When it comes to getting into the holiday spirit, few things can compare to the sights, sounds, and smells of a traditional Christmas market From brightly-lit stalls selling handcrafted gifts and cheerful carolers filling the air with festive tunes to the aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts wafting through the crowd, visiting a Christmas market is a surefire way to kick off the holiday season in style.
For those who want to make the most of this magical experience, why not consider traveling to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe by train? Not only will you avoid the stress of driving in heavy holiday traffic and hunting for parking, but you’ll also get to relax and enjoy the scenic journey as you make your way to these charming destinations So pack your bags, grab your ticket, and hop aboard the festive express to explore some of the top Christmas markets by train.
1 Strasbourg, France
Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg boasts one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe Set against the backdrop of the city’s stunning Gothic cathedral, the market features hundreds of stalls selling everything from handcrafted ornaments and wooden toys to delicious regional delicacies To reach Strasbourg by train, take the high-speed TGV from Paris, which will whisk you to this picturesque Alsatian town in just under two and a half hours.
2 Vienna, Austria
Vienna is another must-visit destination for Christmas market enthusiasts The city’s historic center transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, with several markets scattered throughout its charming streets From the grandiose market in front of the stunning Schönbrunn Palace to the more intimate stalls in the Old Town, Vienna offers a festive atmosphere that is sure to delight visitors of all ages Travel to Vienna by train from neighboring cities like Prague or Budapest for a scenic journey through the Austrian countryside.
3 Cologne, Germany
Cologne is home to not one, not two, but seven different Christmas markets, each with its own unique theme and offerings From the traditional market at the foot of the iconic Cologne Cathedral to the floating markets along the Rhine River, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city Traveling to Cologne by train is easy, with frequent connections to major cities like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Brussels.
4 Brussels, Belgium
Brussels may be known for its delicious chocolates and waffles, but during the holiday season, the city’s Christmas markets take center stage The main market in the Grand Place is a sight to behold, with its dazzling lights and festive decorations creating a magical atmosphere best christmas markets by train. Be sure to sample some of the local specialties, such as mulled wine and Belgian frites, as you explore the stalls selling unique gifts and decorations Reach Brussels by train from cities like Paris, London, or Amsterdam for a stress-free journey.
5 Edinburgh, Scotland
For a taste of a traditional Christmas market with a Scottish twist, head to Edinburgh during the holiday season The city’s bustling market in East Princes Street Gardens offers a mix of local crafts, gourmet food, and festive entertainment, all set against the backdrop of the iconic Edinburgh Castle Take the train from cities like Glasgow or London to reach Edinburgh in just a few hours and soak up the holiday cheer in this historic city.
6 Budapest, Hungary
Budapest may not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking of Christmas markets, but this Hungarian capital has plenty to offer during the holiday season The markets in Vörösmarty Square and St Stephen’s Basilica are a feast for the senses, with their colorful lights, traditional crafts, and mouthwatering treats Travel to Budapest by train from cities like Vienna or Prague for a scenic journey through Central Europe.
7 Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich’s Christmas market may be smaller in size compared to some of its European counterparts, but it more than makes up for it in charm and festive spirit The market in the picturesque Old Town features beautifully decorated stalls selling handmade gifts, delicious Swiss treats, and warming drinks Take the train from cities like Geneva, Milan, or Munich to reach Zurich and experience this magical market for yourself.
Whether you’re a seasoned Christmas market enthusiast or a first-time visitor, exploring these top markets by train is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the holiday season and create lasting memories So why not ditch the car this year and opt for a stress-free, scenic journey to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe? All aboard the festive express!