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Celebrate the festive season in style
Save up to £300pp on our award-winning Christmas and New Year river cruises

Embrace the most wonderful time of the year

Festive River Cruises

From the enchanting Rhine Gorge to the charming cities along the Danube, Europe's magnificent rivers are the perfect setting for celebrating the festive season. Set sail on a seasonal river cruise with Great Rail Journeys and enjoy exceptional dining, elegant cabins and magical excursions during the most wonderful time of the year. 

Weave between festive markets on our Danube Christmas Markets: Vienna to Nuremberg tour, celebrate Christmas on the water aboard our Christmas on the Rhine: Cologne & Strasbourg cruise or ring in the new year in style on our New Year on the Rhine: Mainz, Basel & Rüdesheim journey. 

With our complementary luggage service and a dedicated Cruise Director available to assist you with anything you need throughout your tour, you can relax as you celebrate the season in style. 

Find out more with a free brochure and enjoy weekly travel inspiration and offers in our e-newsletter.

Christmas Markets

Set sail on a celebration of seasonal cheer, exploring Germany's twinkling Christmas markets, soaking up the natural beauty of the Rhine and enjoying festive treats as the scent of mulled wine wafts through the crisp air.

New Year's Eve Celebrations

Ring in the New Year in style on an unforgettable cruise along the romantic Rhine, exploring the cobbled streets of Rüdesheim, sailing through the spectacular Rhine Gorge and soaking up the seasonal atmosphere in Mainz's charming Old Town.

Life Onboard

From a gingerbread-baking demonstration to a New Years' Eve gala dinner, our festive cruises make every moment special. During your cruise, all meals and a drinks package are included, and the luxury ship is beautifully decorated for the season.

Why choose a Great Rail Journeys river cruise

Experience luxurious ships and incredible excursions with our cruise experts.

Supported every step of the way

For 50 years we have been creating itineraries that take the hassle out of holidays. On a GRJ river cruise, you will be escorted by a Tour Manager from St Pancras to your ship, where a fantastic Cruise Director will be waiting to assist throughout your cruise.

Incredible excursions included

Our holidays include an amazing selection of excursions that are all included in the price upfront - from guided tours with local guides to cultural experiences and entrance to magnificent attractions, unforgettable moments await!

Experience five-star service

Each of our exclusively chartered ships is staffed by a friendly and attentive crew who are committed to providing impeccable service. Enjoy excellent meals prepared by our onboard chefs using fresh, quality ingredients and savour the included drinks package.

Relax aboard our luxury ships

Our luxurious chartered ships offer the ultimate river cruising experience, with elegant facilities and some of the largest cabins sailing Europe's rivers. Unwinding in the lounge or admiring the scenery from the sun deck - our ships offer unbeatable comfort.

Award-winning holiday provider

As well as more than 82% of our customers saying they would travel with us again, we're also proud to have been honoured in recent years by the Times, Telegraph and Which - and were recognised in 2025 by the British Travel Awards.

Travel options to suit you

Our river cruise holidays offer fantastic variety - with options to travel to your cruise by rail or plane, and Tour & Cruise packages combining epic rail journeys with a relaxing cruise, you can choose a holiday that works for you.

Door-to-door luggage

Enjoy hassle-free travel with our complimentary luggage service, unique to GRJ. See multiple locations and only unpack once when you sail with us. With our door-to-cabin luggage service, your case will be waiting for you aboard our ship and returned home when your cruise ends.

7 results matching: Festive Cruise Holidays in Europe

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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Cologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas Markets
Save up to £400pp
4.5 stars(211 reviews)
2026NovDec
2027NovDec

Feel the spirit of Christmas on this cruise along the beautiful Rhine. Discovering Germany at the most magical time of the year we stop at traditional Christmas markets along the way, including Cologne, Bonn, Koblenz and Rüdesheim. Strolling through the stalls, admire the craftsmanship of local artisans and savour the flavours that define the...

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Save up to £400pp
5 days from
£1,099 pp £999 pp
per person
View Details
River CruiseRiver Cruise
Strasbourg at ChristmasStrasbourg at ChristmasStrasbourg at ChristmasStrasbourg at ChristmasStrasbourg at Christmas
Save up to £400pp
4.3 stars(28 reviews)
2026NovDec
2027NovDec

Embark on a festive cruise through Europe's most enchanting Christmas destinations on the Rhine river. Scenic landscapes and charming towns come alive with seasonal cheer in Germany and France during the most wonderful time of the year. From the twinkling lights of Koblenz's historic streets to the captivating markets of Rüdesheim, Heidelberg,...

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Save up to £400pp
5 days from
£999 pp £899 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Basel In The MorningBasel In The MorningBasel In The MorningBasel In The MorningBasel In The Morning
Save up to £400pp
2026Dec
2027Dec

Celebrate the start of a new year on this unforgettable Rhine cruise, visiting charming towns and cities steeped in history and culture. From the picture-perfect streets of Mainz and Strasbourg to the romantic allure of Heidelberg and Rüdesheim, experience fascinating sights and a warm welcome at every stop. Relax onboard as you take in the...

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Save up to £400pp
8 days from
£2,199 pp £1,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
HeidelbergHeidelbergHeidelbergHeidelbergHeidelberg
Save up to £400pp
2026Dec
2027Dec

Embark on a breathtaking Rhine cruise through some of Germany's most picturesque towns and cities at this most magical time of year. From the historic charm of Mainz and Koblenz to the storybook streets of Strasbourg and Rüdesheim, experience scenic beauty and rich culture at every stop. Onboard, enjoy a festive atmosphere with a Christmas Day...

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Save up to £400pp
7 days from
£1,999 pp £1,799 pp
per person
View Details
River CruiseRiver Cruise
Save up to £400pp
2027Dec

Embark on a festive cruise along the Danube, uncovering the beauty and culture of this scenic river at the most wonderful time of year. Arriving by rail via Frankfurt, spend a day in magical Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, or explore Passau, a charming city on three rivers. On Christmas Day, marvel at the 11th-century Melk Abbey in Austria's...

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Save up to £400pp
9 days from
£3,299 pp £2,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
ViennaViennaViennaViennaVienna
Save up to £400pp
2027Nov

Embark on a festive cruise along the Danube, exploring the region's magical Christmas markets at the most wonderful time of year. Spend a day in elegant Vienna, visiting the Christmas markets at the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, and marvel at the 11th-century Melk Abbey in Austria's scenic Wachau Valley. Experience the magic of Christmas at...

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Save up to £400pp
7 days from
£2,199 pp £1,999 pp
per person
View Details
River CruiseRiver Cruise
Save up to £400pp
2027Nov

Embark on a festive cruise along the Danube, exploring five of the region's magical Christmas markets at the most wonderful time of year. Travelling by rail from London to Vienna via Stuttgart, spend a day in Austria's elegant capital, visiting the Christmas markets at the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Marvel at the 11th-century Melk Abbey in...

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Save up to £400pp
9 days from
£3,099 pp £2,799 pp
per person
View Details
Our customers love our Festive Cruise tours
German Christmas Markets of the Rhine
10/Jan
Ian
5 stars
“A magical pre-Christmas trip, organised and delivered to Great Rail Journey's usual high standards! The crew, cabin, facilities and food on the Amadeus Cara were fantastic, and the views as we cruised the Rhine gave us some amazing memories. We did get a little 'Christmas market overload' at times, but...
Collected by Trustpilot
Festive Markets of the Rhine & Alsace
18 Dec 2025
david turpie
5 stars
“My daughter and I had an amazing trip. The staff were brilliant and the catering staff dealt with my daughters allergies superbly. We loved all the trips and the help we received with getting on and off the boat with my daughters walker. have recommended it to several friends!
Collected by Trustpilot

Discover spellbinding Europe on 2027 river cruises

View our brand-new River Cruise 2027 brochure to set sail in luxury on Europe's most beautiful waterways. Wake up each day to new views as the continent's best scenery and timeless traditions are uncovered from our five-star ship. Enjoy exceptional service as you discover wonders along Europe's most popular waterways, from the Danube to the Douro.