As the festive season approaches, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit is by visiting a Christmas market The twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, and the sounds of carolers singing create a magical atmosphere that is hard to resist And what better way to experience these enchanting markets than by taking a scenic train journey to get there?
Traveling by train to Christmas markets not only adds to the excitement and anticipation of the journey but also allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the picturesque views as you make your way to your destination Here are some of the best Christmas markets in Europe that you can easily reach by train:
1 Strasbourg, France:
Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg boasts one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe The market dates back to 1570 and takes place in the city’s historic center, with hundreds of stalls selling handmade ornaments, festive decorations, and delicious Alsatian specialties To get to Strasbourg by train, you can take the TGV from Paris, which will get you there in just over 2 hours.
2 Vienna, Austria:
Vienna is a city that exudes elegance and charm all year round, but during the holiday season, it transforms into a winter wonderland with its numerous Christmas markets From the grandiose market at Schönbrunn Palace to the traditional market in front of the City Hall, there is something for everyone to enjoy To reach Vienna by train, you can take the EuroCity service from cities like Budapest, Prague, or Zurich.
3 Cologne, Germany:
Cologne is home to several Christmas markets, but the most famous one is located in front of the city’s stunning Gothic cathedral The market features around 150 stalls selling handmade gifts, decorations, and treats like gingerbread and mulled wine Traveling to Cologne by train is easy, with high-speed connections from major cities like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Brussels.
4 Brussels, Belgium:
The Christmas market in Brussels is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the holiday season in a festive setting The market takes over the city center with twinkling lights, a huge Christmas tree, and an ice-skating rink best christmas markets by train. To get to Brussels by train, you can take the Thalys service from Paris, Amsterdam, or Cologne.
5 Zurich, Switzerland:
Zurich is known for its sophisticated Christmas markets that offer a mix of traditional and modern attractions From the market at the Zurich Main Train Station to the charming market at Bellevue Square, you can explore a variety of stalls selling unique gifts and tasty treats Traveling to Zurich by train is convenient, with frequent services from cities like Milan, Munich, and Vienna.
6 Budapest, Hungary:
Budapest may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of Christmas markets, but the Hungarian capital boasts some of the most beautiful markets in Europe From the market at Vörösmarty Square to the fairytale-like market at St Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest is a magical destination during the holiday season To reach Budapest by train, you can take the EuroCity service from cities like Vienna, Prague, or Bratislava.
7 Edinburgh, Scotland:
For a unique Christmas market experience, head to Edinburgh, where the city’s Christmas market takes place in the heart of the historic Princes Street Gardens With stunning views of Edinburgh Castle as a backdrop, the market offers a mix of traditional Scottish gifts, festive treats, and fun fairground rides Traveling to Edinburgh by train is easy, with direct services from cities like London, Glasgow, and Manchester.
Regardless of which Christmas market you choose to visit, traveling by train adds an extra layer of magic to your holiday experience So why not hop on a train this festive season and embark on a magical journey to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe? The sights, sounds, and scents of the season await you Happy holidays!