Christmas Wonder on a European River Cruise and Tour with Scenic

No one does the holidays quite like the Europeans do. From the end of November to early January as the days become short and the temperatures drop, Old World Christmas markets blend centuries old local traditions with culinary flair, attracting locals as well as visitors from far and wide. Imagine wooden chalets in medieval squares filled with hand-made local crafts, angelic choirs and lit up churches and cathedrals, with twinkly lights on trees, log fires, and perhaps most importantly, local treats both savoury and sweet, along with Glühwein (mulled wine) spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus fruits, sometimes served with a shot of rum or brandy for an extra punch (mit Schuss)! Hot cocoa is also popular along with Eierpunsch (“egg punch”, the German answer to eggnog) or Jägertee (spiced tea). 

The festive season is a magical time to visit picturesque parts of Germany, Austria, France, Hungary or Switzerland and Scenic offers a wide range of 8- to 18- day long itineraries along the Rhine and Danube Rivers perfectly curated to showcase the spirit of the holiday season. Guests will be sailing from old European cities such as Budapest, Amsterdam or quaint Basel in Switzerland with their historic Yuletide markets being the ideal places to soak up the festive atmosphere while also treating yourself to an ultra-luxurious truly all-inclusive cruise experience on board Scenic’s innovative Space-Ships. Designed to navigate Europe’s waterways with guests’ comfort in mind, each itinerary is created to offer a truly immersive experience where every detail is thoughtfully considered. Many of these itineraries also feature an escorted tour or an extended land tour for an in-depth destination exploration, because if you are like most visitors, you won’t be ready to go back home, just yet.  Scenic handles all the planning, connecting you seamlessly to your next destination - before or after your truly all-inclusive river cruise. It’s peace of mind and luxury escorted touring with carefully curated experiences that offer a true insight into each destination and even come with extra savings. 

This Christmas season, get into the holiday spirit by cruising through the heart of Europe’s finest cities, most of which host traditional Christmas markets for you to enjoy. Soak up the spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, while enjoying the finest European holiday traditions. Onboard the ship, you will enjoy special holiday meals, gingerbread and Christmas cookies, as well as seasonal drinks and performances that will get you into the holiday spirit.

Peruse a selection of Scenic’s 2025 Europe Christmas & New Year River Cruises & Tours available:

Christmas & New Year with Paris
18-days Budapest to Paris
December 19 & December 21, 2025

Christmas & New Year with Prague
18-days Prague to Amsterdam
December 16 & December 18, 2025
 

Rhine Christmas Markets 
8-days Amsterdam to Zurich
December 1, December 7 & December 15, 2025

Rhine Christmas Markets with Switzerland
12-days Amsterdam to Zurich
December 1, December 7 & December 15, 2025
 

Scenic operates on an all-inclusive basis, ensuring guests can relax and enjoy their journey without concerns about additional costs. This encompasses gourmet dining with regional specialities, premium beverages throughout the day, expert local guides, cultural experiences, and airport transfers. Even gratuities are included, making the experience truly worry-free. What sets Scenic apart is its commitment to providing truly unforgettable experiences. Guests enjoy immersive cultural encounters, expert-led excursions, and authentic local interactions that bring each destination to life, creating a deeply enriching journey. The brand's focus on personalised service, delivered by an expertly trained crew, ensures that every traveller's preferences and interests are catered to, creating a truly bespoke journey. With Scenic, the difference is in the detail. Truly all-inclusive, in a class of its own.

Scenic Europe River Cruises are the most all-inclusive cruises on Europe's waterways:

•    5-Star Scenic Space-Ships for up to 163 guests
•    Your choice of a spacious Standard or a Balcony Suite with an innovative Scenic Sun Lounge 
•    Butler service for every suite
•    All meals on board with up to five dining experiences from casual to fine dining
•    All day dining included from 7am until midnight
•    Premium beverages all day, every day
•    Complimentary mini-bar restocked daily 
•    Scenic Enrich – exclusive events to immerse you in the local culture
•    Scenic Freechoice – included excursions always, to personalise your journey
•    E-bikes to explore independently
•    On board Wellness coach, fitness centre and Salt Therapy Lounge
•    Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
•    Experienced Scenic Cruise Director to guide and assist
•    Enrichment Manager for on board entertainment and activities
•    Expert local guides in each town
•    Return airport transfers in Europe
•    Tipping and gratuities included on board and onshore
 

Contact your Travel Professional or for more information on Scenic's Europe Christmas Cruises and Tours, visit here. Plus book by September 30th, 2025 and Save up to 35% on select 2025 Europe Christmas & New Year sailings and other remaining Europe River Cruises and Tours.