I am looking for a 5 day Christmas market cruise 2026 to include Christmas Day. Ideally starting and finishing in cologne

We understand you're looking for a 5-day river cruise, and while we couldn't find an exact match, we're excited to share two fantastic options that might just capture your imagination. First up is the "Rhine Christmas Dream 2027," a 6-day river cruise taking you on a magical journey from December 22nd-27th, 2026. Additionally, you might be interested in the "Rhine Christmas City Experience 2026," an 8-day delightful cruise from December 20th-27th, 2026. This adventure promises a memorable exploration of the bustling Christmas markets and picturesque towns along the Rhine. Both of these options include incredible Christmas Day celebrations onboard, making for an unforgettable holiday experience.

Can you tell me what the cost of the drink package would be on this December 2026 river cruise?

The drinks package would amount to USD 121/- per person.

I would like the itinerary

We are excited to have you travel with us. You may review the day-wise itinerary. The ship that will be sailing on the Nov 24, 2026 is known as the A-Rosa Aqua. Request you to kindly find the link to the ships cabin categories if you could have a look and reply back with your preferred cabin preference.

do you cater to PWD can't walk far

The operator is unable to provide any specialized help. But if you use a mobility device such as a walker you are welcome to bring that with you.

can you please advise on any relevant details ie cancellation policy Tour break down etc we are a family of 5

For the tour breakdown, everything is listed on our tour details page. You can click 'expand all' on each section to read the daily itinerary, and the details of the what's included and what's not included.

Are early luggage check-ins allowed?

Early luggage check-in can be arranged so you can explore before the cruise begins.

Is transportation included in the tour cost?

Transportation for designated stops is included in the tour package.

How many Christmas markets will we be visiting?

The tour includes visits to several Christmas markets across different cities.

Can we change the itinerary after booking?

Changes to the itinerary need to be confirmed with customer support and may be subject to fees.

Are there any age restrictions for travelers?

Travelers of all ages are welcome, and children have specific discounts available.

From

US $576 per person

Rhine Christmas Markets 2026

5 days

•

Start and end in Cologne

4.4

14 reviews

View all
It's my first time on the River Cruise beyond my expectations. Love it and highly recommend to my friend.
malee, traveled in November
5.0
View all

From

US $576 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Booking needs min. 2 travelers

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Gold Operator: A-ROSA
River Cruise: Cruise scenic waterways for effortless exploration
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity: Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English: Other languages on request: German
Group Size 15 - 202
All Ages Welcome

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Cologne
Meals
Breakfast (Comprehensive breakfast buffet with live-cooking stations, tea, coffee and coffee specialities, water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, selection of beer and wine), Lunch (Comprehensive lunch buffet with live-cooking stations, water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, selection of beer and wine), Dinner (Comprehensive dinner buffet with live-cooking stations, water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, selection of beer and wine)
Included Activities
- Destination Scouts insider tips for independent exploration
- Free e-bikes for independent exploration (subject to availability)
Optional Activities
- Climb Cologne Cathedral tower for city and Rhine views
- Visit local wine taverns or cafes
- Explore city streets and chat with locals
Landmarks
Cologne Cathedral
Day 2
Rüdesheim - Mainz
Meals
Breakfast (Comprehensive breakfast buffet with live-cooking stations, tea, coffee and coffee specialities, water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, selection of beer and wine), Lunch (Comprehensive lunch buffet with live-cooking stations, water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, selection of beer and wine), Dinner (Comprehensive dinner buffet with live-cooking stations, water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, selection of beer and wine)
Included Activities
- Destination Scouts insider tips for independent exploration
- Free e-bikes for independent exploration (subject to availability)
Optional Activities
- Sample local wines in rustic wine taverns in Rüdesheim old town
- Explore Drosselgasse alley (known as 'The World's Longest Wine Bar')
- Visit four medieval castles that once protected Rüdesheim
- Stroll along Mainz riverbank
- Visit Saint Martin's Cathedral in Mainz
Landmarks
Drosselgasse
Saint Martin's Cathedral
Upper Middle Rhine Valley
Day 3
Frankfurt
Meals
Breakfast (Comprehensive breakfast buffet with live-cooking stations), Lunch (Comprehensive lunch buffet with live-cooking stations), Dinner (Comprehensive dinner buffet with live-cooking stations), Snack (Embarkation snack, daily tea and coffee time)
Included Activities
- Destination Scout insider tips for individual exploration
Optional Activities
- Explore Frankfurt's high-rise district
- Visit sites related to the 1848 German national assembly
- Discover Goethe-related attractions
Landmarks
Frankfurt am Main
Day 4
Frankfurt - Loreley Valley - Koblenz
Meals
Breakfast (Comprehensive breakfast buffet with live-cooking stations), Lunch (Comprehensive lunch buffet with live-cooking stations), Dinner (Comprehensive dinner buffet with live-cooking stations), Snack (Daily tea and coffee time)
Included Activities
- Destination Scout insider tips for individual exploration
- Cruise along the northern Rhine through Loreley Valley
Optional Activities
- Explore the town of Hoorn during Loreley Valley stop
- Visit Kaiserin-Augusta-Anlagen (Rhine promenade park)
- Taste Debbekooche (regional specialty with apple sauce)
- Explore Roman history sites in Koblenz
- Discover Koblenz's cultural attractions
Landmarks
Loreley Valley
Kaiserin-Augusta-Anlagen
Koblenz
Day 5
Cologne
Meals
Breakfast (Comprehensive breakfast buffet with live-cooking stations, tea, coffee and coffee specialities, water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, selection of beer and wine), Lunch (Comprehensive lunch buffet with live-cooking stations, water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, selection of beer and wine), Dinner (Comprehensive dinner buffet with live-cooking stations, water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, selection of beer and wine)
Included Activities
- Destination Scouts insider tips for independent exploration
- Free e-bikes for independent exploration (subject to availability)
Optional Activities
- Climb Cologne Cathedral tower for city and Rhine views
- Visit local wine taverns or cafes
- Explore city streets and chat with locals
Landmarks
Cologne Cathedral

Landmarks
Cologne Cathedral

Landmarks
Drosselgasse
Saint Martin's Cathedral
Upper Middle Rhine Valley

Landmarks
Frankfurt am Main

Landmarks
Loreley Valley
Kaiserin-Augusta-Anlagen
Koblenz

Landmarks
Cologne Cathedral

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Operated by

A-ROSA

Gold Operator

Rating: 4(162 reviews)
Response time: within 1 day
Response rate: 76%
Cancellation policy

A-ROSA Ship

A-ROSA BRAVA
Cruising on a river is certainly not the fastest mode of transportation. And the countless meanders of the Rhine are not the fastest way to… Read more
Capacity
202
Built
2011
Guests
Crew
Length
135 m
Width
11,4 m
Suites
Staterooms
Registry
Gross Tonnage
Electricity
Beam
Cruising Speed
max. 22 km/h
Generators
Engines
Draft
Cabin
99 outside cabins
Deck
Deck with Cabins
Country/Region
Belgium, Netherlands, Germany
Staterooms / Suites Deck Plans Dining

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

4.4

Overall rating based on 14 Reviews

Itinerary
4.3
Transport
4.0
Guide
4.1
Accommodation
4.5
Food
3.9
Tour Operator
4.0

W
Walter
December 28th, 2025
The ship is nice, the cabins offer all facilities you expect and the daily cleaning is top. Do'nt understand why we...
The ship is nice, the cabins offer all facilities you expect and the daily cleaning is top. Do'nt understand why we got the chocolate on the pillow just one day . As we were in most places on a previous cruise we did not register for excursions but heard on board that more guests found excursions rather expensive, especially the "walking" once. Food was between ok and good but the house wines are terrible (no wine choice in extra drink package neither) and no promotion for the many good wines you can find in the Rhine region. Getting envelopes for tipping under the door the last night was a surprise because not announced before nor during the cruise. Would prefer seperate envelopes for room service, bar and restaurant and reception staff or, like most cruise companies, just include the tipping in the cruise rate. Tipping is probably a way to compensate the low wages paid to crew coming from Asia, Eastern Europe and North Africa. Only 1 crew member, from captain to kitchen aid was from Western Europe. For a cruise that costs approximately 250€/d.pp quality of service should overall be better.Show more
Traveled in December 2025
Reply from: A-ROSA
Dear Walter, many thanks for your feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you had a good time with us on board. We will be happy to pass on your suggestions for the future to the relevant departments. We hope to welcome you back soon! The A-ROSA Team
Show more
M
malee
November 29th, 2025
It’s my first time on the River Cruise beyond my expectations . Love it and highly recommend to my friend .
Traveled in November 2025
Reply from: A-ROSA
Dear Malee, thank you for your excellent review. We're happy you liked the cruise! We'd love you to come back and have another cruise with us soon. Best regards, A-ROSA Team
Show more
H
Helen
December 20th, 2024
We had a lovely trip and thought the staff were excellent and looked after us very well. Sabrina was an excellent...
Show more
Traveled in December 2024
Reply from: A-ROSA
Dear Helen, we are so pleased to hear about your great cruising experience. We hope you made many memories to treasure forever. Cruising from town to town and visiting the Christmas markets is truly magical. We would love to welcome you on board again! A-ROSA Team
Show more
H
Helen
November 29th, 2024
The boat tour was great, staff fantastic my only problem is one of the markets they took us to was not open. But the...
Show more
Traveled in November 2024
Reply from: A-ROSA
Dear Helen, thank you for leaving a review for your river cruise on the Rhine! We're sorry to hear that the weather was not the best but even a rainy day can be cozy with good food and a relaxing atmosphere on board. We hope to have you back on board soon, our lovely crew will be delighted to welcome you again! Best regards, A-ROSA Team
Show more
A
Minnie
July 5th, 2024
Itinerary is comfortable. Walkable. Pier not far from sights.
Traveled in December 2023
Reply from: A-ROSA
Dear guest, we are very happy to hear about your pleasant cruising experience! Our central berths offer you the comfort of stepping off the ship and right into the heart of the cities and towns along the route! We hope to welcome you on your next river cruise soon. Best regards, A-ROSA team
Show more
A
Anonymous
July 5th, 2024
Itinerary is comfortable.
Traveled in December 2023
Marinette
January 6th, 2024
Predominantly German passengers on our cruise. There were 10 of us international english speaking passengers....
Predominantly German passengers on our cruise. There were 10 of us international english speaking passengers. Cruise staff were accommodating, courteous, some nice. Too cold/rainy to enjoy top open deck of boat (great in summer!). Had a fabulous time visiting different Christmas markets; very festive (gets more crowded at night)! Towns we docked/visited along the Rhine are all very near the ports; all walkable within a few minutes; we just self toured. Wonderful experience overall!Show more
Traveled in December 2023
Reply from: A-ROSA
Dear Marinette, Thank you for going onboard with A-ROSA and taking your time to sharing your your kind words with us and the community. We are glad to hear that you had a delightful cruise experience along the Rhine! Exploring Christmas markets and experiencing the festive atmosphere must have been a wonderful way to embrace the holiday spirit. The fact that the towns along the Rhine were easily walkable and allowed for self-guided tours adds to the convenience of your journey. Even though the weather didn't cooperate, we are sure that you made the most out of this cruise. We would love to have you onboard again. Best regards, A-ROSA Team
Show more
A
Avril
December 12th, 2023
Nice boat. Clean rooms. Buffet food not the best. Saw 2 Christmas markets only as other 2 were closed early morning....
Show more
Traveled in December 2023
Reply from: A-ROSA
Dear Avril, Thank you for your feedback on your cruise experience. It is encouraging to hear that, despite the mentioned issues, you still managed to have a good time overall. Christmas markets usually open from noon time till the evening. We tried our best to balance the shore time for our guests to visit Christmas markets and the cruising schedule. We hope you will cruise with A-ROSA again and see the improvements we've made. Your sincerely, A-ROSA Team
Show more
HenryCW
November 8th, 2023
The Rhine is romantic
Traveled in November 2023
Reply from: A-ROSA
Dear Chi Wing Ho, thank you for taking your time to review your A-ROSA cruise. We totally agree. The Rhine is romantic and wonderful. Hopefully you have enjoyed it and took home unique memories. A-ROSA would love to welcome you on board again. Kind regards A-ROSA Team
Show more
Sandra
December 29th, 2022
The cruise was great, awesome food comfortable cabin and public areas.
Traveled in December 2022
Reply from: A-ROSA
Dear Sandra, Thank you for going onboard with A-ROSA and taking your time to share your review with us and the community. We are glad that you had a great Christmas experience with us on A-ROSA AQUA. We would love to have you onboard again. Best regards, A-ROSA Team
Show more

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!

Ends in2d2h19m53s

From Tuesday
24 Nov, 2026
To Saturday
28 Nov, 2026
English, German
A-ROSA AQUA
From:
US $930 per person
Multiple Room Types
Sign up and save
From Saturday
28 Nov, 2026
To Wednesday
2 Dec, 2026
English, German
A-ROSA AQUA
From:
US $1,011 per person
Multiple Room Types
Sign up and save
From Wednesday
2 Dec, 2026
To Sunday
6 Dec, 2026
English, German
A-ROSA AQUA
From:
US $1,011 per person
Multiple Room Types
Sign up and save
From Sunday
6 Dec, 2026
To Thursday
10 Dec, 2026
English, German
A-ROSA AQUA
From:
US $907 per person
Multiple Room Types
Sign up and save
From Thursday
10 Dec, 2026
To Monday
14 Dec, 2026
English, German
A-ROSA AQUA
From:
US $965 per person
Multiple Room Types
Sign up and save
From Monday
14 Dec, 2026
To Friday
18 Dec, 2026
English, German
A-ROSA AQUA
From:
US $872 per person
Multiple Room Types
Sign up and save
From Friday
18 Dec, 2026
To Tuesday
22 Dec, 2026
English, German
A-ROSA AQUA
From:
US $814 per person
Multiple Room Types
Sign up and save
From Tuesday
23 Nov, 2027
To Saturday
27 Nov, 2027
English, German
A-ROSA SILVA
From:
US $715 per person
Multiple Room Types
Sign up and save
From Monday
6 Dec, 2027
To Friday
10 Dec, 2027
English, German
A-ROSA BRAVA
From:
US $576 per person
Multiple Room Types
Sign up and save
From Friday
10 Dec, 2027
To Tuesday
14 Dec, 2027
English, German
A-ROSA BRAVA
From:
US $576 per person
Multiple Room Types
Sign up and save

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

All questions

We couldn't find results

Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts

D
Dean
Asked on April 23rd, 2026
I am looking for a 5 day Christmas market cruise 2026 to include Christmas Day. Ideally starting and finishing in cologne
Tour Details
- A-ROSAOperator•Written April 2026
  We understand you're looking for a 5-day river cruise, and while we couldn't find an exact match, we're excited to share two fantastic options that might just capture your imagination. First up is the "Rhine Christmas Dream 2027," a 6-day river cruise taking you on a magical journey from December 22nd-27th, 2026. Additionally, you might be interested in the "Rhine Christmas City Experience 2026," an 8-day delightful cruise from December 20th-27th, 2026. This adventure promises a memorable exploration of the bustling Christmas markets and picturesque towns along the Rhine. Both of these options include incredible Christmas Day celebrations onboard, making for an unforgettable holiday experience.
C
Carolyn
Asked on February 4th, 2026
Can you tell me what the cost of the drink package would be on this December 2026 river cruise?
Meals
Price / Availability
- A-ROSAOperator•Written February 2026
  The drinks package would amount to USD 121/- per person.
P
Philip
Asked on September 8th, 2025
I would like the itinerary
Tour Details
- A-ROSAOperator•Written September 2025
  We are excited to have you travel with us. You may review the day-wise itinerary. The ship that will be sailing on the Nov 24, 2026 is known as the A-Rosa Aqua. Request you to kindly find the link to the ships cabin categories if you could have a look and reply back with your preferred cabin preference.
S
Sam
Asked on August 21st, 2025
do you cater to PWD can't walk far
Tour Details
Travel Support
- A-ROSAOperator•Written August 2025
  The operator is unable to provide any specialized help. But if you use a mobility device such as a walker you are welcome to bring that with you.
R
Rose
Asked on April 25th, 2025
can you please advise on any relevant details ie cancellation policy Tour break down etc we are a family of 5
Accommodation
Tour Details
- A-ROSAOperator•Written April 2025
  For the tour breakdown, everything is listed on our tour details page. You can click 'expand all' on each section to read the daily itinerary, and the details of the what's included and what's not included.
L
Laia
Asked on January 8th, 2025
Are early luggage check-ins allowed?
Flights / Transfers
- A-ROSAOperator•Written January 2025
  Early luggage check-in can be arranged so you can explore before the cruise begins.
M
Megan
Asked on November 23rd, 2024
Is transportation included in the tour cost?
Transport
- A-ROSAOperator•Written November 2024
  Transportation for designated stops is included in the tour package.
E
Edwin
Asked on September 28th, 2024
How many Christmas markets will we be visiting?
Tour Details
- A-ROSAOperator•Written September 2024
  The tour includes visits to several Christmas markets across different cities.
I
Ignacio
Asked on September 10th, 2024
Can we change the itinerary after booking?
Tour Details
- A-ROSAOperator•Written September 2024
  Changes to the itinerary need to be confirmed with customer support and may be subject to fees.
M
Monica
Asked on July 29th, 2024
Are there any age restrictions for travelers?
Age Range
- A-ROSAOperator•Written July 2024
  Travelers of all ages are welcome, and children have specific discounts available.

From

US $576 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Booking needs min. 2 travelers

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 243090

Currency
€
Euro
Germany
Plugs & Adapters
Vaccines
- These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
- Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Germany. Ideally 6 months before travel.
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before July 29th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after July 29th, 2026, a minimum payment of 40% is required to confirm your booking with A-ROSA. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 45 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- The following cards are accepted for "A-ROSA" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
- TourRadar can request A-ROSA to hold spaces for you for up to 48 hours without any credit card details.
- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of A-ROSA. Please familiarize yourself with the A-ROSA payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Rhine Christmas Markets 2026

Itinerary

Cologne

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Rüdesheim - Mainz

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Frankfurt

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Frankfurt - Loreley Valley - Koblenz

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Cologne

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

A-ROSA Ship

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

Want to read it later?

Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Good to Know

Keep Exploring Germany

Rhine Christmas Markets 2026

Itinerary

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

A-ROSA Ship

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

Want to read it later?

Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Earn while you share

Good to Know

Keep Exploring Germany

Like this Moment?