Culture & Traditions · Cruise Journeys · Europe
The Christmas Traditions of Germany
Stories, Tastes & Christmas Markets Along Germany’s Waterways
OVERVIEW
The Christmas Traditions of Germany
Stories, Tastes & Christmas Markets Along Germany’s Waterways
December 4 - 15, 2027
From $6,945 USD | $9,715 CAD
Christmas in Germany is a cherished tradition shaped by centuries of faith, craftsmanship, music, and community. Beginning in Dresden and its famous Striezelmarkt, this journey explores the heart of German Christmas traditions. In Herrnhut and Seiffen, discover communities known for their faith heritage, wooden toys, candle arches, and hand-carved ornaments. Continue to Nuremberg and its celebrated Christkindlesmarkt, surrounded by medieval streets and Gothic churches.
Then embark on an AmaWaterways Christmas Markets cruise along the Main and Rhine Rivers, visiting historic towns where festive squares, illuminated cathedrals, and enduring Advent traditions bring the story of Christmas in Germany to life.Beginning in Kobe, we'll enjoy our first introduction to Japan before embarking on a Windstar voyage along the country's coastline. Along the way, we'll visit historic cities, regional communities, and cultural treasures that reveal the remarkable diversity of Japan. Disembarking in Tokyo, we'll conclude our journey by exploring neighborhoods, craftsmanship, hospitality, and the rhythms of everyday life.
Tamara Roehr
Tour Expert
Signe Roehr
Tour Host
12 Days
Duration
Germany
Countries Visited
Moderately Active
Activity Level
Trip Highlights
Experience Dresden's Christmas traditions – Explore the historic Old Town and visit one of Germany's oldest and most beloved Christmas markets.
Discover the heritage of Herrnhut – Learn about the unique history and cultural traditions of this region while connecting with local communities.
Visit Seiffen in the Ore Mountains – Explore Germany's renowned Christmas village, famous for handcrafted wooden ornaments, nutcrackers, and generations of artisan craftsmanship.
Explore Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt – Wander one of Europe's most iconic Christmas markets and experience the city's rich medieval heritage.
Celebrate Christmas traditions along the Rhine – Experience regional foods, music, decorations, and customs that have shaped Christmas celebrations for centuries.
DAY 1 • December 4, 2027
Arrival in Dresden
Arrive in Dresden and check in to your hotel in Neumarkt square across from the famous Frauenkirche and begin exploring the festivities of the iconic city. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with the tour group to connect and begin the journey together.
Overnight: Dresden
DAY 2 • December 5, 2027
Stars of Herrnhut
Travel to Herrnhut, home of the original Moravian Star. Explore the fascinating story behind this enduring Christmas symbol through the visitor centre's exhibits, demonstrations, and film, with time to enjoy the café or even create your own handcrafted star. Back in Dresden, wander the historic Striezelmarkt and sample regional Christmas treats.
Overnight: Dresden
DAY 3 • December 6, 2027
Intro the Heart of Christmas Country
Discover the festive town of Seiffen and celebrate the Christmas traditions of woodcarvers, toy makers, and artisans. Continue into the Ore Mountains for an overnight stay.
Overnight: Seiffen
DAY 4 • December 7, 2027
Nuremberg’s Christmas Legacy
Explore medieval streets, festive market squares, and one of the world's most celebrated Christmas markets and discover the city during the vibrant Advent season. Encounter the tastes of the long tradition of Lebkuchen in its birthplace, surrounded by Christmas festivities.
Overnight: Nuremburg
DAY 5 • December 8, 2027
Embark on Christmas Markets Cruise
Enjoy a final morning in Nuremberg before boarding your river ship and beginning a journey through Germany's festive towns and river landscapes.
Overnight: Aboard Ship (Nuremberg)
DAY 6 • December 9, 2027
Franconian Rome in Advent
Explore Bamberg's remarkable medieval heritage and experience a Christmas market where local traditions and community celebrations remain at the heart of the season. Enjoy a guided walking tour featuring the cathedral, Old Town Hall, and historic architecture before visiting the city’s Christmas Market. Or opt for a culinary or cycling excursion.
Overnight: Aboard Ship (Bamberg)
DAY 7 • December 10, 2027
Markets & Medieval Walls
Discover the Baroque splendor of Würzburg, exploring the Christmas Market. Engage in the region with a palace visit or castle hike. Or take the option to step back in time in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of Germany's most enchanting Christmas destinations.
Overnight: Aboard Ship (Würzburg)
DAY 8 • December 11, 2027
Small-Town Christmas Charm
Experience the warmth of Wertheim, where half-timbered houses, local traditions, and festive market stalls offer a glimpse into Christmas celebrations beyond the major cities. Explore this region’s market or opt for a bike tour or castle hill hike.
Overnight: Aboard Ship (Wertheim)
DAY 9 • December 12, 2027
Along the Christmas Rhine
Experience the wine-growing town of Rüdesheim with opportunities for wine tasting, Christmas market visits, and exploration of the surrounding vineyards. Witness the legendary castles of the Rhine Gorge as today's journey reveals some of Germany's most iconic winter landscapes.
Overnight: Aboard Ship (Rüdesheim, Rhine Gorge & Koblenz)
DAY 10 • December 13, 2027
Stories that Endure
Explore the Old Town and Christmas Market in Mainz where Christmas traditions unfold amid centuries of history, learning, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange. Or visit nearby Wiesbaden and its celebrated Sternschnuppenmarkt.
Overnight: Aboard Ship (Mainz & Wiesbaden)
DAY 11 • December 14, 2027
Christmas in the City
Experience Frankfurt's blend of old and new as festive markets, historic squares, and seasonal flavors bring Germany's financial capital to life during Advent. Visit the Christmas Market in Frankfurt’s Altstadt, sample regional foods, and experience the final festive celebrations of the journey.
Overnight: Aboard Ship (Frankfurt)
DAY 12 • December 15, 2027
Carrying Traditions Home
As the journey concludes, reflect on the stories, communities, craftsmanship, and Christmas traditions encountered on river and road.
Pricing
Stateroom Categories
Total tour fare based on shared and single occupancy.
Early Bird Rate: Save $500 USD | $700 CAD off your Tour Fare until November 1, 2026 (per person)
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Shared Occupancy (per person):
$7,445 USD | $10,415 CAD
Single Occupancy (per person):
$9,800 USD | $13,720 CAD
Save $500 USD | $700 CAD off your Tour Fare until November 1, 2026 (per person)
-
Shared Occupancy (per person):
$8,985 USD | $12,585 CAD
Single Occupancy (per person):
$13,235 USD | $18,530 CAD
Save $500 USD | $700 CAD off your Tour Fare until November 1, 2026 (per person)
-
Shared Occupancy (per person):
$9,585 USD | $13,425 CAD
Single Occupancy (per person):
$14,135 USD | $19,785 CAD
Save $500 USD | $700 CAD off your Tour Fare until November 1, 2026 (per person)
-
Shared Occupancy (per person):
$10,185 USD | $14,265 CAD
Single Occupancy (per person):
$15,035 USD | $21,050 CAD
Save $500 USD | $700 CAD off your Tour Fare until November 1, 2026 (per person)
What’s Included
LAND TOUR IN GERMANY 4 nights hotel accommodation in Germany in thoughtfully curated properties chosen for their comfort, quality, regional character, and sense of place
Daily breakfasts and all dinners during the land program
Private motorcoach transportation in Germany
Heritage and cultural experiences as outlined in the itinerary
All excursions, sightseeing, and entrance fees for included sites and museums
The services of a guided TourMagination heritage expert and tour host
Gratuities during the land portion for all included meals, guides, and driver services
CRUISE TOUR THROUGH GERMANY'S RHINE RIVER7-night river cruise aboard the AmaCerto in your selected stateroom
All meals onboard ship: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Included onboard beverages as provided by AmaWaterways
Entertainment and onboard programming
Access to included AmaWaterways shore excursions and wellness activities
Hosted Rhine River journey with historical reflection and storytelling throughout cruise
What’s Not Included
International airfare and associated fees
Visas, entry permits, and any required digital travel authorizations (if required)
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Port charges
AmaWaterways optional excursions and personal activities
Personal purchases and expenses
Gratuities for cruise staff, director, and other personal services not explicitly included
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Tour Experts
Tamara Roehr
Tour Expert
Signe Roehr
Tour Host
Questions?
Reach out to our team at office@tourmagination.com
or by phone at (877) 668-2732.