Experience the Magic of
Christmas in Europe
Join a Wide Open Wander Hosted Christmas Market River Cruise!
Imagine wandering beneath thousands of twinkling lights, sipping warm Glühwein in a centuries-old town square, shopping for handcrafted treasures, and waking up each morning to a new European destination, all without having to pack and unpack your suitcase. Wide Open Wander Christmas brings together the magic of Europe's Christmas markets and the ease of river cruising for an unforgettable hosted group adventure.
The Wide Open Wander
Christmas Experience
This isn't just a river cruise. It's Christmas in Europe—with friends you haven't met yet.
Wide Open Wander Christmas is an annual hosted journey designed for travelers who want to experience Europe's legendary Christmas markets without navigating the adventure entirely on their own.
I'll be traveling alongside the group throughout the journey, giving you the freedom to explore independently when you want while also offering opportunities to experience destinations together. Join me for a market stroll, an optional excursion, a local meal, or simply a warm drink beneath the Christmas lights.
There's no pressure to do everything as a group. This is your vacation—I'm simply there to help make it a little more magical.
Why a Christmas Market River Cruise?
🎄 Visit Multiple Christmas Markets
Experience the unique traditions, foods, decorations, and atmosphere of several European cities in one journey.
🚢 Unpack Once
Your floating hotel travels with you, eliminating the hassle of constantly changing hotels and transporting luggage.
🏰 Wake Up Somewhere New
Fall asleep in one destination and wake up ready to explore another.
🥂 More Included
Enjoy dining, beverages, onboard entertainment, Wi-Fi, and a variety of guided excursions included with your cruise.
✨ Explore Your Way
Choose from different excursion styles or venture out independently—the day is yours to enjoy.
❤️ Travel With a Community
Share the experience with a small group of fellow travelers while still having the freedom to make the journey your own.
Why Travel With Me?
Why Wide Open Wander Christmas?
Christmas travel has held a special place in my heart since my first visit to Europe's Christmas markets in 2022. There was something about wandering through historic streets filled with lights, music, handmade treasures, and centuries-old traditions, smelling the delicious glühwein, lebkuchen (gingerbread) and myriad of food options that made me fall completely in love with the experience.
When I started Wide Open Wander Travel Co., I knew Christmas travel, especially Christmas Market River Cruises, would be one of my specialties. My goal is to share that same sense of wonder with travelers who may have always dreamed of experiencing Christmas in Europe, but aren't sure where to begin, or may be nervous to navigate markets in multiple locations.
Whether you're an experienced international traveler or taking your first trip abroad, you'll have someone traveling alongside you who is just as excited to explore as you are!
Who Is This Trip For?
Wide Open Wander Christmas may be perfect for you if...
🎄 You've always dreamed of experiencing Europe's Christmas markets.
✈️ You want to travel internationally but feel nervous navigating everything alone.
👯 You'd love the comfort of traveling with a group without being tied to a rigid group itinerary.
🚢 You're curious about river cruising or already know you love it.
💕 You're traveling solo and would love built-in travel companions.
🗺️ You enjoy having someone available to help with the details while still having the freedom to explore.
Where It All Begins...
Christmas Markets on the Rhine | December 12–19, 2027
The very first Wide Open Wander Christmas will set sail in December 2027! Our group will journey along the Rhine River, visiting magical Christmas destinations throughout Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Basel → Breisach & Colmar → Strasbourg → Heidelberg → Rüdesheim → Düsseldorf & Cologne → Amsterdam
This hosted group is currently fully reserved. But this is only the beginning...
If you're interested in joining Wide Open Wander Christmas 2028, fill out the interest form below to be among the first to know when booking opens! I plan to begin the booking process for our 2028 adventure in December 2026. While that may seem far in advance, Christmas Market River Cruises are only offered during a short window each year and can sell out well ahead of departure. Booking early also gives you plenty of time to spread out payments, making your dream Christmas adventure a little easier to plan for and budget!
*Joining the interest list does not require a deposit or commit you to booking—it simply makes sure you're among the first to hear when our 2028 trip is announced!
FAQs
Do I need to know anyone in the group?
Absolutely not! Part of the experience is meeting fellow travelers who share your love of travel and Christmas.
Can I travel solo?
Yes! Solo travelers are welcome. Single-occupancy cabins may be available at an additional cost, and I can also discuss potential roommate options when appropriate.
Do I have to participate in everything with the group?
Not at all. You're welcome to join me and other travelers for optional activities or explore independently. This is your vacation.
Are flights included?
This will depend on the specific trip package. I'll provide complete information about what's included before deposits are collected and can assist with additional travel arrangements.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended, and I'll provide information about available coverage options.