Christmas River Cruises for 2025 Are Almost Sold Out: Here’s Your Ultimate Guide to Booking for 2026

Published on November 23, 2025

Bookings for Christmas River Cruises visiting Christmas markets in Europe are very popular, given the gradually approaching holiday season. Most river cruise companies are reporting that bookings for these cruises are filling up quickly, and reports for 2025 are almost entirely sold out. If you were hoping to take a Christmas river cruise this holiday season, it’s unfortunately too late. However, 2026 holiday river cruises are still available, but you should book quickly. You just might be able to secure your holiday river cruise in time.

Why Christmas River Cruises Are Selling Out Fast

Christmas market river cruises have become increasingly popular over the years, offering travellers the chance to experience Europe’s festive charm while relaxing on a luxury cruise. With so many people eager to immerse themselves in the magic of the season, it’s no surprise that availability is dwindling for the 2025 holiday season. Several of the biggest river cruise companies have reported that their 2025 sailings are already nearing full capacity, and many are even taking bookings for 2026.

Viking, for example, has already sold out a significant portion of its 2026 cruises, with 64% of the season already booked. This leaves little room for those hoping to set sail in the near future. If you’re hoping to book for this year, be prepared for limited options or the possibility of a waiting list.

Limited Availability for Christmas 2025 Cruises

Many leading river cruise companies have already announced that their Christmas market cruises for 2025 are nearly full, with only a few departures still available. Companies like AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways have seen an incredible demand for their festive cruises. AmaWaterways, in particular, reported that all of its 2023 and 2024 Christmas cruises sold out quickly, prompting the company to expand its offerings. Avalon Waterways is in a similar position, with 97% of its 2025 Christmas market cruises already booked.

For travellers hoping to get a spot for this holiday season, options are limited. If you’re set on experiencing the festive markets on the Rhine or Seine rivers, you may be better off looking for availability in 2026. Some cruise lines, like Uniworld, still have last-minute availability for select itineraries, but this is becoming an increasingly rare opportunity.

Planning for Christmas 2026: What to Expect

While it might seem like the window for Christmas cruises is closing, 2026 is shaping up to be an even more popular year for these enchanting river voyages. Many travellers are already turning their attention to next year’s holiday cruises, knowing that booking early is the key to getting the best options. For those who missed the 2025 season, now is the perfect time to secure your spot for the next Christmas season.

Some river cruise lines, including Amadeus River Cruises, have already announced that their 2026 sailings are filling up fast. With demand surging for these highly sought-after itineraries, the best availability is for December 2026 sailings. By booking early, you’ll have access to a wider range of departure dates and stateroom categories, ensuring that you find the perfect fit for your needs and preferences.

What to Expect on a Christmas Market Cruise

One of the main attractions of Christmas market cruises is the opportunity to experience Europe’s vibrant holiday markets. Popular destinations like Frankfurt, Paris, and Rouen are known for their historic and festive markets, where visitors can enjoy traditional holiday treats, shop for handcrafted gifts, and soak up the cheerful atmosphere.

On these cruises, you’ll visit a variety of cities along the famous rivers of Europe, such as the Rhine and Seine, stopping at charming towns and cities to explore their Christmas markets. Most cruises also feature exciting excursions to local landmarks and attractions, offering a balanced mix of holiday magic and cultural immersion.

For those who prefer a quieter and more intimate holiday experience, river cruises during the early part of the season, like the Festive Delights sailings, are an excellent choice. These cruises offer an opportunity to experience the Christmas spirit early in the season, while still leaving time to be at home for the holidays.

How to Secure Your Spot for 2026 Christmas Market Cruises

If you’re determined to enjoy a Christmas market river cruise for the 2026 holiday season, it’s essential to book as soon as possible. Here are some tips to help you secure your spot:

1. Book Early: River cruise lines are already accepting bookings for 2026, and many of their most popular itineraries are filling up quickly. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to secure the best staterooms and departure dates.
2. Consult with Travel Advisors: Travel advisors have access to the latest availability and can help you navigate the booking process. They may also have exclusive offers or insider tips on securing a spot on popular cruises.
3. Choose Flexible Dates: If you’re open to cruising during less popular times, such as early November or late December, you may have a better chance of finding availability.
4. Consider Alternative Ports: If your first-choice destination is sold out, look for similar itineraries that visit other beautiful cities along the Rhine or Seine rivers. Lesser-known towns can offer just as much holiday magic.
5. Be Prepared to Waitlist: If you have your heart set on a particular sailing, don’t hesitate to join a waiting list. River cruise lines often have cancellations, and spots can open up unexpectedly.

What’s Next for Christmas River Cruises in 2027 and Beyond?

As demand continues to rise for Christmas market river cruises, many companies are planning to expand their offerings in the coming years. Tauck, for example, is already doubling the capacity on its popular Rhine River Christmas Markets itinerary for 2027, while Scenic Group has announced plans to add even more departure dates for its Christmas cruises in the future.

This trend suggests that while availability for 2025 and 2026 may be limited, the demand for these cruises will only continue to grow in the years ahead. If you’re unable to book for 2026, it’s worth keeping an eye on upcoming announcements for future years, as more opportunities may become available.

Conclusion: Book Your 2026 Christmas Market Cruise Today

With the holidays around the corner, there are some Christmas market river cruises remaining for 2025. However, the 2026 market for these cruises will be opening soon, so now is the time to get your spot. The best way to increase the chances of your dream holiday cruise is to be flexible with your dates, book in advance and consult with a travel advisor about your chosen cruise. Going to the Christmas markets in towns in Paris, Frankfurt, or along the Rhine is an amazing and unforgettable way to experience the magic of the holiday season in Europe.