heidelberg: Romantically lit castle and the Stiftskirche market
• Basel: Swiss precision meets Christmas charm
Duration: 5 8 days | Season: Late November Late December
3. New Year's Eve Cruises Vienna, Budapest, Paris
See in 2028 in style moored in Vienna (Staatsoper fireworks), Budapest (Parliament illuminations), or Paris (Eiffel Tower countdown). Gala dinners and deck-side celebrations.
What to Expect at European Christmas Markets
• Glühwein: Hot mulled wine served in a collectible ceramic mug you keep
• Handmade crafts: Wooden toys, blown-glass ornaments, nutcrackers, embroidered linens
• Regional food: Bratwurst, roasted chestnuts, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Stollen, Reibekuchen (potato pancakes)
• Seasonal concerts: Daily musical performances in the evenings at most markets
• Ice skating: Many markets include a rink Vienna's is one of the largest in Europe
Planning Your Christmas Market Cruise from Australia: Practical Info
Getting there: Fly into Vienna, Cologne, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam via Dubai, Singapore, Doha, or London. Book flights early December is peak season from Australia.
What to pack: Warm layers, waterproof coat, waterproof boots, gloves and scarf. Temperatures range from -5°C to +10°C.
School holidays: Australia's end-of-year school holidays align perfectly popular for families and multi-generational groups.
How to Book Your 2027 Cruise with CroisiEurope Australia
CroisiEurope Australia handles all bookings for Australian travellers with local support, AUD pricing, and no credit card surcharges on Visa or Mastercard.
Phone: 1300 739 652 | Email: contact@croisicruises.com
Website: www.croisieuroperivercruises.com.au
Office: Tweet World Travel, 544 Magill Road, Magill SA 5072
Request a free 2027 brochure posted to your door with full itinerary details, pricing, and deck plans.
2027 Early Booking is open now. Lock in your preferred sailing before the best cabins and fares are gone.
