By river
Burgundy to Provence — food, wine, and a warmer festive season under the southern French sun.
France · Switzerland · 505 mi (813 km)
The route
The Rhône is the Christmas river for food and wine lovers. Sailings run Lyon→Avignon (or Arles), threading the Côtes du Rhône vineyards and stopping at Beaune's Hôtel-Dieu and the Palais des Papes in Avignon. December markets here are smaller and more gastronomic — think truffle markets, foie gras stalls, and spiced vin chaud made with local Syrah. The weather is milder, so it's a good choice for travelers who find the German markets too cold.
Gastronomic and sun-warmed — truffle stalls, foie gras, and Côtes du Rhône vin chaud.
Best for
Food and wine lovers who prefer milder December weather.
Best months
December
Market vibe
Gastronomic and sun-warmed — truffle stalls, foie gras, and Côtes du Rhône vin chaud.
The ports
From Lyon to Avignon — every market town on a typical Rhône Christmas sailing.
France
Lyon, France's gastronomic capital, hosts a Christmas market on Place Carnot during the famous Fête des Lumières festival of lights.
Early Dec – late Dec
ExploreFrance
Avignon's Christmas market sits before the Palais des Papes (the popes' 14th-century palace), with Provençal santons and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Late Nov – Dec 31
ExploreExample sailings
1 example itineraries from the lines that run the Rhône. All are real, published routes — pricing is "from" per person and labeled example.
The operators
4 cruise lines run Christmas-market sailings on the Rhône. Viking & AMA Waterways are our Top Picks.
The thinking person's river cruise.
Viking revolutionized European river cruising with its fleet of identical, award-winning Longships. The Christmas-market season is one of their signatures: a daily excursion is included at every port, beer and wine flow free at lunch and dinner, and the Aquavit Terrace turns into a cozy winter lounge. The itinerary is packed but unhurried, with a resident historian and an included excursion in every stop.
from $2,499
per person · example
The heart of the river.
AMA Waterways is a family-run line known for generosity: a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour before dinner every night, premium wine and beer throughout the day, and a chef's table restaurant included at no extra charge. Their Christmas sailings lean into the festive — gingerbread decorating, Glühwein tastings, and a special holiday menu. The AmaMagna on the Danube is nearly double the width of a standard river ship, with more lounge and dining space.
from $2,799
per person · example
No two ships alike.
Uniworld is the design house of river cruising — every ship is bespoke, from hand-carved Venetian headboards to curated art collections. The product is genuinely all-inclusive: premium spirits, every excursion, gratuities, even a complimentary bike and walking-stick fleet. Christmas sailings are sumptuous — themed dinners, a vegan menu, and Masterpiece Collection optional experiences.
Request pricing
per person · example
All-inclusive to the finest detail.
Scenic's calling card is the 'Scenic Sun Lounge' — a balcony that, at the push of a button, transforms into an enclosed, climate-controlled sunroom, so you can enjoy the river in any December weather. Every guest gets butler service, every excursion and meal is included, and the line carries an e-bike fleet. Christmas sailings feature a festive chef's table and Scenic Freechoice excursions at every port.
Request pricing
per person · example
Explore more
Netherlands · Germany · France · Switzerland
766 mi (1,233 km)
The classic Christmas-market river — castle-crowned gorges, half-timbered towns, and the densest concentration of markets in Europe.
First-timers who want the iconic, postcard European Christmas experience.
Sailings & marketsGermany · Austria · Slovakia · Hungary
1,777 mi (2,860 km)
The other great Christmas-market river — imperial capitals, Baroque towns, and the most sailings of any river in December.
Travelers who want capital-city grandeur and the most date options.
Sailings & marketsGermany
331 mi (527 km)
The connector between the Rhine and Danube — a quiet, storybook river of half-timbered towns and the Romantic Road.
Travelers on a longer Rhine-to-Danube sailing who want the quiet, authentic Germany.
Sailings & marketsGermany · France · Luxembourg
339 mi (545 km)
The wine lover's Christmas river — impossibly steep vineyards, fairytale castles, and the most picturesque market towns.
Wine lovers and travelers who prefer smaller, prettier towns over grand capitals.
Sailings & marketsFrance
482 mi (777 km)
Paris to Normandy — French flair, gourmet markets, and a gentler, more chic Christmas feel.
Francophiles, couples, and travelers who prefer a sophisticated, food-led market experience.
Sailings & marketsPortugal · Spain
557 mi (897 km)
Porto's riverside markets and the port-wine estates — the warmest and least-crowded Christmas river.
Travelers who want a milder climate, smaller crowds, and a distinctly Iberian Christmas.
Sailings & marketsReady when you are
Tell us your dates, your style, and your group — we'll shortlist two or three Rhône sailings matched to you. No fees, ever.