The Christmas Markets of Europe are more than places to shop — they’re living traditions filled with history, food, music, and community. In this episode of Europe Unveiled, I’m taking you port by port down the Rhine to show you exactly what it’s like to experience the holidays this way.

From Amsterdam’s twinkling canals to Cologne’s seven markets, from Rüdesheim’s International Market of Nations to Strasbourg’s centuries-old festivities, you’ll discover the highlights, insider tips, and magical details that make a Christmas Markets river cruise so special.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The most popular Christmas Market river cruise itinerary (Amsterdam to Basel)
• The best things to eat, buy, and experience in each port
• Insider tips for making the most of your market visits
• What life onboard feels like during a Christmas sailing
• Why the 2027 Christmas Markets on the Rhine group cruise is the trip of a lifetime

If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping glühwein under twinkling lights while castles drift past your window, this is the episode to inspire your next adventure.

Ready to join me? Our December 4–11, 2027 Christmas Markets on the Rhine group cruise is now open for booking with AmaWaterways’ brand-new AmaSophia. Book with just a $400 deposit. Payment plans available!

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Welcome back to Europe Unveiled, the podcast where we sip, sail, and explore Europe one dream trip at a time. I’m your host, Sonia Rectenwald with Bryson Travel Group — your guide to river cruising, group travel, and those one-of-a-kind European adventures you’ll be talking about for years.

And today, we’re diving deeper into one of Europe’s most enchanting traditions — the Christmas Markets of the Rhine. These aren’t just places to shop; they’re living celebrations where history, food, music, and community all come together. From the first sip of mulled wine to the last twinkle of lights along the river, every market has its own story to tell.

If you caught my bonus episode, you know I gave a little sneak peek into the magic of Christmas Markets on the Rhine. But today, I’m pulling back the curtain and walking you through this entire Rhine itinerary — city by city, market by market — what to see, what to buy, what to eat, so you can really picture what it’s like to experience the season this way.

This isn’t just a trip — it’s stepping into a tradition that has been celebrated for centuries. And once you’ve experienced Christmas in Europe this way, you’ll understand why travelers return again and again.

Christmas Markets on the Rhine are most often sailed as a 7-night itinerary between Amsterdam and Basel or the reverse— this itinerary, by far is the most popular route — though you’ll also find shorter versions or sailings that begin and end in other ports along the way. But for today, we’re focusing on the full Amsterdam to Basel journey, because it’s here that every stop wraps you in its own version of holiday magic. Let me take you through it, port by port…

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam sparkles at Christmastime. The canals glow with light installations during the Amsterdam Light Festival, bridges twinkle with garlands, and Museumplein transforms into a skating rink surrounded by festive chalets. The scent of stroopwafels — thin waffles sandwiched with caramel — drifts through the air.

And if you have the chance, take an evening canal cruise to see the lights reflecting on the water — it feels like the whole city is dressed up for you.

Utrecht, Netherlands

Not far from Amsterdam, Utrecht is cozy and charming with its medieval Dom Tower rising over a market square. The canals here are unique — they’re lined with little cellars turned into cafés, perfect for warming up with hot cocoa after browsing the stalls.

Gem to know: Utrecht’s markets are less crowded than Amsterdam’s, making it perfect for a relaxed start to your trip. Next up is…

Cologne or Düsseldorf, Germany

Most river cruise itineraries port in one of these two cities. You will dock in one and have the chance to visit the other.

Düsseldorf, Germany

Düsseldorf’s Old Town transforms into a patchwork of themed Christmas Markets. Each square offers something different: hand-blown glass in one, wooden toys in another, and Corneliusplatz boasting a skating rink surrounded by lights.

Tip: If you are a beer lover, try Altbier from a local brewery , it’s Düsseldorf’s pride — for a festive pairing with roasted almonds or Feuerzangenbowle. Try and say that 10 times fast! Don’t let the name fool you — it’s mulled wine with a flaming sugarloaf dripping into your cup. Or better yet, try both — you can’t go wrong!

And then you have Cologne, Germany

Cologne feels like the beating heart of Christmas on the Rhine. The Gothic cathedral towers over the city’s largest market, where choirs sing under a canopy of twinkling stars. But here’s the secret: Cologne actually has seven Christmas Markets, each with its own theme. From the cozy Angels Market to the Harbor Market by the Rhine, you could spend an entire day market-hopping.

Insider tip: Hop aboard the Christmas Market Express mini-train to save your feet and shuttle between markets with ease.

The Rhine Gorge – not a Christmas Market but definitely worth the mention.

Between markets, the ship sails through the legendary Rhine Gorge. Castles crown the cliffs, vineyards tumble down frosted hillsides, and church spires rise from riverside villages. Wrap yourself in a blanket on the sundeck, glühwein in hand. And your cruise manager will provide commentary on the castles and villages we pass — it’s one of those pinch-me moments, always a highlight of any Rhine river cruise, so make sure you have your camera ready!

Rüdesheim, Germany

This is one of my personal favorites — Rüdesheim feels like stepping into a Christmas postcard, but with an international twist. Every December, the town hosts the International Market of Nations, where more than 20 countries from around the world set up stalls to share their holiday traditions. Imagine savoring Finnish smoked salmon, biting into Hungarian chimney cakes caramelized over hot coals, or browsing vibrant Peruvian handicrafts — all in one little Rhine-side town.

The air is thick with sweet and savory aromas, choirs fill the square with carols, and every turn feels like a celebration of global holiday spirit. And then there’s the Drosselgasse, Rüdesheim’s famous narrow lane. Strung with lights and echoing with live music, it’s the kind of street where you can wander with a mug of glühwein in hand and feel completely swept up in the season.

Tip: Order a Rüdesheimer coffee — flambéed with brandy, topped with whipped cream — it’s Christmas in a cup and an experience in itself.

Ludwigshafen, Germany (Gateway Port)

We dock in Ludwigshafen, your jumping-off point for Heidelberg or Speyer — both incredible in their own way.

• Heidelberg — Its ruined castle glows above the Old Town, where the market spreads across medieval squares. The Karlsplatz skating rink, with the castle as your backdrop, feels like stepping into a snow globe. Be sure to warm up with apple strudel and vanilla sauce while you wander. I have it on good authority that vacation calories don’t count!

• Speyer — Smaller and more intimate, Speyer’s market gathers beneath its grand Romanesque cathedral. You’ll find wooden toys, candles, and roasted chestnuts making it feel timeless. Try the Speyerer Brezel — a giant pretzel that’s salty, chewy, and best straight from the oven. It’s huge, so great for sharing!

Strasbourg, France

Tip: Don’t leave without tasting Bredele— tiny Alsatian cookies baked in dozens of varieties, each one a little bite of Christmas.

Breisach, Germany (Gateway Port)

Breisach is your doorway to two magical stops: Colmar, France and Freiburg, Germany.

• Colmar, France — A fairy-tale town where half-timbered houses line canals lit with garlands. Colmar has five themed markets, from the child-focused Petite Venise to the Alsatian specialties at Place Jeanne d’Arc.

Tip: Look for hand-blown glass ornaments or embroidered linens — true keepsakes.

• Freiburg, Germany — Set against the Black Forest, Freiburg’s Gothic Münster towers over a market filled with nativity figures, Black Forest ham, and steaming mugs of mulled wine.

Tip: Try local schnapps or a slice of Black Forest cake for a true taste of the region.

Basel, Switzerland

Basel is home to Switzerland’s largest Christmas Market. Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz come alive with stalls selling carved nativity sets, Swiss chocolates, and raclette bubbling over potatoes. Children love the Fairy Tale Forest, where little chalets hold crafts and activities just for them.

Tip: Head to the Pfalz terrace behind the cathedral for Rhine views that glitter with Christmas lights — the perfect way to end your journey.

And remember — this itinerary is also available in reverse, so whether you start in Basel or Amsterdam, you’ll still soak up all of this magic.

I’ve been enjoying Christmas Markets for decades and have picked up some insider tips that will help you make the most of your Christmas Markets adventure.

• Markets usually run late November (around the 25th) through December 23rd or 24th; some like Strasbourg and Basel stay open until just after Christmas. Early or late-season sailings give you a “taste” without peak crowds.

• Wear comfortable shoes — cobblestones + hours of walking = trust me, your feet will thank you.

• Always bring some euros in small bills and coins. While cards are accepted often, some of the smaller markets still prefer cash

• Be sure to collect glühwein mugs — pay a small deposit, keep the mug as a souvenir.

• Most Christmas Markest have a variety of flavors of glühwein — from the traditional red, to white, berry, even non-alcoholic.

• Don’t pass on the chimney cake! Find a stall where they are making them fresh off the coals – the wait is worth it!

• One of my favorite things to collect in Europe no matter the time of year is Christmas Ornaments and I have a special Christmas Tree with just my ornaments collected around the world. Many ornaments in Europe are often hand-painted or blown glass — I always pack bubble wrap for mine to make sure they make it home safely. We are going to pause for a quick sponsor break and will be right back

From garlands in the lobby to trees twinkling in the lounge, the ship itself feels like a floating boutique hotel celebrating the season. Hot cider welcomes you back, dinners feature festive twists, and evenings bring onboard choirs, gingerbread decorating, or storytelling of European traditions.

One of my favorite traditions is St. Nicholas Day. Growing up in Germany, I remember the excitement of waking up on December 6th to find my shoes filled with little treats — sometimes chocolates, sometimes small toys, maybe even a lump of coal once or twice — and the pure magic of that moment has stayed with me. Years later, when I lived in Germany again with my husband and children, I got to carry on that tradition with them. I’ll never forget their faces lighting up as they discovered what St. Nicholas had left overnight.

Several cruise lines bring this tradition to life onboard their Christmas Market cruises too — you’ll wake up on December 6th to find a sweet surprise waiting right outside your stateroom door, just like children have experienced in Germany and Switzerland for centuries.

And of course — evenings on the sundeck, bundled in a blanket, sipping glühwein as castles drift by and you soak in the beautiful scenery along the Rhine. Pure magic.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the Rhine has even more holiday gems to discover that are not part of our Christmas Markets on the Rhine itinerary. Depending on the cruise line, you might also find yourself strolling through…

• Mainz, Germany – Stalls glowing in front of Mainz Cathedral, with fried potato pancakes (Reibekuchen) fresh from the pan.

• Koblenz, Germany – A festive maze across four squares, with Jesuit Square famous for its hand-carved nativity figures.

• Bonn, Germany – Beethoven’s birthplace adds a musical touch, with classical concerts accompanying the glowing market.

• Baden-Baden, Germany – An elegant market along the Lichtentaler Allee with roasted almonds, Black Forest ham, and cake.

Picture it: wandering centuries-old markets together, sipping hot glühwein, picking out hand-painted ornaments, and tasting chimney cakes that melt in your mouth. All the details — from planning to logistics — are handled for you, so all you have to do is soak up the Christmas magic.

And here’s the best part: this journey takes you to multiple Christmas markets in one trip. It’s twinkling lights, mulled wine, festive music, and that cozy joy of the holidays — multiplied.

Now, if you’re already imagining yourself strolling those markets with a mug of glühwein in hand, why not join us! As part of my hosted group, you’ll enjoy curated perks, a built-in community of fellow travelers, and me as your host every step of the way.

This isn’t just a cruise — it’s the kind of trip where you come home with new friends, unforgettable memories, and maybe even a suitcase full of ornaments.

It’s the combination of centuries-old traditions and the comfort of river cruising. By day, you’re exploring festive squares, sipping mulled wine, and shopping for hand-crafted gifts. By night, you’re back onboard a cozy ship, sharing stories over dinner and watching castles drift by.

And with personal touches — from celebrating St. Nicholas Day onboard to cozy lounges strung with garlands — the whole journey feels seamless, joyful, and deeply memorable.

So, if you’ve ever dreamed of Europe at Christmastime, this is your chance to make it a reality. I’ll drop the link with all the details in the show notes.

Thanks so much for joining me for this festive journey down the Rhine. If this episode has you picturing yourself wandering Christmas Markets in Europe, let’s make it happen. The link with all the details and how to join us on this magical journey is in the show notes. Make sure to hit follow so you never miss a journey with me. And if you know someone who loves Europe as much as you do, share this podcast with them — it means the world and helps us grow. For even more insider tips, behind-the-scenes stories, and first dibs on hosted group trips, join my VIP Facebook Group, Luxury Vacations by Sonia, Download my free Ultimate Guide to River Cruising in Europe. You’ll find the link in the show notes.

In next weeks episode we’ll be talking all about one of my favorite, but lesser known itineraries along the Main, Moselle & the Romantic Rhine 3 amazing rivers on one journey— one of the most enchanting itineraries for castle lovers and history buffs.

And don’t worry — in a future episode we’ll also cover the Christmas Markets on the Danube, so stay tuned.

Until then, keep dreaming, keep exploring, and keep unveiling Europe one river at a time.