Christmas markets on our winter cruises 2025/2026

Koblenz – festive flair at the Deutsches Eck

As soon as the MS SE-MANON docks in Koblenz, that very special Advent scent fills the air – mulled wine, roasted almonds, and a little bit of excitement. Just a few steps away from the pier is the Christmas market, which stretches across seven squares in the historic old town. Hundreds of lights twinkle between Jesuitenplatz, Liebfrauenkirche, and Münzplatz, and the booths offer mulled wine, fine handicrafts, and little surprises from the region.

The large Advent calendar at the town hall, which opens a new door every day, is particularly beautiful. A stroll through the festively decorated alleys is an essential part of our Advent season on the Rhine and Moselle and the Advent magic on the Rhine – and makes the stop in Koblenz a special moment every year.

Christmas market Jesuitenplatz square Koblenz

P!ELmedia

The oldest underground Christmas market in Europe

There really is no other Christmas market quite like this one. Deep underground, in the caves of Valkenburg, or more precisely in the Gemeentegrot, the old limestone passages are transformed into a festively lit labyrinth. Where silence usually reigns, the Advent season brings the scent of cinnamon, pine needles, and freshly baked waffles. Lovingly decorated stalls line the decorated rock walls, small nativity figures stand in the warm light, and around every corner there is a new detail to marvel at.

In December 2026, our new route Advent on the Rhine & Meuse will head for the city of Maastricht. From there, we will take a trip to nearby Valkenburg, where one of Europe's most extraordinary Christmas markets takes place in the historic grotto. The special atmosphere underground, the soft lighting, and the scent of spices make a visit here an unforgettable experience.

Kerststad Valkenburg

Did you know?

The caves of Valkenburg are not natural caves. They were created by centuries of marlstone mining, which was already used as a building material in Roman times. The tunnels developed into a vast underground labyrinth – now the setting for Europe's oldest underground Christmas market.

Romantic Christmas magic on the Moselle

In Cochem, Advent seems to be a little more traditional than elsewhere. Festively decorated stalls line the half-timbered houses of the old town, filling the air with the scent of mulled wine, waffles, and spices. Towering above it all is the Reichsburg castle, which glows in warm light at dusk, lending the town a fairytale backdrop.

The Christmas market itself is compact, but that's part of its charm: small craft stalls, regional delicacies, and lots of lovely details that you often only discover at second glance. A special experience is the “Christmas Magic at the Imperial Castle,” when the castle grounds are transformed into an atmospheric Christmas wonderland.

Cochem is an integral part of our Advent Season on the Rhine & Moselle – a place where you can feel how peaceful and beautiful the pre-Christmas season can be on a river cruise.

Illuminated Reichsburg castle on hilltop overlooking colorful half-timbered houses along Moselle River in Cochem during snowfall at night.

A festive break in the heart of Flanders

Antwerp shows just how elegant a city can be at Christmas time. Between historic façades and festively decorated streets, the Christmas market stretches from Groenplaats across Grote Markt down to the banks of the River Scheldt. Everywhere the lights sparkle, and from the wooden stalls comes the scent of Belgian waffles, chocolate and mulled wine.

A real highlight is the ice rink on Steenplein, right by the waterfront. Visitors glide across the ice beneath the illuminated skyline while the Ferris wheel lights up the evening in brilliant colours – a scene that perfectly captures the festive spirit of the season.

During our New Year’s Cruise through Holland and Belgium, the MS SE-MANON stays in Antwerp for an extended stop – plenty of time to explore the market at your own pace, wander through the decorated streets by day, and enjoy the sea of lights along the Scheldt at night.

Historic Grote Markt square in Antwerp featuring ornate guild houses with colorful flags and a bronze statue of a figure throwing a hand.

Between cathedral, lights and the scent of mulled wine

During the Advent season, Cologne transforms into a city full of festive variety. Several Christmas markets, each with its own theme and atmosphere, are spread throughout the city centre and all are easy to reach on foot. The most famous is the Christmas market by Cologne Cathedral, with its impressive backdrop, around 130 stalls and a canopy of lights that attracts visitors from all over the world every year.

Beyond the cathedral, other markets invite you to explore: the Harbour Christmas Market by the Chocolate Museum, the Nikolausdorf on Rudolfplatz and the Angel’s Market on Neumarkt. The short walking distances between them make it easy to experience several in one visit.

During our Advent Magic on the Rhine cruise, you have the opportunity to visit Cologne’s Christmas markets in the evening – an atmospheric way to end the day and to discover the many different sides of the city during Advent.

Whether it’s the classic charm of the Rhine, the romantic scenery of the Moselle, or the extraordinary atmosphere of the Valkenburg caves – each of these stops reveals how diverse the Advent season can be along the river. Those who wish to experience the festive spirit from a different perspective will find the most beautiful impressions on our winter and holiday cruises aboard the MS SE-MANON.