As the holiday season approaches, many people are starting to plan their trips to visit the famous Christmas markets around Europe With twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the scent of freshly baked goods in the air, there’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by taking a train ride to explore these magical markets In this article, we’ll highlight 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 famous Christmas markets in Europe From late November to late December, the city’s historic center transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with decorated stalls selling traditional crafts, delicious Alsatian treats, and mulled wine To get to Strasbourg by train, you can take the TGV from Paris, which will get you to the city in just over two hours.
2 Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s Christmas markets are a feast for the senses, with glittering lights, festive music, and the scent of roasted chestnuts filling the air The city has several markets to choose from, but the most popular one is the Christkindlmarkt in front of the City Hall To reach Vienna by train, you can take the EuroCity from cities like Munich, Budapest, or Prague, all of which offer direct connections to the Austrian capital.
3 Cologne, Germany
Cologne is home to not one, not two, but seven Christmas markets, each with its own unique charm and character Whether you’re looking for handmade gifts, delicious food, or a ride on a traditional carousel, you’ll find it all in this vibrant city To reach Cologne by train, you can take the Thalys from Brussels or Amsterdam, or the ICE from cities like Frankfurt or Berlin.
4 Brussels, Belgium
Brussels may be known for its delicious chocolates and waffles, but during the holiday season, it also becomes a paradise for Christmas market enthusiasts The city’s main market is held in the Grand-Place, where you can browse through over 200 stalls selling everything from handmade ornaments to spiced gingerbread To get to Brussels by train, you can take the Eurostar from London, which will get you there in just under two hours.
5 Zurich, Switzerland
Switzerland may be famous for its stunning alpine scenery, but during the holiday season, Zurich shines with its magical Christmas markets best christmas markets by train. The city’s main market is held in the Old Town, where you can shop for Swiss handicrafts, indulge in local delicacies, and admire the beautifully decorated Christmas tree To reach Zurich by train, you can take the SBB from cities like Basel, Geneva, or Milan.
6 Budapest, Hungary
Budapest’s Christmas markets may be a bit lesser-known, but they certainly don’t disappoint in terms of festive cheer The main market is held in front of St Stephen’s Basilica, where you can sample traditional Hungarian dishes, shop for unique gifts, and enjoy live music performances To reach Budapest by train, you can take the Railjet from cities like Vienna, Prague, or Bratislava.
7 Prague, Czech Republic
With its stunning architecture, historic charm, and festive atmosphere, Prague is a must-visit destination for Christmas market lovers The city’s main market is held in the Old Town Square, where you can marvel at the giant Christmas tree, sip on hot mulled wine, and pick up some handmade souvenirs To reach Prague by train, you can take the EuroCity from cities like Berlin, Dresden, or Vienna.
8 Helsinki, Finland
For a truly unique Christmas market experience, head to Helsinki, where you can visit the city’s famous market in Senate Square With its cozy wooden stalls, traditional Finnish foods, and reindeer rides, this market is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the magic of the season To reach Helsinki by train, you can take the Allegro from St Petersburg, which will get you there in just over three hours.
Traveling by train to visit these best Christmas markets is not only convenient but also adds to the festive charm of the holiday season So, grab your tickets, hop on board, and get ready to embark on a magical holiday adventure that you won’t soon forget Happy holidays!