1. German Christmas Markets
2. Austrian Christmas Markets
3. Hungarian Christmas Markets
4. Tips for visiting Christmas Markets
5. Christmas River Cruises

Germany is well-known for its Christmas markets. It’s home to some of the best in the business, including the iconic Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, which welcomes around two million people each festive season. Here are some of our top selections for you to visit during your 5-star ultra-luxury river cruise with Scenic.

Discover the enchantment of Regensburg’s Christmas market during your Danube River cruise.

Nestled in the Neupfarrplatz, this market is a gem in a city with 2,000 years of history. Its origins date back to the 18th century. The market gracefully surrounds the majestic Neupfarrkirche, a landmark that has stood proudly since 1542.

As one of Germany’s most beloved Christmas markets, it invites you to savour regional delights such as the original Regensburger Bratwürste. Alternatively, you can warm up with festive local beverages like blueberry mulled wine from the Bavarian Forest or apple mulled wine from the orchards of the Upper Palatinate.

Revel in the magic of the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world’s oldest and largest Christmas markets. Each year, the festivities commence in the old town’s central square on the Friday before the first Advent with a captivating opening ceremony. Local choirs fill the air with enchanting Christmas carols, the market's lights are spectacularly illuminated, and the Nuremberg Christkind delivers her renowned prologue.

Once the market opens, immerse yourself in a variety of self-guided tours that showcase culinary delights, exquisite regional crafts, and charitable booths. Indulge in festive treats such as mulled wine, local beers, gingerbread, and the iconic Nuremberg Bratwurst – finger-sized sausages that have been a beloved tradition for over 700 years.

Another central European country with a rich Christmas market history is Austria. Two major cities – Salzburg and Vienna – are home to beautiful Christmas markets that are perfect for seasonal treats and for picking up fantastic festive gifts. Here are our favourites:

Nestled in the heart of Vienna, the Christmas market on Rathausplatz is a cherished tradition that has been enchanting visitors for nearly half a century. It is one of the most iconic markets in Europe, drawing visitors from around the world.

At its centre stands a magnificent Christmas tree, donated each year by a different municipality in Austria, symbolising unity and festive spirit. As you stroll through the market, the joyous sounds of a brass band, choirs singing carols and nativity scenes fill the air, making for an unforgettable experience.

A highlight for couples is the famous heart tree, decorated with around 200 glowing hearts, creating a magical atmosphere. The romantic Ferris wheel offers stunning views of the city hall and Rathauspark, adding to the charm.

Experience the magic of Salzburg’s Christmas market at the Dom and Residenzplatz – one of the world’s oldest Advent markets. Since its inception in 1974, it has captivated tourists and locals with its festive charm.

Wander through over 100 vibrant stalls, each offering a unique delight. Savour delectable Austrian treats, including Maroni (roasted chestnuts), Käsekrainer (fried or grilled pork sausage with cheese and bread) and Christmas stollen. Warm up with a steaming cup of hot punch or mulled wine.

Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere with a rich program of special events. Enjoy choral concerts, Christmas story readings, and the thrilling Krampus parades. Or take a guided tour to uncover the market’s hidden gems. 

Explore Hungary's captivating charm as your river cruise brings you to the heart of Budapest. Delight in the festive atmosphere by visiting the city's splendid Christmas markets, a highlight not to be missed on your journey. 

Experience the enchanting Christmas fair at Vörösmarty Square, Budapest’s largest and most vibrant holiday market. With over 120 charming stalls, you can explore a delightful array of handcrafted treasures, from exquisite ceramics to beautifully crafted baubles and candles. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as you savour delicious local delicacies, including the irresistible chimney cake, a sweet bread adorned with cocoa, cinnamon, and walnut. Try the hearty stuffed cabbage and the iconic goulash, perfect for warming up on a crisp winter day. 

A captivating alternative Christmas market in Budapest is just a 10-minute walk away at St. Stephen’s Basilica. Set against the backdrop of this magnificent church, the market brims with an array of food and artisan stalls. At its heart, an enchanting ice rink awaits, while each evening, the façade of St. Stephen’s Basilica comes alive with mesmerising animated films 
 
 

1. Know the dates: Christmas markets typically open from mid to late November and continue until just before Christmas. Choose a Christmas Markets river cruise itinerary to visit them.
2. Discover regional specialities: Delight in the festive food and drink unique to each market. Research the regional specialities beforehand to ensure you savour the best local flavours, or simply ask the friendly locals as you explore the markets.
3. Carry cash and card: Be prepared with both cash and card. Cash is handy for enjoying a glühwein or hot chocolate, as you often pay a small deposit for the mug, which is refundable upon return. Some markets are cashless, so having a card is essential.
4. Dress warmly: The destinations on your Christmas river cruises can be quite cool, especially in the evenings. Pack wisely and bring plenty of warm clothing to stay comfortable.
5. Wear comfortable shoes: Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll spend a lot of time on your feet and wandering around. 
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Experience a magical trip to the best Christmas markets along the Danube River. As you sail on board your all-inclusive ultra-luxury Scenic Space-Ship, you’ll experience the holiday season like never before, with immersive excursions, gourmet dining and breathtaking river views. Plan your river cruise for 2025 and 2026 now.

Discover river cruises in Central Europe, featuring stunning landscapes, a wealth of cultural treasures and a captivating history as you sail along the majestic Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.