Magical Christmas Markets Along The Rhine

Wiesbaden has long been famous for its thermal springs and spa. Use of the thermal springs was first documented by the Romans. The business of spring bathing became important for Wiesbaden near the end of the Middle Ages. By 1370, 16 bath houses were in operation.

Mainz & Wiesbaden — Two Christmas Markets Across the Rhine Discover two distinctive Christmas destinations on opposite sides of the Rhine. In elegant Wiesbaden, explore the **Sternschnuppenmarkt—Shooting Star Market—**set around Schlossplatz and the soaring Marktkirche. More than 100 craft, food, and drink stalls fill the historic center beneath illuminated lilies, stars, snowflakes, and festive entrance gates. Nearby Mainz offers a more traditional Christmas-market setting beneath the towers of its 1,000-year-old St. Martin’s Cathedral. Festively decorated stalls spread across the cathedral squares and neighboring Old Town, complemented by handmade gifts, seasonal specialties, an eleven-meter Christmas pyramid, historic carousels, and hand-carved nativity figures. Guests may concentrate on one city or experience highlights of both—the refined spa-city atmosphere of Wiesbaden and the historic cathedral setting of Mainz.

The mighty, all-surpassing imperial cathedral, a charming city center with a wide range of cultural offerings and a Jewish heritage worth seeing – for a city of its size, there is a remarkable amount to experience in Speyer. Speyer and the Salian Imperial Cathedral are inseparably connected with each other.

Speyer combines monumental history with a warm and compact Advent atmosphere. Its Christmas and New Year Market stands directly before the Kaiserdom, described by the city as Europe’s largest Romanesque church. Festively decorated huts offer handcrafted gifts, warming food and drinks in the historic center, with the cathedral providing one of the itinerary’s most impressive market backdrops. Spend the morning walking through the old town and along Maximilianstraße before arriving at the market as its stalls begin opening at 11:00 a.m. With the ship departing at noon, this call is best presented as a historic morning in Speyer followed by a brief first taste of its cathedral-side Christmas market.

From the moment you arrive, the French city of Strasbourg captivates with its charming blend of colorful half-timbered buildings, Wilhelminian splendor, and modern trendy neighborhoods, all complemented by captivating museums. Even a brief visit leaves a lasting impression, thanks to the wealth of inspiration found throughout the city. In the picturesque district of La Petite France, moments are savored with a traditional tarte flambée, before the grand cathedral, adorned with stained glass windows and majestic archways, beckons you to journey back in time to the Gothic era. For those up to the challenge, ascending the 332 steps to the viewing platform rewards you with sweeping vistas of the Vosges Mountains and the Black Forest in the distance.

Discover why Strasbourg is celebrated as the “Christmas Capital.” Festive areas are scattered throughout the historic center, each with its own character. Explore the traditional Chrìstkìndelsmärik at Place Broglie, browse stalls around the soaring cathedral, admire the Grand Sapin at Place Kléber and wander through the canals and half-timbered streets of Petite France. Alsatian specialties—including spiced vin chaud, bredele biscuits and gingerbread—add a distinctive French-German flavor, while crafts from local designers provide memorable gift ideas. A luminous route connects the cathedral, Petite France and Neustadt, allowing guests to experience the city’s architecture, markets and decorations on one flexible, self-guided circuit.

Your final day cruising is spent gliding through the dramatic scenery of the rift valley separating the Vosges and Black Forest mountains. We arrive at the ancient town of Breisach, whose historic heart is surrounded by stone ramparts and dominated by the impressive Saint Stephan’s Cathedral. Later you drive through some of Central Europe’s most stunning scenery – the Black Forest Mountains. This is a fabled landscape of rugged valleys, whitewater rivers, cascading waterfalls and rolling hillsides covered with huge, densely packed pine trees – exactly as you expect it to be. Our destination is the idyllic village of Titisee, nestling on the shores of its crystal-clear lake. Rejoining the ship, we resume our stately passage upriver. As the sun sets and the riverside lights begin to twinkle there are wonderful views over the imposing Vosges massif. You enjoy this evening’s dinner en route to Switzerland and our next mooring at Basel.

Breisach offers an intimate, small-town contrast to the larger Christmas-market cities. Climb the historic Münsterberg to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which has dominated the town’s Rhine-facing silhouette since the Middle Ages, and enjoy the views from Breisach’s upper town. Below, explore the compact center, local shops and inviting cafés before visiting the Adventstreff at Neutorplatz, scheduled throughout the period of this cruise. Rather than a sprawling commercial market, Breisach delivers a relaxed local Advent gathering. Its location near the Kaiserstuhl wine region also makes this an excellent place to sample Baden wine, sparkling wine and regional winter specialties.

Situated on the banks of the Rhine, Mannheim faces Ludwigshafen Castle directly across the river. This iconic castle serves as the city’s landmark and is conveniently situated near the waterfront. Mannheim’s allure is further enhanced by its expansive squares, which form the layout of the bustling city center. Offering a plethora of shopping options and charming cafes, the city center is a vibrant hub for both locals and visitors alike.

Mannheim offers three distinct Christmas experiences within the city center. The traditional market at the Wasserturm features approximately 160 decorated huts against the elegant Art Nouveau setting of Friedrichsplatz. At Paradeplatz, the Märchenwald creates a storybook atmosphere with fairytale displays and seasonal entertainment, while the market at Kapuzinerplanken specializes in traditional crafts, artwork and original gifts. All three markets operate until 9:00 p.m., giving guests nearly the entire afternoon and evening to create their own route. Begin with shopping and sightseeing in daylight, then watch the squares and water tower glow as night falls over the city.

Bonn holds the distinction of being the former capital of Germany. The serene banks of the Rhine beckon for leisurely strolls, while the old town boasts traditional shops brimming with charm. Nearby stands the majestic Bonn Minster Cathedral, adding to the city’s rich historical tapestry.

Spend the morning exploring Bonn’s musical and historic heart. Walk through the center to Bonngasse, where Ludwig van Beethoven was born in 1770, and discover the composer’s story at the Beethoven-Haus. Continue toward Münsterplatz and the surrounding pedestrian streets, where Bonn’s Christmas market spreads across several connected squares. More than 160 stalls offer crafts, decorations, gifts and seasonal foods. The market opens at noon, giving guests a final hour to enjoy the first scents of gingerbread and mulled wine before the ship sails. The call combines a meaningful cultural morning with a brief introduction to Bonn’s festive market atmosphere

Cologne stands as a self-governing city. Its iconic landmark, the Cologne Cathedral, sits proudly on the banks of the Rhine River, adjacent to the main train station. Offering a splendid view of the city, a cable car traverses the Rhine, adding to the charm of the experience.

Arrive in Cologne as the city’s Christmas lights begin to shine. At Roncalliplatz, a sparkling canopy stretches above the Cathedral Christmas Market, where a towering tree, carefully selected crafts and festive foods sit beneath the immense Gothic cathedral. In the Old Town, Heinzel’s Winter Fairytale offers more than 100 stalls, themed lanes and a large open-air ice rink around Alter Markt and Heumarkt. Guests may also continue to the Angels’ Market at Neumarkt, distinguished by its illuminated starry sky. With several evening hours ashore, Cologne provides time to experience more than one market, enjoy dinner and see the cathedral and old town at their most atmospheric

Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands, offers a fascinating blend of ancient history and vibrant modern life. Nestled along the Waal River, this charming city is known for its Roman roots, historic architecture, and lively cultural scene. Visitors can explore centuries-old churches, stroll through the picturesque Valkhof Park—home to the ruins of a Roman fortress—and enjoy the bustling cafes and boutiques in the city center. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and rich heritage, Nijmegen provides a delightful and authentic Dutch experience on your river cruise journey.

Conclude the journey with a distinctly Dutch winter celebration in Nijmegen. The city’s Winter Weeks are scheduled from December 12, 2026, through January 3, 2027, filling the center with light installations, music, street performances and seasonal activities. Follow the Route of Light through the historic streets, explore local shops and cafés, or discover the city’s art and specialty beers on an independent walk. The program also includes choirs, street theater and winter entertainment along the Waalkade. As daylight fades, Nijmegen’s illuminated streets provide a colorful and contemporary finale—less a traditional German market and more a citywide festival of winter light and local culture.