Avalon Waterways has increased its schedule of Christmas Market river cruises for the 2026 season, adding 7 new departures and raising capacity by about 15%, resulting in the largest festive lineup the company has offered to date. The enhanced programme now encompasses more than 40 departures across 19 itineraries on the Danube, Rhine and Main Rivers.
These Christmas Market cruises operate on a range of voyages from short festive sailings to extended cultural journeys that traverse traditional holiday destinations in Germany, Austria and Central Europe, with the opportunity to visit well-known seasonal fairs situated close to riverside towns and cities. Ports of call on these itineraries connect passengers with medieval squares and markets illuminated for the season, where regional food, crafts and holiday customs are focal points of the stopovers.
The expanded 2026 schedule includes options that range from 5 to 17 days, allowing for pre- or post-cruise stays in classic European cities such as Prague, Lucerne and Budapest, augmenting the time passengers spend ashore exploring historic architecture, local culture and seasonal celebrations.
In support of early reservations, the line is also making limited-time savings of up to US$1,000 per person available on select Christmas Market departures, an incentive intended to encourage advance planning for these high-demand voyages.