The holiday season is near, which means it’s time to start planning your Christmas market visits While many people choose to drive or fly to these festive markets, there’s something truly magical about traveling by train Not only does it add an extra element of excitement to your journey, but it also allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views along the way If you’re looking for a memorable holiday experience, here are some of the best Christmas markets that you can visit by train.
1 Strasbourg, France
Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg is home to one of the oldest and most renowned Christmas markets in Europe The city’s market dates back to 1570 and features over 300 stalls selling everything from traditional ornaments to delicious Alsatian treats To get to Strasbourg by train, you can take the high-speed TGV from Paris, which will whisk you away to this charming city in just under two hours.
2 Vienna, Austria
Vienna is another must-visit destination for Christmas market enthusiasts The city boasts a plethora of markets, each with its own unique theme and offerings From the classic market at Rathausplatz to the artisanal crafts market at Belvedere Palace, there’s something for everyone to enjoy To get to Vienna by train, you can take the EuroCity train from cities like Munich or Budapest, which will transport you to this enchanting city in style.
3 Cologne, Germany
Cologne is home to not one, not two, but seven Christmas markets scattered throughout the city From the historic market at Cologne Cathedral to the medieval market at the Old Market Square, each market offers a different atmosphere and selection of goods To get to Cologne by train, you can take the ICE train from cities like Frankfurt or Dusseldorf, which will have you sipping on mulled wine in no time.
4 Bruges, Belgium
If you’re looking for a picture-perfect Christmas market, look no further than Bruges This charming medieval city transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, with its cobbled streets lined with festive stalls and twinkling lights To get to Bruges by train, you can take the Eurostar from London or the Thalys from Paris, both of which will drop you off in the heart of this magical city.
5 best christmas markets by train. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich is known for its luxurious shopping and stunning scenery, making it the perfect destination for a festive holiday getaway The city’s Christmas market is set against the backdrop of Lake Zurich and the snow-capped Alps, creating a truly picturesque setting To get to Zurich by train, you can take the high-speed TGV from cities like Milan or Munich, which will transport you to this Swiss gem in just a few hours.
6 Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s Christmas markets are some of the most beautiful in Europe, with the main market located in the Old Town Square Here, you’ll find a plethora of stalls selling everything from handcrafted ornaments to hearty Czech cuisine To get to Prague by train, you can take the EuroCity train from cities like Vienna or Berlin, which will have you exploring the cobblestone streets of this historic city in no time.
7 Budapest, Hungary
Budapest’s Christmas markets offer a unique blend of Hungarian traditions and holiday cheer From the market at Vorosmarty Square to the market at St Stephen’s Basilica, there’s plenty to see and do in this vibrant city during the holiday season To get to Budapest by train, you can take the Railjet train from cities like Vienna or Bratislava, which will have you soaking up the festive atmosphere in Hungary’s capital in just a few hours.
Traveling to Christmas markets by train adds an extra layer of excitement to your holiday adventures Not only does it allow you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views along the way, but it also immerses you in the festive spirit of the season Whether you’re sipping mulled wine in Cologne or admiring the twinkling lights in Bruges, visiting these markets by train is sure to create lasting memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.
So why not hop on a train this holiday season and embark on a magical journey to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe Whether you’re a seasoned market-goer or a first-time visitor, traveling by train will make your experience even more unforgettable Get ready to shop, eat, drink, and be merry at these festive markets that are just a train ride away