🎪 Why settle for a single market when you might visit several? Cruising Europe's rivers allows you to glide from town to town, absorbing centuries of tradition at a wonderfully unhurried pace — and without the indignity of a crowded car park.

🍷 What do we love most about the festive season? The glow of market lights reflected on the water, a warming cup of glühwein, the scent of roasted chestnuts and gingerbread drifting on the cold air. These are pleasures that never disappoint.

🗺️ Where do these voyages take you? The Danube, the Rhine, the Main, and beyond — each river with its own distinct character, from the imperial grandeur of Vienna's market stalls to the storybook charm of Strasbourg draped in seasonal lights.

📅 When to go? Markets typically open in late November and run through to Christmas Eve — and the most sought-after cabins are reserved well in advance. Now is rather a good time to begin planning.

🎁 Travelling solo? Christmas Market cruises are wonderfully well-suited to independent travellers, with a convivial atmosphere on board and shore excursions that invite you to explore at your own pace — and sample everything.

🌟 Considering being away over Christmas itself? A number of departures run across the Christmas period — for those who prefer sipping glühwein beneath twinkling European lights to the more domestic festivities at home.