You’ve Found the Magic.
Now Let’s Plan Your Journey.
Vacations by Design, the team behind Magical Christmas Markets of Europe, brings together destinations, itineraries, hotels, food, things to do, and insider tips to make your dream Christmas market trip a reality — all backed by firsthand knowledge, trusted partners, and more than 50 years of travel expertise. When you’re ready, we're here to help you before, during, and after your magical journey!
From the Group to the Market Square
For years, the Magical Christmas Markets of Europe community has been a place to share the joy of the season: glowing market stalls, favorite mugs, foods worth seeking out, packing lessons learned the hard way, and the traditions that make each city feel different.
Along the way, members have swapped ideas, learned from one another and, in many cases, formed real friendships. For some, those connections have even turned into plans to experience the markets together.
That is where Vacations by Design comes in. The Vacations by Design team, along with owners Scott and Sally, brings more than 50 years of travel management experience, trusted partner relationships, and hands-on support to every journey. You bring the dream. We help shape the route, compare the right options, and manage the details.
River Cruises
River cruising is one of the easiest ways to experience several of Europe’s Christmas market cities in one trip. Sail through the heart of the season along the Rhine, Danube, Main, and beyond while unpacking once and waking up close to the markets you came to see.
Unpack Once
Multiple Market
Cities
Travel Between
Destinations with Ease
Explore Sample Itineraries
Christmas on the Rhine
COLOGNE ROUNDTRIP • 8 DAYS
A festive Rhine journey through Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Strasbourg and Boppard, with castle-lined scenery and charming historic towns.
Enchanting Rhine & Yuletide Markets
COLOGNE ROUNDTRIP • 5 DAYS
A shorter festive escape featuring the Rhine Gorge and Christmas markets in Rüdesheim, Bonn and Cologne.
Magical Paris & Festive Seine
PARIS ROUNDTRIP • 5 DAYS
Experience Paris at Christmas with festive markets, Seine scenery, Vernon and beautifully decorated French châteaux.
Other Ways to Experience the Markets
River cruising may be our specialty, but it is not the only way to experience Europe’s Christmas markets. We can also help you explore land-based trips, rail journeys, and local experiences based on how you want to travel.
Land Tours & Hotel Stays
Explore escorted tours, hotel stays and pre- or post-cruise extensions in Europe’s Christmas market cities. Tell us how you want to travel and we’ll help connect the pieces.
Rail Journeys
Connect Europe’s Christmas market cities by rail, from classic city-to-city routes to more immersive multi-stop journeys. Tell us where you’d like to go and we’ll help shape the itinerary.
Day Tours & Experiences
Add market tours, food and cultural experiences, sightseeing, and other local activities to your trip. Tell us what interests you, and we’ll help you find the right experiences.
Bavarian Christmas Markets Schedule 2026-2029
Explore some of Germany’s most beautiful Christmas markets and enjoy special festive experiences and culinary delights in Bavaria.
Traveling solo?
We can help you explore cruises, rail journeys and land trips with solo-traveler options.
Hosted Christmas Markets of Europe Cruises, Rail & Land Journeys
Travel with fellow Magical Christmas Markets members on select hosted departures throughout Europe.
Join fellow members of the Magical Christmas Markets of Europe community on select group departures designed to experience the season together. Along the way, enjoy private market visits, cooking classes, dinners, cocktail gatherings and other group experiences, with opportunities to meet new friends who share your love of Christmas markets.
Hosted departures may include exclusive group pricing, added amenities and special experiences for MCM members.
Dec 6-13 2026 • 7 Nights
Festive Sail on The Rhine River
Experience the joy of the season on a 7-day cruise exploring magical Christmas markets along The Rhine River, from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Holland aboard the Viking Kara.
Dec 13-21 2026 • 8 Nights
Enchanting Christmas Markets Tour
Discover the holiday spirit throughout Germany, France, and Switzerland on a festive tour of Christmas markets.
Personal Planning, Insider Perspective, and Support That Travels With You
There’s a big difference between finding a Christmas market itinerary and finding the right one for you. Will you have enough time at the markets? Will you be there after dark to see the twinkling lights? Which route gives you the cities you most want to experience? What should you pack, and how do you get those market mugs home?
These are the kinds of details we think about with you. We know the routes, cruise lines, and many markets firsthand, and we can help you compare options based on how you want to experience the season.
Our support continues well beyond the reservation. We’re here before, during, and after your journey to answer questions, help when plans change, and give you someone to call when you need support along the way.
50+ Years of Experience
Professional travel management company curating and crafting exceptional journeys for more than 50 years
Firsthand Market Knowledge
Practical insight from time spent in the destinations and markets you’re considering.
Trusted Partner Relationships
Established relationships with cruise lines, tour companies, hotels, and travel partners across Europe.
Support Along the Way
A team you can reach before, during, and after your trip.
Benefits for MCM Members
Access to exclusive savings, amenities, and preferred benefits with many of the partners we work with.
2025 Travel Weekly Magellan Gold Award Winner
Vacations by Design received Gold for “A Magical Niche Grown through Social Media,” recognizing the success of the Magical Christmas Markets community and the work behind it.
Preferred Partners and Member Benefits
Being part of the Magical Christmas Markets of Europe community can open the door to added value. Travel partners recognize the strength of this community, and Vacations by Design brings long-standing relationships with trusted cruise lines, tour companies, hotels, and local partners.
Magical Christmas Markets members have access to exclusive savings, amenities, and preferred benefits with many of our partners.
FEATURED PARTNER
Our Preferred Partners
Meet Your Award-Winning Team
Meet the Vacations by Design team, along with owners Scott and Sally, who bring decades of travel experience, trusted industry relationships, and firsthand Christmas market knowledge to the journeys we plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I plan a Christmas market river cruise
Many travelers begin six months to two years before departure. Starting earlier generally gives you more choice in sailing dates, cabin categories, and pre- or post-cruise options, especially for the limited holiday season.
Do you only book river cruises?
No. River cruising is one of our specialties and one of the most popular ways our members experience Europe’s Christmas markets, but we can also help with land tours, rail journeys, hotels, pre- and post-cruise stays, and day tours and experiences.
How do I choose between the Rhine and the Danube?
The Rhine is a classic choice for cathedral cities, the Alsace region, and storybook old towns. The Danube pairs imperial cities such as Vienna and Budapest with smaller river communities. We will help you compare the pace, ports, and included experiences.
Can you add Prague, Dresden, Munich, Salzburg, or Rothenburg?
Yes. We regularly help travelers consider land extensions before or after a cruise and can coordinate the hotels, rail, transfers, and touring that connect the pieces.
Do you have options for solo travelers?
Yes. We can help you explore cruise, rail and land options with solo-friendly accommodations or reduced single supplements when available. Ask us what’s currently available for the destinations and dates you’re considering.
Do members receive special benefits?
Yes. Magical Christmas Markets members never pay a Vacations By Design booking fee and have access to exclusive savings, amenities, and preferred benefits with many of the river cruise lines, tour companies, hotels, and day-tour partners we work with. Benefits vary by trip and partner, and we’ll let you know exactly what applies to the itinerary you’re considering.
Is a Christmas market river cruise good for families or groups of friends?
Yes! The unpack-once format works well for couples, families, and small groups who want to experience several destinations together. We will help you assess the ship, cabin configurations, activity level, and itinerary for your group.
What should I pack?
Warm layers, weather-resistant outerwear, and comfortable waterproof footwear are a strong starting point. Once you book, we will share more specific guidance based on your route, dates, and planned activities.
What happens after I submit the form?
A member of the Vacations by Design team will review your inquiry and contact you to discuss your travel window, destinations, travelers, and priorities. From there, we will recommend the best next step, whether that is a specific itinerary, a partner comparison, or an early-planning conversation.
Ready to Turn the Inspiration Into Reality?
Tell us what you are imagining, even if you only know the year, one city you want to see, or the people you hope to bring. We will help you sort through the routes, partners, and timing from there.
“Grab a mug of Glühwein & join me… your Christmas market journey starts here.” — Sally
Stay Connected to the Magic
Subscribe or tune in for ongoing inspiration, travel advice, conversations with industry partners, and more!
Join the Magical Christmas Markets of Europe Facebook Group
Connect with Sally on LinkedIn
Listen to the Podcast on:
Christmas Markets not in your plans this year?
Explore all travel planning resources - your member benefits still apply.