The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better way to get into the spirit of Christmas than by visiting a traditional Christmas market From handmade crafts to delicious treats, these markets offer a unique shopping experience that will leave you feeling merry and bright And what better way to travel to these magical destinations than by train? Not only is train travel convenient and comfortable, but it also allows you to relax and enjoy the scenic views on the way to your destination If you’re looking to experience the best Christmas markets in Europe, here are some top picks for you to visit by train.
1 Strasbourg, France
Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg is home to one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe The market dates back to 1570 and features hundreds of stalls selling crafts, ornaments, and local delicacies The train journey to Strasbourg from Paris is just over two hours, making it the perfect day trip or weekend getaway during the holiday season.
2 Cologne, Germany
Cologne is a city that truly embraces the Christmas spirit, with several markets scattered throughout the city center The most famous market is the Cologne Cathedral market, located just a short walk from the train station The journey to Cologne from Frankfurt takes around an hour and a half, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking to experience a traditional German Christmas market.
3 Vienna, Austria
Vienna is known for its grand architecture, rich history, and of course, its enchanting Christmas markets The city hosts several markets, with the most popular being the Vienna Town Hall market The train journey to Vienna from Salzburg is just under three hours, passing through picturesque Austrian countryside along the way From sparkling lights to festive music, Vienna’s Christmas markets are sure to leave you in awe.
4 Brussels, Belgium
Brussels’ Winter Wonders market is one of the largest and most festive Christmas markets in Europe best christmas markets by train. With over 200 stalls selling everything from handmade gifts to delicious Belgian chocolates, there’s something for everyone to enjoy The train journey to Brussels from Amsterdam takes just a little over two hours, making it a convenient option for a day trip or weekend getaway.
5 Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich’s Christmas markets are a winter wonderland come to life, with the city’s old town transformed into a magical Christmas village From traditional Swiss crafts to gourmet food stalls, there’s plenty to see and do at Zurich’s markets The train journey to Zurich from Geneva is around three hours, offering stunning views of the Swiss Alps along the way.
6 Budapest, Hungary
Budapest’s Christmas markets offer a unique blend of Hungarian traditions and holiday cheer From ice skating rinks to mulled wine stands, there’s no shortage of festive activities to enjoy The train journey to Budapest from Vienna takes just under three hours, providing a scenic route through the Hungarian countryside.
7 London, England
London’s Christmas markets are a mix of traditional and modern, with stalls selling everything from classic British treats to handmade crafts The train journey to London from Edinburgh is around four and a half hours, passing through the picturesque English countryside on the way to the bustling capital.
Traveling to Christmas markets by train not only adds to the festive experience but also allows you to relax and enjoy the journey to these magical destinations Whether you’re looking for traditional crafts, delicious treats, or simply want to soak up the holiday atmosphere, visiting these markets by train is a memorable way to celebrate the season So why not hop on board and embark on a festive journey to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe this holiday season?
In conclusion, traveling to Christmas markets by train offers a unique and memorable experience that will leave you feeling merry and bright From quaint villages to bustling city centers, these markets are sure to delight visitors of all ages So why not plan a holiday getaway and explore some of the best Christmas markets in Europe by train this season?