The holiday season is fast approaching, which means it’s time to start planning your festive adventures One of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit is by exploring the magical Christmas markets that pop up all over Europe And what better way to experience these enchanting markets than by traveling to them by train? From the twinkling lights and handmade crafts to the delicious food and warm mulled wine, Christmas markets are a feast for the senses So grab your mittens and scarf, and hop on board as we take a tour of some of the best Christmas markets to visit by train.
1 Strasbourg, France
Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg’s Christmas market is one of the oldest and most iconic in Europe The city’s historic center transforms into a winter wonderland, with hundreds of stalls selling everything from handcrafted ornaments to traditional Alsatian treats Take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets, admire the stunning cathedral, and indulge in a steaming cup of vin chaud (mulled wine) as you soak up the festive atmosphere To get to Strasbourg, you can take a train from Paris, which will whisk you away to this magical Christmas destination in just a few hours.
2 Cologne, Germany
Cologne is home to one of the most impressive Christmas markets in Europe, with seven different markets scattered throughout the city From the quaint stalls clustered around the majestic Cathedral to the floating market on the Rhine River, there is something for everyone to enjoy Sample traditional German delicacies like bratwurst and stollen, browse the unique handicrafts, and marvel at the dazzling light displays To reach Cologne by train, you can take a high-speed service from major cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam.
3 Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a city steeped in history and culture, and during the holiday season, it transforms into a fairy-tale-like setting The Christmas markets in Vienna are known for their elegant decor, twinkling lights, and festive atmosphere From the grand market in front of City Hall to the charming stalls at Schönbrunn Palace, there is no shortage of holiday cheer to be found in this beautiful city best christmas markets by train. Enjoy a carriage ride through the snow-covered streets, sip on a creamy hot chocolate, and pick up some unique gifts for your loved ones You can easily reach Vienna by train from major European cities like Budapest, Munich, and Prague.
4 Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is a hidden gem when it comes to Christmas markets, with its charming stalls, sparkling lights, and delicious treats The market in the historic Grand Place is a must-visit, with its towering Christmas tree and dazzling light displays Sample some Belgian chocolates, warm up with a bowl of hearty Flemish stew, and marvel at the exquisite handcrafted decorations on offer To get to Brussels by train, you can catch a direct service from cities like London, Paris, and Amsterdam.
5 Zurich, Switzerland
Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Zurich is a picture-perfect destination for a magical Christmas getaway The city’s Christmas markets are known for their elegant decor, high-quality artisanal products, and festive entertainment From the enchanting market at the train station to the charming stalls on Lake Zurich, there is so much to see and do in this winter wonderland Indulge in some Swiss cheese fondue, try a glass of spicy Glühwein, and browse the stalls for unique gifts and souvenirs You can reach Zurich by train from major Swiss cities like Geneva, Bern, and Lucerne.
Traveling to Christmas markets by train is not only convenient and eco-friendly but also adds an extra layer of excitement to your holiday adventures So why not ditch the car this year and embark on a festive train journey to one of these magical destinations? Whether you prefer the traditional charm of Strasbourg or the cosmopolitan vibe of Brussels, there is a Christmas market to suit every taste and budget So grab your ticket, pack your bags, and get ready to embark on a holiday adventure like no other Merry Christmas and happy travels!