Scenic, Emerald Unveil Holiday Savings

Credit: Scenic Group

(Scenic Group) From the scent of gingerbread and roasted chestnuts drifting through medieval town squares to twinkling lights reflected on historic waterways, Europe’s legendary Christmas markets transform the continent into a festive winter wonderland each year. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises & Tours invite travelers to experience these cherished traditions through a collection of immersive Christmas Market River cruises across Europe in 2026 and 2027. 

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Dating back centuries, many of Europe’s most beloved holiday customs originated in Germany, Austria, France and Hungary. Today, travelers can experience these traditions firsthand while sailing aboard Scenic’s ultra-luxury Space-Ships and Emerald Cruises’ contemporary Star-Ships, visiting some of the continent’s most celebrated Christmas markets along the Rhine, Danube and Main rivers.  

Guests can browse handcrafted ornaments beneath the towering Cologne Cathedral, sip mulled wine in Vienna’s festive squares, discover Strasbourg’s famed Christkindelsmärik, one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, and stroll through charming riverside villages adorned with holiday lights and decorations. 

“River cruising provides the perfect way to experience multiple markets and destinations in one seamless journey, allowing travelers to fully immerse themselves in the magic, culture and traditions that make Christmas in Europe so unforgettable,” said Ken Muskat, President of Scenic Group USA & LATAM. 

Featured itineraries include: 

• Scenic Christmas Markets – 15 days | Amsterdam to Budapest | Multiple departures throughout November and December 2026 and 2027. Guests sail through the heart of Europe’s festive season along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, experiencing a collection of iconic Christmas markets and holiday traditions.  

• Scenic Rhine Christmas Markets – Select departures in December 2026 and 2027. Cruise the legendary Rhine River through Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands, visiting enchanting Christmas markets set among fairytale villages and historic cities.  

• Emerald Cruises Christmas Markets on the Rhine – Eight-day sailings throughout the 2026 and 2027 holiday season, showcasing festive celebrations in destinations including Cologne, Strasbourg and Amsterdam.
  
• Emerald Cruises Christmas Markets on the Danube – Eight-day voyages sailing through Hungary, Austria and Germany, featuring some of Europe’s most celebrated Christmas markets, including Budapest, Vienna and Passau. Selected departures begin November 24, 2026.  

Beyond the markets themselves, guests enjoy the comforts of river cruising during one of Europe’s most picturesque seasons. Snow-dusted castles, festive onboard celebrations, locally inspired cuisine and included excursions create a seamless and immersive holiday experience from beginning to end.  

For further information please visit Scenic.cruises and Emerald.cruises.  ​