The holiday season is a magical time of year when cities all around the world come alive with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the joy of the season One of the best ways to experience the magic of Christmas markets is by taking a train journey through Europe With the convenience of train travel, you can easily hop from one enchanting market to the next, all while enjoying the scenic views along the way Here are some of the best Christmas markets you can 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 over 300 stalls selling everything from traditional Alsatian crafts to festive treats like mulled wine and gingerbread To reach Strasbourg by train, you can take the high-speed TGV from Paris, which will have you there in just two and a half hours.
2 Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a city that exudes elegance and charm, and during the holiday season, it transforms into a winter wonderland The city’s Christmas markets are known for their beautifully decorated wooden stalls, twinkling lights, and festive atmosphere The Vienna Christmas market at Rathausplatz is one of the most popular in the city and can be easily reached by train from major European cities like Berlin, Prague, and Budapest.
3 Cologne, Germany
Cologne is home to several Christmas markets, but the one at the Cologne Cathedral is arguably the most impressive With the stunning backdrop of the cathedral, this market features over 160 wooden stalls selling handicrafts, decorations, and traditional German treats To get to Cologne by train, you can take a high-speed ICE train from cities like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Brussels.
4 Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich is a picturesque city at any time of year, but during the holiday season, it takes on an extra layer of charm with its Christmas markets The main market is located in the heart of the city at Zurich’s Hauptbahnhof train station, making it easily accessible by train from cities like Basel, Lucerne, and Geneva The market features over 100 chalet-style stalls selling everything from handmade ornaments to Swiss chocolates.
5 best christmas markets by train. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a city straight out of a fairytale, and its Christmas markets only add to its charm The main market in the Old Town Square is a bustling hub of activity with stalls selling traditional Czech handicrafts, hot wine, and roasted chestnuts To reach Prague by train, you can take a direct EuroCity train from cities like Vienna, Berlin, and Budapest.
6 Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is a city that knows how to celebrate the holiday season in style The Winter Wonders festival takes over the city center with a Christmas market, ice skating rink, light displays, and a giant Christmas tree The market features over 200 stalls selling gifts, decorations, and Belgian treats like waffles and chocolate Brussels is well connected by train, with direct services from cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and London.
7 Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a city of contrasts, with its historic architecture and modern flair, and its Christmas markets are no exception The main market at Vorosmarty Square is a feast for the senses with its festive decorations, live music, and delicious food and drink Budapest is easily accessible by train from cities like Vienna, Bratislava, and Prague.
8 Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg is home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, dating back to the 16th century The market is famous for its gingerbread, mulled wine, and handmade decorations To reach Nuremberg by train, you can take a regional train from Munich, Frankfurt, or Berlin.
Traveling by train to these enchanting Christmas markets is not only convenient but also adds to the magic of the holiday season So pack your bags, hop on a train, and experience the festive spirit of Europe’s best Christmas markets this winter