There’s nothing quite like the festive atmosphere of a Christmas market The twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, and the sound of carolers singing all come together to create a magical experience And what better way to visit some of the best Christmas markets in Europe than by train? Traveling by train allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic journey to your destination without the stress of traffic or parking So hop on board as we explore some of the best Christmas markets to visit by train.
1 Cologne, Germany
Cologne is home to one of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe, the Cologne Christmas Market Located in front of the stunning Cologne Cathedral, this market is a feast for the senses From handcrafted gifts to delicious treats like gingerbread and bratwurst, there’s something for everyone here To get to Cologne, you can take a direct train from major cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam.
2 Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg, often referred to as the “Capital of Christmas,” is known for its beautiful Christmas market The Strasbourg Christmas Market dates back to 1570, making it one of the oldest in Europe The market is spread out across the city center, with over 300 stalls offering everything from ornaments to regional delicacies You can reach Strasbourg by train from Paris, which takes just under two hours.
3 Vienna, Austria
Vienna is another European city known for its spectacular Christmas markets The Vienna Christmas Market at Rathausplatz is one of the most popular in the city, with over 150 stalls selling handmade gifts and decorations The market also features an ice skating rink and a carousel, making it a great destination for families To reach Vienna, you can take a direct train from cities like Munich, Budapest, and Prague.
4 Brussels, Belgium
Brussels transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, with its Winter Wonders market taking center stage The market is set up around the Grand-Place, where visitors can admire the stunning light displays and sample traditional Belgian treats like waffles and hot chocolate best christmas markets by train. Brussels is easily accessible by train from cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and London.
5 Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich’s Christmas market, known as the Christkindlimarkt, is a magical experience set against the backdrop of the city’s historic Old Town The market features over 100 stalls selling handmade gifts, decorations, and food items Visitors can also enjoy a variety of cultural events like traditional Swiss music performances and workshops You can reach Zurich by train from major Swiss cities like Geneva, Bern, and Lucerne.
6 Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s Christmas markets are some of the most picturesque in Europe, with the main market located in the Old Town Square Visitors can shop for handmade gifts, decorations, and traditional Czech treats like trdelnÃk (a sweet pastry) and hot wine The market also features a giant Christmas tree and a nativity scene Prague is easily accessible by train from cities like Vienna, Berlin, and Budapest.
7 Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh’s Christmas market is a festive extravaganza that takes over the city’s Princes Street Gardens The market features a mix of traditional stalls selling gifts and decorations, as well as a fairground with rides and attractions Visitors can also enjoy live music performances and a Christmas tree maze Edinburgh is easily reachable by train from cities like Glasgow, London, and Manchester.
Traveling by train to these top Christmas markets not only adds to the magic of the season but also allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey Whether you’re looking for handcrafted gifts, delicious treats, or just want to soak up the festive atmosphere, these markets have something for everyone So book your train ticket, grab your coat and scarf, and get ready to experience the best Christmas markets in Europe Happy holidays!