Have you been wondering how a Christmas market river cruise would be for a family holiday vacation? Well, Christmas market river cruises are simply magical. And if I had to stop at one single reason why you should take one for a holiday vacation, that would be it. The kids, your parents, and even your friends, will love all the ambiance that surrounds you during this fabulous time of year. However, there are many other reasons why you should gather your family and take a Christmas market river cruise for a holiday vacation. Today, I am going to share those reasons with you, so you can see just how incredible these Christmas market river cruises truly are.  

Christmas Market River Cruises: Reasons to Choose One for a Holiday Vacation

Celebrate the Magic of the Season During a Christmas Market River Cruise

One of the main reasons you should take a Christmas market river cruise is the one I already listed above. Celebrating the magic of the season is always better when you are in spectacular destinations around the world. There are plenty of Christmas markets in Europe. You can visit many of them during a river cruise too.  

These Christmas markets are full of Christmas music, sparkling lights, decorations, and food. The ambiance at these markets is always lively. Fires are burning in fire pits or in barrels. Chestnuts are roasting. And the smell of gingerbread fills the air. Add in the locals laughing and having fun, and you have memories you will never forget.  

Talk about an exciting way to celebrate the holidays with the people you love the most!

Check out these benefits of taking a Christmas market river cruise as a family. 

Shop for Unique Gifts 

Not everyone needs a scarf, toaster, or gift card as a present during the holidays. If you really want your gifts to stand out, purchase them at the Christmas markets you visit during a river cruise.  

There are so many different gifts you can choose from. Handblown glass, wooden toys, and handmade ornaments are only a few things you can get during your visits at European Christmas markets.  

Check out some of the most popular Christmas markets in Europe. 

Opportunity to Drink Mulled Wine 

Okay, so you can easily drink mulled wine at home. However, drinking mulled wine in Germany, or wherever you are visiting the Christmas markets, is a much better experience. Every vendor makes their mulled wine a little differently. It is best to try a few versions before declaring your all-time favorite.  

Don’t want to wait to drink mulled wine?? Here is an excellent recipe for making it at home! 

Spectacular Dining Options 

There is always plenty of food available at Christmas markets. Over in Germany, you will find lebkuchen, schmalzkuchen, maroni, and pfannkuchen. Sausages, potato pancakes, and potato dumplings are also available from certain vendors.  

Your family will never go hungry while visiting the Christmas markets during your river cruise vacation!

Experience Unique Holiday Cultures 

You obviously have your own holiday cultures and traditions back home. When you take a Christmas market river cruise, your family will be introduced to so many other holiday cultures and traditions. You may decide that you want to include some of those new cultures and traditions in your holidays when you get back home. If not, at least you have the memories you made while learning about them all during your family holiday vacation.  

Can’t escape to Europe this holiday season? Check out these Christmas markets right here in the US!

Check Out the Beautiful Scenery During a Christmas Market River Cruise

Nothing beats the scenery you can see while on a river cruise. Especially during the holiday season. As the riverboat floats down the river, you can look at all the landscape along the way. Most of the time, the buildings will be all decked out for the holidays.  

Keep your camera ready, as you enjoy the views from the deck, or your room, while sailing down the river during your Christmas market cruise.

Experience Fewer Crowds 

So, the Christmas markets you visit during your river cruise will definitely be crowded. However, every other attraction you visit will have fewer people. This means you won’t find yourself waiting in long lines. You won’t need to rush. And you can see more in a shorter amount of time.  

These are the best reasons to take a Christmas market river cruise for a holiday vacation. I am sure you will discover many other reasons, as you are making memories with your family! 

I am currently booking clients for a December 2025 Christmas market river cruise. So, are you ready to book this Christmas market river cruise, or one for 2026, for your next holiday vacation? 

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

Not ready to book a family vacation? Sign up for my newsletter, and you will be prepared when it finally is time to get away with your family.