Christmas & New Year Tours in Germany
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10 best Christmas & New Year Germany tour packages
Compiled by

SteffGermany travel expert at TourRadar
- Rhine Christmas 2025
- Christmas and New Year Rhine cruise: Dusseldorf - Dusseldorf - MS Crucevita 4*sup
- Christmas on the Rhine Amsterdam to Basel
- Christmas on the most beautiful stops of the Elbe and Vltava, between Berlin and Prague (port-to-port cruise)
- Christmas on the romantic Rhine, the enchantment of the Lorelei Rock (port-to-port cruise) - GERARD SCHMITTER
- Southern Rhine Christmas 2025
- Christmas Cruise on the Rhine - AMADEUS Aurea (Cologne - Cologne)
- Christmas Markets on the Rhine 2026 Start Basel, End Amsterdam
- To Bavaria, and Beyond! - Self Guided Rail Tour
- BEST OF GERMANY BY TRAIN
The Rhine's Christmas magic unfolds from Cologne's Cathedral Market. Wander through Frankfurt's historic Römerberg Christmas market and Mainz's festive old town. A-ROSA SILVA delights with seasonal entertainment and special holiday dining during this December 2025 sailing.
Duration 8 days Destinations Cologne, Cochem, Bernkastel, Koblenz, Frankfurt-am-Main, Mainz Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator A-ROSA From
- NZ$3,063
Christmas and New Year Rhine cruise: Dusseldorf - Dusseldorf - MS Crucevita 4*sup
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The crew was warm, welcoming and provided great service. We would definitely cruise with Crucemundo again.”
Heather, traveled in December
German Christmas enchantment awaits aboard MS Crucevita, featuring festive markets in Cologne's Cathedral square, Mainz's historic center, and Mannheim's city center. The cruise from Dusseldorf offers traditional German holiday meals, festive ship decorations, and Christmas music.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dusseldorf, Koblenz, Mannheim, Strasbourg, Speyer, Mainz, Rudesheim am Rhein, Bonn, Cologne Age Range up to 95 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Crucemundo From $2,428
20% Off- NZ$1,942+$202 upfront costsYou save $486
Six German cities showcase their finest Christmas traditions. Cologne's Cathedral markets, Koblenz's Christmas bakery, and Rüdesheim's festive Drosselgasse offer regional specialties like bratwurst and glühwein, complemented by Viking's premium river-view accommodations.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Viking Cruises From $7,224
36% Off- NZ$4,635You save $2,590
Christmas on the most beautiful stops of the Elbe and Vltava, between Berlin and Prague (port-to-port cruise)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelersDuration 9 days Destinations Berlin, Potsdam, Wusterwitz, Magdeburg, Wittenberg, Meissen, Dresden, Bad Schandau, Decin, LitomericeSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
36% Off- NZ$3,452
Christmas on the romantic Rhine, the enchantment of the Lorelei Rock (port-to-port cruise) - GERARD SCHMITTER
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelersChristmas in Germany features midnight mass at Speyer or Worms cathedral, festive markets in Rüdesheim, and guided tours of Marksburg Castle. MS Gerard Schmitter offers seasonal entertainment, traditional German holiday treats, and memorable Christmas Eve celebrations.
Duration 5 days Destinations Strasbourg, Braubach, Rudesheim am Rhein, Speyer Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
36% Off- NZ$1,994
A-ROSA CLEA sails to Christmas markets in 7 historic German cities. Rüdesheim's Drosselgasse beckons shoppers, while decorated medieval quarters and Koblenz's historic center offer seasonal specialties. All-inclusive holiday atmosphere costs around $1,500.
Duration 8 days Destinations Frankfurt-am-Main, Koblenz, Rudesheim am Rhein, Wiesbaden, Speyer, Strasbourg, Mannheim, Mainz Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator A-ROSA From
36% Off- NZ$2,683
Duration 7 days Destinations Cologne, Koblenz, Speyer, Strasbourg, Mainz Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $2,263
15% Off- NZ$1,923You save $339
Christmas magic flows from Breisach to Cologne along the Rhine. Baden-Baden's romantic markets, Rüdesheim's festive offerings, and Cologne's renowned Christmas Market create unforgettable moments. Luxury river ship accommodation and regional holiday cuisine included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator AmaWaterways From
15% Off- NZ$6,645+$407 upfront costs
Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt and Munich's Marienplatz Christmas Market radiate holiday spirit. Winter charm pervades Rothenburg's Medieval Christmas Village and Wurzburg's snow-dusted Residence during this 14-day Bavarian adventure.
Duration 14 days Destinations Munich, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Regensburg Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Euroventure Travel From
15% Off- NZ$3,920
BEST OF GERMANY BY TRAIN
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It's necessary to clarify that this is practically a self-guided tour for the most part.”
Alejandro, traveled in June
German festivities shine at Frankfurt's Römerberg and Munich's Marienplatz Christmas markets. Hamburg's illuminated Speicherstadt and Berlin's Alexanderplatz winter celebrations dazzle visitors. Centrally located hotels provide easy access to holiday celebrations.
Duration 11 days Destinations Frankfurt-am-Main, Cologne, Bremen, Hamburg, Berlin, Potsdam, Dresden, Munich Age Range up to 70 year olds Operated in English, German, Spanish Operator EUROLATINO Tour Operators From
15% Off- NZ$3,259
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Germany
- Christmas and New Year Rhine cruise: Dusseldorf - Dusseldorf - MS Crucevita 4*sup
Everything was good and perfect
- BEST OF GERMANY BY TRAIN
Really enjoyed this tour. It was exactly what we were looking for, the independence to do what we wanted on some days and some tours organised for us on other days. Communication from Tour radar was great through What’s App. The only thing we would change would be to upgrade the two 3 star motels to 4 star motels.
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours in Germany
What are the most popular Christmas markets to visit during a Germany Christmas & New Year tour?
Germany's festive landscape comes alive with Christmas markets that draw visitors from across the globe. Strasbourg's Christmas market stands out for its scale and traditional charm while Munich's Marienplatz and Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt offer quintessential German holiday experiences. The markets at Berlin's Alexanderplatz and Gendarmenmarkt square are easily accessible from central accommodations like the Holiday Inn Express Berlin City Centre. Recent visitors particularly noted the evening ambiance at Strasbourg's market where strings of lights illuminate centuries-old wooden stalls.
Which cities offer the best New Year's Eve celebrations in Germany?
Berlin's Brandenburg Gate hosts Germany's largest New Year's celebration while Munich's Marienplatz and Frankfurt's riverfront put on impressive displays. River cruise operators like A-ROSA combine these celebrations with onboard galas as boats glide past lit-up city skylines. Guests who celebrated at the Brandenburg Gate describe it as an electric atmosphere with fireworks reflecting off the iconic monument while central hotels provide convenient bases for the festivities.
What's the weather like during Christmas & New Year tours in Germany?
German winter weather shifts across regions. Munich in the south sees temperatures from -2°C to 4°C often with snow while Hamburg's northern location brings milder conditions between 0°C and 6°C. The Rhine Valley where many holiday cruises operate maintains temperatures from 2-7°C. Visitors regularly emphasize the need for warm clothing and waterproof footwear especially in Berlin where winter brings notably cold conditions.
How many days should I plan for a Christmas & New Year tour in Germany?
German holiday tours typically span 5-14 days with most travelers choosing 7-8 day itineraries. River cruise operators like A-ROSA offer 5-8 day Rhine journeys while land-based tours through companies like WiseYatra extend to 14 days covering multiple cities. The Leonardo Hotel Dresden Altstadt serves as a comfortable base for week-long explorations with visitors noting that seven days allows time to experience both markets and celebrations.
When is the best time to book a Christmas & New Year tour in Germany?
The holiday season runs from late November through early January with Christmas markets operating until December 23rd. Cities like Munich with its illuminated Neues Rathaus Berlin and Frankfurt become centers of celebration. Hotels such as Munich's Jedermann and Cologne's Eden Hotel Früh am Dom fill quickly during this period. Tour operators recommend securing bookings six months ahead as holiday programs particularly river cruises reach capacity early in the season.
How much spending money should I budget for Christmas & New Year markets in Germany?
Daily market expenses typically range from 50-75 USD covering souvenirs food and beverages. At Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market handmade ornaments cost between 10-30 USD while Munich Christkindlmarkt's signature Glühwein served in collector mugs runs 8-10 USD. Restaurant meals at hotel venues like the Holiday Inn Express Berlin City Centre average 30-40 USD per person. Experienced market-goers suggest a 100 USD daily allowance covers market purchases holiday dining and unexpected finds.