A Christmas market river cruise in Europe may be the very best way to capture the magic of the season. Our Viking Christmas on the Rhine river cruise from Switzerland to the Netherlands took us to four countries, each with its own Christmas markets, traditions, flavors and specialities.

WATCH THE VIDEO with highlights of some of the best Christmas markets on a Viking Christmas on the Rhine river cruise!

On our Viking “Longship,” we sailed from Basel, Switzerland, into a mediaeval town in Germany’s Black Forest, to Strasbourg, France, back into Germany where we visited large cathedral towns and night markets – each with distinct character and charm, with illuminations, traditional decorations, regional twists and handmade gifts perfect as souvenirs or to take back with all your holiday shopping complete.

The spirit of the season comes on board, too, with tree trimming and carol singing parties, cooking demonstrations and festive décor.

In fact, Viking celebrates Christmas on river cruises throughout Europe. Christmas markets generally begin in the last week of November and run up until Christmas Eve, so you can plan ahead to get into the holiday spirit in authentic markets in small towns and large cathedral cities in countries like Germany, France, Austria, Hungary, and more.

Imagine yourself sipping a glass of mulled wine, nibbling on a festive sweet and stocking up on handmade gifts on holiday river cruises on the Rhine, Main, Moselle, the Seine from Paris, the Danube, or the Elbe.

WATCH MORE CHRISTMAS MARKET RIVER CRUISE MAGIC IN

EPISODE 3, SEASON 2 OF WORLD'S GREATEST CRUISES

CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL PBS STATION FOR DATES AND TIMES

OR WATCH ON THE PBS VIDEO APP

START YOUR CHRISTMAS MARKET CRUISE!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert.