Now imagine experiencing all of that—and more—without the hassle of fighting for parking or lugging your spoils through a crowded train station. Enter: the Christmas market cruise, a floating festive voyage that pairs the joy of handcrafted shopping with the ease of life at sea.

And lucky for you, Cruise Collective members can unwrap some early gifts of their own: exclusive discounts on a range of cruises perfect for festive wanderings. But more on that later—first, let’s explore the markets themselves.

Germany: the archetypal Christmas market experience

What’s a Christmas market cruise without a stop in Germany? It’s like a mince pie without the filling—unthinkable. From Nuremberg’s world-famous Christkindlesmarkt to Cologne’s stunning riverside stalls, German markets serve as the gold standard for festive cheer. Think intricately carved nutcrackers, hand-blown glass ornaments, and enough stollen to make Father Christmas consider an extra lap around the globe.

Onboard, many cruises bring a little German flair to your experience, whether it’s gingerbread workshops or a mulled wine mixology class (tip: the trick is a lot of cinnamon). And with Ambassador Cruise Line offering 10% off all bookings for Cruise Collective members, this yuletide escape is more well-worth some festive pre-planning for 2025.

Scandinavia: Nordic Noel

For those craving a touch of hygge to go along with their holiday cheer, Scandinavian markets are a must. Picture wooden stalls nestled beneath snow-dusted trees, selling everything from felted gnomes to hand-knitted jumpers that'll make you feel like a cozy extra in a Christmas film. The markets in Copenhagen and Stockholm, in particular, are a blend of old-world charm and modern craftsmanship–gift giving opportunities abound.

Why not make it a Hurtigruten affair? Their voyages take you along the coast of Norway, where you can combine your Christmas market fix with jaw-dropping winter landscapes. Cruise Collective members enjoy 5% off Hurtigruten bookings, which leaves a little more room in your budget for that authentic Viking drinking horn you’ve been eyeing up.

The Danube: a river full of festive charm

Vienna. Budapest. Bratislava. The Danube River cruise is essentially a Christmas market treasure hunt, with each stop offering its own unique take on seasonal magic. Whether it’s sipping Glühwein beside a baroque cathedral or admiring handmade lace in a medieval town square, this itinerary is pure holiday gold.

AmaWaterways are the perfect travel partner for gliding into these enchanting towns, and with £150 off all cruises booked through Cruise Collective, there’s never been a better time to treat yourself. 

France: a touch of elegance

For a touch of je ne sais quoi in your festive explorations, head to the Alsace region. Here, markets like the one in Strasbourg—often dubbed the “Capital of Christmas”—are brimming with French finesse. Think hand-dipped candles, artisanal chocolates, and enough vin chaud to get you planning for dry January early.

If you fancy a quick getaway, DFDS mini cruises are an affordable way to dip your toe into the Christmas market scene. And with 5% off for Cruise Collective members, you can save a little cash for that extra wedge of French cheese at the market.

Austria: baroque beauty meets festive spirit

If Christmas was a country, it might just be Austria. The markets here are an enchanting mix of baroque elegance and Alpine charm, from Vienna’s Rathausplatz market, where the stalls are as ornate as the city itself, to Salzburg’s market under the shadow of Hohensalzburg Fortress. Expect to find hand-carved wooden toys, traditional blown-glass ornaments, and enough Sachertorte to feed at least 10 lords a-leaping.

River cruises along the Danube make Austria’s festive offerings easily accessible, with stops that let you bask in the glow of fairy lights while sipping on Glühwein. AmaWaterways river ships are perfect for navigating these picturesque towns, and with £150 off for Cruise Collective members, the adventure is both magical and wallet-friendly.

The UK: homegrown Christmas charm

You don’t need to leave these storied isles to experience some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. The UK offers its own festive delights, from the Dickensian charm of York’s St. Nicholas Fair to the sprawling Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park. Don’t miss the magical market in Bath, where Georgian architecture makes the perfect backdrop for stalls selling handmade jewellery, local art, and artisanal fudge that tastes like Christmas itself.

Cruises around the British Isles with Ambassador or Fred. Olsen often include stopovers at festive hotspots like Edinburgh and Belfast. With 10% off bookings for Cruise Collective members, you can enjoy the UK’s yuletide magic without breaking the bank—or battling motorway traffic.