It’s almost “Christmas in July” – the perfect time to consider your plans for the winter holidays. Award-winning AmaWaterways offers more than 10 Holiday Cruise itineraries beginning mid-November and extending through New Year’s Day. During your Holiday Cruise, you experience more than the captivating Christmas Markets in many of the towns and cities you visit – you also immerse yourself in the seasonal atmosphere that AmaWaterways provides both on board and on shore. Embark on one of the most elegantly decorated ships on the rivers and be whisked away on a magical winter journey through Europe!  

During your enchanting river journey, you will enjoy special onboard holiday celebrations. Delight in decorating Christmas trees with your fellow cruisers in the Main Lounge. Partake in a German tradition as you hunt for the “hidden pickle” ornament hidden by your Cruise Manager. Savor a holiday dinner with all the trimmings – and even a table with traditional Hanukkah specialties during the 8-night festival. On one memorable night of your river cruise, you can even enjoy the cherished European tradition of leaving a shoe outside for St. Nicholas – he may surprise you with a gift!

The Magic of Christmas Markets
When many imagine the Christmas Markets that come to life at this special time of the year throughout Europe, the magnificently illuminated markets of Budapest, Cologne and Nuremberg come to mind. Their larger-than-life holiday spirit sparks child-like wonder within every soul who visits them, walking through the aisles of festive booths brimming with wonderful souvenirs and freshly baked treats. However, there are other hidden holiday markets that offer their own unique experiences and whimsical charm – and all of these mentioned below can be visited on AmaWaterways’ celebrated Christmas Markets river cruises.

A Perfect Christmas in Providence 
Stepping into the Christmas Markets of Provence, you can’t help but take in the smells of mulled wine, spices, and pine. The holiday markets along the Rhône River are a shopper's delight - whether you are looking to treat yourself or a loved one, they are the perfect spot to find a gift. Local artisans line the streets and Père Noël, or Santa Claus, is never hard to find.  

One special highlight you can find throughout Provençal Christmas Markets are the crèches, or the nativity settings. In addition to the traditional biblical figures, crèches are filled with santons, or “little saints.” Originating from the Alpilles region, these tiny terracotta figurines are made to represent the nativity characters and professions, such as bakers, shepherds, and tailors. Every year locals buy new santons to add to their crèches from their local Christmas Market. These petite figures are popular collectibles and make for a perfect souvenir, which you can find at the Lyon and Avignon Christmas Markets you will visit on your AmaWaterways’ Colors of Provence (Christmas) river cruise.

If you get hungry as you shop, no worries – food is never far! Merchants are happy to offer a taste of the region’s specialties: cheeses, cinnamon cakes, and gingerbread are aplenty. You can even find calissons, traditional white almond-shaped candies made of candied fruit, almond flour and fondant, among the plethora of Provençal delights – a must-try treat during the holiday season when visiting these Christmas Markets.

Delights along the Lower Danube
With an extended Christmas period that lasts until January and a high probability of a dusting of snow, Winter Markets of the Lower Danube region (along the Danube River southeast of Budapest, Hungary) rival those throughout more frequented parts of Europe and are a wonderful place to enjoy the magic of the festive season.  
The Christmas Markets along the Lower Danube River on AmaWaterways’ 7-night Gems of Southeast Europe (Christmas) itinerary and 14-night Grand Danube (Christmas) river cruise have more intimate atmosphere, offering a uniquely authentic experience for those wishing to celebrate the season like a local. In destinations such as Mohacs, Hungary and Vidin, Bulgaria, enjoy the flavorful delicacies have been passed down for generations. Cities such as Bucharest, Romania and Vukovar, Croatia are beautifully decorated and there are concerts, theater plays, ice rinks and various fairs, including wine, cheese and honey fairs.

Winterfest in Novi Sad, the second largest city in Serbia and the capital of the Province of Vojvodina, is the first and oldest Christmas Market in the country. The top attraction is its big Singing Christmas Tree, where youth and adult choirs perform every day in 10 different languages (Serbian, Hungarian, Slovakian, Ruthenian, Croatian, Ladin, Yiddish, English, German and Russian). 

Wherever Christmas Markets you choose to explore with AmaWaterways during the winter holidays, you are sure to be immersed in the region’s unique traditions and festive spirit. Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience with an enhanced magical atmosphere this year with AmaWaterways, the Heart of the River™.