A sprinkle of Christmas cheer on the rivers of Europe with TUI River Cruises

Festive cheer fills the air and the savviest of last-minute bargain baggers sweep up the final few cabins onboard dreamy TUI River Cruises' Christmas market cruises on the continent.

A TUI River Cruises festive sailing to Europe’s famous Christmas markets is undoubtedly one of the most feel-good and cheery sailings of the entire year. Many people book for these seasonal sailings months in advance to guarantee their spot, but for those willing to take the risk of waiting, there are some enticing last minute deals to be grabbed. Right now.

So, step away from your local shopping centre, avoid the crowds of Oxford Street in London, and whisk yourself off to the heart of the traditional Christmas spirit, where warmly lit wooden chalets huddle together in medieval squares and spread the magic of the moment to locals and visitors alike.

Amble to the jingle of bells, sipping on mulled wine, and listening to carols being sung in a romantic European language. If you’re lucky, a light dusting of snow might have settled overnight and you’ll be rewarded with the most spectacularly twinkly pictures of the continent’s favourite seasonal hotspots.

And then step back onboard your TUI River Cruises ship, where a delicious freshly-prepared dinner awaits you, and relax in the lounge with a hot toddy in hand… maybe eating some roasted chestnuts you bought from a street cart, and chatting with new friends you’ve made onboard.

Why not just say that £300 off is TUI River Cruises’ Christmas present to you.

‘Tis the season to be sailing, fa lalalala la la la la
Start December off in style with ‘Christmastime on the Rhine’. Indulge in a five-night cruise onboard TUI Skyla – an adults-only retreat, visiting a variety of charming, traditional-style Christmas market in Germany and France.

With a different port every day, this will be a week of Christmas shopping like no other, and – we’re sure of this – your loved ones are going to love the artisan gifts you’ll find them in these magical markets. Your upfront fare includes all tips, flights and full board… plus take a last-minute discount.

Germany is where the wonderful Christmas market tradition started, with pop-up villages of wooden huts and chalets selling all manner of locally produced wares, from beers and wines to soaps, crafts and jewellery.

TUI Isla sets sail on a five-night ‘Mistletoe & Rhine’ cruise, departing December 7, 2023, to five of Germany’s favourite festive market hotspots – including Frankfurt, with its signature apple wine, and Koblenz where the city’s advent calendar is the size of a building.

Did you forget to order a turkey in time? No worries – we’ve got the perfect solution for you. Take advantage of a last-minute deal for ‘A Rhineland Christmas’ onboard TUI Skyla. You won’t need to cook a single meal for the entire Christmas week, as you’ll set sail on December 22, 2023 and will return a week later, in time for New Year’s Eve at home. Trade up and enjoy Christmas Day in Bonn – where Beethoven was born.

Also offering appealing spontaneous Christmas getaway vibes, TUI Isla will be enjoying Christmas Day in Dusseldorf as part of her seven-night ‘Rhine Christmas Charms’ cruise (also setting sail from Frankfurt on December 22, 2023).

Following the big day, visit the heart of Germany’s wine-growing region and maybe pick up an artisan bottle of something special to toast the new year when you get back home.