For travelers from the U.S., a Christmas market-themed river cruise along the Rhine or Danube rivers is one of the most popular ways to visit several of the most famous markets in one trip.

As the company prepares to host its highly anticipated Christmas cruise in November, they have an extra surprise up their sleeves for holiday lovers — their first-ever Hallmark Christmas Experience.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. David Nikel is a travel writer covering cruising and Scandinavia.

Instead of driving across Europe, fending for hotel rooms and restaurant tables, relax on a weeklong river cruise. You'll visit several countries and at least a dozen festive Christmas markets and ...

Christmas On the Rhine: November and December 2025 Viking River Cruises whisks guests away to Christmas markets galore during its Christmas on the Rhine cruises each year. Dates are offered ...

I'm not sorry. Two months before Christmas is not too early to book a cruise, it's usually too late. Christmas 2026 cruises, not to mention 2025, are already on sale. But there are still some ...

The Magical Paris & Festive Seine River Cruise will explore Christmas markets in Paris. Pictured, the Tuileries Garden market. Photo Credit: Alexandre.ROSA ...