7 - 11 Day ~ Christmas Markets on the Danube (Dec 2026)

2026 Christmas Markets on the Danube w/ Alissa Barton
December 6-13, 2026
(3-night Prague + 7-night Danube Cruise)

Christmas is the most magical time of the year. Join other knitters on this adventure, where you will experience timeless holiday traditions and elegant pageantry in five countries-the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary on an itinerary designed explicitly for the AmaMagna. Let iconic capital cities-Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest-dazzle you. Immerse yourself in the joy of shopping at Europe's most traditional and enchanting Christmas Markets, including Salzburg, for handcrafted toys and gifts, sipping hot mulled wine and inhaling the fragrance of gingerbread and roasted chestnuts. Cherish all the glory and magic of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Danube during this festive time of the year.

Join a knitalong project during the cruise that will make a wonderful Holiday gift or a nice treat for yourself. Participants may bring yarn from their stash or purchase it at a local yarn store along the way.

This region of Europe is fun any time of year, but when you combine it with the magic of the holiday season, you've got the ingredients for the trip of a lifetime. Enjoy the fairytale city of Prague with its sparkling Christmas lights, where you will visit the National Museum and the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and explore Prague's renowned Christmas Market in Old Town Square. Your Danube Christmas markets cruise begins in Bavaria and goes through cities such as Regensburg, Vilshofen, Passau, Linz, Melk, Vienna, and Bratislava before concluding in Budapest.

2026 Christmas Markets on the Danube Highlights

• Begin your journey in Prague, known as the Golden City of a Hundred Spires, on an optional 3-night pre-cruise package offered by AmaWaterways.


• Enjoy seven nights aboard the luxurious AmaMagna, a unique river cruise ship considered a destination in itself. AmaMagna offers multiple dining venues, enhanced wellness and fitness options, and more amenities than other riverboats, such as a large sun deck with a pool and whirlpool, multiple lounges, and a cinema.


• Shop at local yarn stores along the way.


• Visit Cafe Simon in Passau to learn about and sample Germany's oldest and tastiest gingerbread.


• Visit Salzburg, home of the heartwarming story "The Sound of Music," and the Hellbrunn Palace Christmas Market to experience the charm and magic of a traditional Austrian Christmas.


• Take a Benedictine Abbey tour in Melk.


• Meet artisans and shop for handcrafts at the Vienna Schönbrunn Palace illuminated Christmas Market.


• Enjoy guided walking tours with local guides in every port.


• Watch cooking demonstrations.


• Enjoy festive musical performances nightly.


• Complementary Wi-Fi access on board.


• Sample wines from Europe's great wine regions, beer & soft drinks included with lunch and dinner.


• Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner.


• Participate in a knitalong project hosted by Alissa Barton and take home a hand-knitted souvenir of your trip.