The holiday season is a time of joy and celebrations, with Christmas markets being one of the most cherished traditions across Europe These markets offer a festive atmosphere with twinkling lights, fragrant mulled wine, and handmade crafts, making them the perfect place to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit And what better way to experience these magical markets than by train? Traveling by train allows you to enjoy the scenery, avoid the stress of driving, and arrive in the heart of these enchanting markets Here are some of the best Christmas markets in Europe that you can visit by train.
1 Vienna, Austria
Vienna is known for its elegant Christmas markets that are set against the backdrop of stunning architecture and historical landmarks The Vienna Christmas Market at Rathausplatz is one of the most popular in the city, offering a magical atmosphere with over 150 stalls selling traditional crafts, gifts, and delicious treats Take a train to Vienna and immerse yourself in the festive cheer while sipping on Glühwein and enjoying the local cuisine.
2 Cologne, Germany
Cologne is home to several Christmas markets, with the Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market being the most iconic This market is located in the shadow of the magnificent Cologne Cathedral and features over 160 wooden pavilions selling handcrafted gifts and decorations Traveling by train to Cologne allows you to soak in the beautiful scenery of the Rhine River and arrive in the heart of the city to experience the festive atmosphere.
3 Strasbourg, France
Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg boasts the oldest Christmas market in France, dating back to 1570 The Strasbourg Christmas Market takes place in several locations throughout the city, with the main market at Place Kléber Traveling by train to Strasbourg allows you to admire the picturesque Alsatian countryside and explore the charming streets of the city while browsing through the stalls filled with unique gifts and festive decorations.
4 best christmas markets by train. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a hidden gem when it comes to Christmas markets, with the Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival being one of the most enchanting in Europe Located in Vorosmarty Square, this market features over 100 stalls selling traditional Hungarian crafts, food, and drinks Take a scenic train ride to Budapest and witness the beauty of the Hungarian countryside before immersing yourself in the festive atmosphere of the market.
5 Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is home to several Christmas markets, with the Winter Wonders Market being the largest and most spectacular This market takes place in the Grand Place and features over 200 chalets selling everything from handmade gifts to delicious Belgian chocolates Traveling by train to Brussels allows you to explore the charming streets of the city and indulge in the festive spirit while savoring a warm waffle or a cup of hot chocolate.
6 Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich is a magical destination during the holiday season, with the Zurich Christmas Market at the Hauptbahnhof being one of the most popular in the city This market is located right outside the main train station and offers a festive atmosphere with twinkling lights, a giant Christmas tree, and over 150 stalls selling traditional Swiss gifts and treats Take a scenic train ride to Zurich and experience the magic of the holiday season while exploring the charming streets of the city.
Traveling to Christmas markets by train not only enhances the festive experience but also allows you to relax and enjoy the journey to these enchanting destinations Whether you’re exploring historic markets in Vienna, sipping mulled wine in Cologne, or browsing through traditional crafts in Budapest, traveling by train offers a convenient and stress-free way to immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas So why not hop on a train and embark on a festive adventure to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe this holiday season?