With the holiday season fast approaching, many people are starting to plan their festive activities One popular way to get into the Christmas spirit is by visiting a traditional Christmas market These markets can be found all over the world, but some of the most magical ones are located in Europe And what better way to experience them than by taking a scenic train ride to get there? In this article, we will explore some of the best Christmas markets to visit by train.
1 Vienna, Austria
Vienna is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and of course, its beautiful Christmas markets The Rathausplatz Christmas Market in front of the City Hall is one of the most famous in the city Visitors can browse through stalls selling handmade crafts, Christmas decorations, and traditional Austrian foods like gingerbread and roasted chestnuts To get to Vienna, you can take the train from cities like Munich, Budapest, or Prague, all of which offer picturesque views along the way.
2 Cologne, Germany
Germany is home to some of the most charming Christmas markets in Europe, and Cologne is no exception The city hosts several markets throughout the holiday season, each with its own unique theme The most popular market is the one located in front of the stunning Cologne Cathedral Here, visitors can enjoy shopping for ornaments, trying traditional German treats like bratwurst and glühwein, and ice skating on the rink set up in the square Cologne is easily accessible by train from cities like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Brussels.
3 Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is often referred to as the “Capital of Christmas” and it’s easy to see why The city’s Christkindelsmärik is one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Europe, dating back to 1570 The market takes place around the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral and features over 300 wooden chalets selling everything from Alsatian ornaments to regional delicacies like bredele cookies To get to Strasbourg, you can take a train from cities like Paris, Stuttgart, or Zurich.
4 Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is known for its vibrant Christmas market, located in the heart of the city at the Grand Place best christmas markets by train. The market features a stunning light and sound show projected onto the facades of the historic buildings, as well as a large ice skating rink where visitors can glide under the twinkling lights Shoppers can find unique gifts and decorations at the wooden chalets that line the square Brussels is well-connected by train to cities like London, Amsterdam, and Paris.
5 Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich is a winter wonderland during the holiday season, with its Christmas markets set against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and picturesque Lake Zurich The main market is located in the charming Old Town and features handmade gifts, artisanal foods, and a festive atmosphere Visitors can also enjoy the Christmas lights along the Bahnhofstrasse shopping street and take a ride on the glittering illuminated Ferris wheel Zurich is easily accessible by train from cities like Milan, Munich, and Vienna.
6 Budapest, Hungary
Budapest’s Christmas markets are a hidden gem in Eastern Europe, offering a more traditional and less crowded experience than some of the larger markets in the region The main market is held in Vörösmarty Square and features Hungarian handicrafts, folk music performances, and delicious local treats like chimney cake and mulled wine Visitors can also take a stroll along the Danube River to see the festive lights and decorations Budapest is well-connected by train to cities like Vienna, Prague, and Bratislava.
7 Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh’s Christmas market is one of the most festive in the UK, with its iconic location in the city’s Princes Street Gardens The market features a mix of traditional wooden chalets selling gifts and crafts, as well as a fairground with rides and attractions for all ages Visitors can also enjoy the Scottish Christmas markets by train, with direct services from cities like London, Manchester, and Glasgow.
In conclusion, visiting Christmas markets by train is a magical way to experience the holiday season in Europe From the charming markets in Vienna and Cologne to the festive lights in Brussels and Zurich, there is something for everyone to enjoy So why not hop on a train and explore these enchanting markets this Christmas?