Christmas Market Cruises
Step aboard and into a world of twinkling lights, warming mulled wine and centuries-old traditions on our magical Christmas market cruises.[ReadMoreMob] Instead of the usual festive rush, you'll enjoy a relaxed voyage between historic towns and cities where seasonal customs have been lovingly kept alive for generations. Sailing from the UK aboard our smaller ships, you'll dock close to the heart of each destination, ready to wander cobbled squares transformed into winter wonderlands, browse for handcrafted gifts and unique treasures, and breathe in the inviting aromas of roasting chestnuts and seasonal treats. It's Christmas as it was always meant to be: unhurried, authentic and full of charm.
Discover our Christmas market cruises
Our Christmas Market cruises offer a more personal way to experience the spirit of the festive season. You’ll wander Germany’s historic city, Hamburg, explore market towns in France and uncover unique treasures in Belgium, all while enjoying the comfort of your smaller ship. And, because you can sail from the UK, there's no need to navigate busy airports, simply step aboard and let the festivities begin.
From the moment you step on board, every detail is thoughtfully arranged to complement your Christmas market adventure. Whether you're exploring ashore or spending time on board, you'll be welcomed by friendly service and festive touches throughout your journey.
Why choose Christmas Market cruises
Authentic Festive Experiences
Experience Christmas markets at a gentler pace, with time to sample local delicacies, meet the craftspeople behind traditional gifts and enjoy the unique character of each market.[ReadMoreMob] Our thoughtfully planned itineraries give you plenty of time to explore, browse and take in the festive atmosphere, so you can create special holiday memories without feeling hurried.
Escape the Festive Rush
Step away from the supermarket queues and last-minute wrapping, and enjoy a gentler way of celebrating.[ReadMoreMob] On a Christmas Market cruise, you can take in the sights, sounds and flavours of the season, while we look after every little detail.
Magical Winter Destinations
From Germany's Christmas market in Hamburg to charming festive celebrations in Rouen and Honfleur, each destination offers its own unique character and traditions.[ReadMoreMob] Explore centuries-old markets where the spirit of Christmas comes alive through twinkling lights, traditional carols and the warmth of local hospitality.
Smaller Ships, Closer to the Markets
Our smaller ships can often bring you closer to the heart of your destination, whether that's sailing along the River Seine towards Rouen or visiting Hamburg during the festive season.[ReadMoreMob] With Christmas markets often within easy reach, you can spend more time soaking up the atmosphere and less time getting there.
So much already included
Your cruise fare covers far more than your cabin. Every Freedom Fare includes:
- Full board dining, from five-course à la carte dinners to afternoon tea
- Selected drinks with lunch and dinner
- Gratuities
- Evening shows, live music, dance classes and enrichment talks
- Swimming pools, jacuzzis and the fitness centre
- A free shuttle service in ports over one mile from the ship
- All UK port taxes and fees
Why choose a Fred. Olsen Christmas market cruise?
Our Christmas market cruises offer a more relaxed way to enjoy Europe's festive traditions, with every detail taken care of from the moment you step on board.
- No-fly UK departures: Sail from Southampton, unpack once, settle in and let your festive break begin as soon as you're on board.
- Smaller ships, closer to the markets: Our smaller ships can often bring you within easy reach of festive markets, including sailing the River Seine to Rouen.
- So much included on board: Your Freedom Fare includes full-board dining, selected drinks with lunch and dinner, gratuities, evening entertainment and festive touches throughout the ship, leaving you free to enjoy the season without counting the extras.
Unforgettable Christmas Market Destinations
Hamburg Christmas markets
Sail along the River Elbe to Hamburg, where festive markets fill historic squares with handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats and warming mugs of glühwein. With your smaller ship bringing you within easy reach of the city, you can explore at your own pace and return on board whenever you wish.
Rouen & Honfleur Christmas markets
Sailing the River Seine to Rouen is one of the benefits of exploring on our smaller ships. Here, festive market stalls sit beneath the city's Gothic cathedral, while in Honfleur, the harbour is lined with wooden chalets selling seasonal treats, local crafts and Christmas decorations. Together, they offer a warm and traditional introduction to Christmas in Normandy.
Antwerp & Bruges Christmas markets
In Antwerp, festive stalls fill the squares around the Grote Markt, with aromas of Belgian chocolate and warm waffles, alongside handmade gifts to browse as the city lights up for Christmas. Nearby Bruges brings a fairytale setting of canals, cobbled lanes and medieval buildings, its market square glowing with seasonal lights. Afterwards, return to your smaller ship for a warm welcome and festive touches on board.
What Makes Our Christmas Market Cruises Special
Perfectly Timed Itineraries
Our Christmas Market cruises are timed to capture the very best of the festive season, with each market in full swing and the atmosphere at its most welcoming. You’ll visit when celebrations are at their most authentic and enjoyable.
Festive Onboard Experience
Return to a ship beautifully decorated for the season, where traditional holiday feasts, seasonal entertainment and warm hospitality create the perfect complement to your daytime market explorations. Join fellow guests for carol singing, sip a seasonal drink or relax and watch winter landscapes glide by.
Expert Local Guidance
Our knowledgeable crew and local guides will share insights into the history and traditions behind each market, helping you understand the cultural significance of what you're experiencing and ensuring you don't miss the special details that make each destination unique.
Stress-Free Holiday Celebration
Forget about holiday meal planning, decorating or hosting. On a Christmas Market cruise, every festive detail is taken care of while you focus entirely on enjoying the magic of the season with those you care about most.
Create Lasting Christmas Memories
Find the perfect handmade gift in a historic market, enjoy a steaming cup of mulled wine as you wrap up warm or hear carols echo through squares lit by thousands of twinkling lights. These are the moments that make a Christmas Market cruise special, with authentic experiences that capture the magic and warmth of the season.
Whether you're looking for a festive getaway or a chance to experience Christmas traditions across Europe, our Christmas Market cruises combine time ashore in some of the season's most atmospheric destinations with the warm welcome of life on board. From bustling market squares to quieter seasonal celebrations, each voyage brings its own festive experiences to enjoy.
Answering FAQs about Christmas market cruises
What is a Christmas market cruise?
A Christmas market cruise offers a relaxed way to experience some of Europe's most festive destinations, with the convenience of only unpacking once. Sail from one Christmas market to the next, spending your days browsing handmade gifts, sampling seasonal treats and soaking up the festive atmosphere. With your smaller ship close by, you can explore at your own pace before returning on board to a warm welcome and seasonal celebrations.
Which Christmas markets will I visit on a Fred. Olsen cruise?
Our Christmas market cruises visit a blend of festive destinations in Germany, France and Belgium. From Hamburg's atmospheric Christmas market to the historic streets of Rouen and Honfleur, then discovering the cosy stalls and famous chocolates of Belgium, each destination offers its own take on Christmas traditions. Each cruise follows its own itinerary, so be sure to check the details of your chosen voyage to see which destinations you'll be visiting.
Is a Fred. Olsen Christmas market cruise the same as a river cruise?
Not quite, though it offers many of the same advantages. Unlike traditional river cruises, our Christmas Market cruises take place on board our smaller ocean-going ships. As well as sailing coastlines and open waters, they can also navigate waterways such as the River Seine to Rouen, the Elbe to Hamburg and the Scheldt to Antwerp, helping bring you closer to the places you want to explore. The result is a relaxed way to experience Europe’s Christmas markets, with festive destinations and seasonal experiences both ashore and on board.You'll also enjoy the comforts of life on board, with a choice of restaurants, bars and lounges, evening entertainment and spacious decks for taking in passing scenery. Better still, with sailings from the UK, your festive break can begin from the moment you step on board.
What can I expect to see and do at the Christmas markets?
Christmas markets are filled with seasonal sights, sounds and flavours. Browse rows of wooden chalets selling handcrafted decorations and unique gifts, enjoy the scent of cinnamon and roasting chestnuts, and warm up with a hot chocolate or mug of mulled wine as carols drift through town squares. Whether you're searching for a special gift or simply taking in the festive atmosphere, our Christmas market cruises give you the time to explore each destination at a relaxed pace.