THE only thing better than one Christmas market is two… or three.
This year, you can test which country does the yuletide season better, with a cruise hop through some of Europe's most festive cities.
With the world's best festive markets on our doorstep, we're spoilt for choice – with pit stops in cities including Germany, Belgium, France, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands.
Why go on a Christmas market cruise?
The Sun's Head of Travel, Lisa Minot said: "A river cruise is the perfect way to enjoy Christmas markets as you'll literally sail into centre of the action.
"After a great breakfast onboard, you'll be able to stroll within minutes to some of the best markets across Europe, as these sailings moor up in the heart of big cities.
"After a day exploring the markets, stocking up on festive decorations, local crafts, it's back onboard for a delicious lunch or afternoon tea.
"And with many cruises remaining moored up overnight, you're also able to enjoy the sights and sounds of these marvellous markets after dark."
Which cities have the best Christmas markets?
Christmas markets had their origins in Germany more than 500 years ago, and they are an obvious choice if you've never experienced December on the continent before.
Browse the quaint booths in cities like Berlin or Hamburg, sample some gluhwein or lebkuchen – traditional German Christmas cookies – and make sure to pick up an original tree decoration.
Another must-visit market is in Antwerp, Belgium – the largest in Flanders.
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Dine on Belgian waffles with chocolate sauce and whipped cream, or hot chocolate with speculoos biscuits, while exploring the 90 festive stalls around the old town's central square.
Meanwhile, Copenhagen's picturesque waterfront area comes alive during its annual festive market, with Danish traditional treats and handcrafted gifts.
Norway's capital city, Oslo, is also not to miss. The 'Bærums Verk Christmas Market' is renowned as one of the finest festive markets in the country.
If you're ready to sail away, there are many deals available under £150pp a night to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.
And, with more than 12 different Christmas markets happening in the country, it is no surprise that most cruises stop in Germany as part of their itinerary.
The best deals for European Christmas market cruises
Here are the top deals we've found on Christmas market cruises departing from the UK:
- German Christmas Markets cruise, departing on December 3 or December 10 – from £629pp
Sailing from Tilbury, the cruise will take you to Hamburg (Germany) and Antwerp (Belgium) throughout five nights.
- Fred Olsen European Christmas Markets cruise, departing on December 13 – from £899pp
Sailing from Southampton, you will stop in Hamburg (Germany), Copenhagen (Denmark) and Oslo (Norway) over the eight nights aboard.
- Fred Olsen Classic Christmas Markets cruise, departing December 14 – from £889pp
Sailing from Liverpool, the cruise will take you around Europe's classic Christmas markets over eight nights. You will stop in Zeebrugge (Belgium), Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Hamburg (Germany).
- P&O Cruises Western Europe cruise, departing November 19, November 27 or December 5 – from £395pp
This shorter four-night cruise from Southampton will only stop in Amsterdam (Netherlands).
- Festive Market Getaway cruise, departing December 17 – from £559pp
The five-night cruise from Tilbury will visit Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Zeebrugge (Belgium).
- Enchanting Rhine and Yuletide Markets river cruise, departing December 5 – from £759pp
Sailing from Cologne (Germany), the cruise will visit Bonn (Germany) and Koblenz (Germany), and your travel from the UK to Germany is included in the price.
- The Danube’s Imperial Cities and Yuletide Markets river cruise, departing December 1 – from £1,099pp
Sailing from Budapest (Hungary), you will visit Vienna (Austria) and Bratislava (Slovakia) for five nights. Travel from the UK to Hungary is included.
- Festive Flavours cruise, departing November 27 – from £1,120pp
The cruise from Mainz (Germany) will stop at Bonn, Cologne, Dusseldorf and Koblenz (Germany). Flights from Manchester are included.
- Christmastime on the Rhine cruise, departing November 27 – from £1,170pp
Sailing from Mainz (Germany), you will visit Speyer (Germany), Strasbourg (France), Breisach (Germany) and Mannheim (Germany). Flights from various UK airports are included.
- Mistletoe & Rhine cruise, departing November 27 – from £1,370pp
Sailing from Frankfurt (Germany), you'll visit Koblenz, Dusseldorf, Cologne and Rudesheim (Germany) for six nights. Flights from various UK airports are included.
We've also spoken to a Christmas market expert, and they revealed the four pitfalls to avoid or risk being disappointed.
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Plus, we've rounded up the nine best Christmas markets that are taking place across the UK this winter.
And here's the time-warp Christmas market you can visit this December – but it's only open for four days.
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