With the holiday season just around the corner, Christmas markets are popping up all over Europe, each offering a unique shopping and dining experience with festive decorations and holiday cheer And what better way to visit these markets than by train? Traveling by train not only allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views, but it also brings you right to the heart of the city where the Christmas market is located Here is a guide to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe that you can visit by train.
1 Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg, often referred to as the capital of Christmas, is home to one of the oldest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe The city’s historic center transforms into a winter wonderland with over 300 stalls selling traditional Alsatian crafts, decorations, and treats Take a train to Strasbourg and wander through the streets lined with twinkling lights and garlands, visit the majestic cathedral, and don’t miss trying the local specialty – bredele, traditional Alsatian Christmas cookies.
2 Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s Christmas markets are known for their elegant decorations, stunning lights, and festive atmosphere The city has several markets scattered throughout its historic center, each offering unique shopping opportunities, delicious food, and mulled wine Take a train to Vienna and stroll through the markets at Rathausplatz, Belvedere Palace, and Schoenbrunn Palace, where you can admire beautiful handcrafted gifts, listen to carolers, and watch the ice skaters twirl on the rink.
3 Cologne, Germany
Cologne’s Christmas markets are some of the most popular in Germany, attracting millions of visitors each year The city’s main market, located in front of the Cologne Cathedral, is a must-visit with its towering Christmas tree, festive music, and delicious traditional treats like stollen and gingerbread Take a train to Cologne and explore the various markets spread out across the city, each offering a unique holiday shopping experience with handmade gifts, ornaments, and decorations.
4 Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is home to one of the most enchanting Christmas markets in Europe, set in the historic Grand Place The square is transformed into a magical winter village with an enormous Christmas tree, a light show, and over 200 chalets selling Belgian delicacies, crafts, and gifts best christmas markets by train. Take a train to Brussels and wander through the market, stopping to warm up with some mulled wine and traditional Belgian waffles.
5 Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich’s Christmas markets are known for their picturesque setting along the shores of Lake Zurich, surrounded by snow-capped mountains The city has several markets to choose from, each offering a unique shopping experience with handmade goods, festive decorations, and delicious Swiss treats Take a train to Zurich and visit the markets at Zurich Hauptbahnhof, Sechseläutenplatz, and Bellevue, where you can shop for gifts, try local specialties like raclette and fondue, and admire the beautiful Christmas lights.
6 Budapest, Hungary
Budapest’s Christmas markets are a hidden gem in Eastern Europe, offering a unique blend of traditional Hungarian crafts and holiday cheer The main market in Vorosmarty Square is a must-visit, with its large Christmas tree, festive music, and delicious traditional foods like chimney cake and mulled wine Take a train to Budapest and explore the market stalls, where you can shop for handcrafted gifts, decorations, and local souvenirs.
7 Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg’s Christmas market, known as the Christkindlesmarkt, is one of the oldest and most famous in Germany, dating back to the 16th century The market is set against the backdrop of the city’s medieval architecture, with over 180 wooden stalls selling traditional toys, ornaments, and gingerbread Take a train to Nuremberg and wander through the market, stopping to watch the Christkind, the traditional gift-bringer, open the market with a ceremonial prologue.
Traveling by train to visit Christmas markets in Europe is not only convenient, but it also adds an extra touch of magic to the holiday season Whether you’re shopping for gifts, trying traditional foods, or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, these markets are sure to put you in the holiday spirit So hop on a train and explore the best Christmas markets by rail this winter.