The holiday season is fast approaching, and that means it’s time to start planning your visits to the enchanting Christmas markets that pop up all over Europe These markets are a festive wonderland of twinkling lights, delicious treats, and unique gifts that are sure to get you into the holiday spirit To make your experience even more magical, consider traveling by train to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe Not only will you avoid the stress of driving and parking, but you’ll also get to enjoy the cozy comfort and scenic views that train travel offers Here are some of the best Christmas markets in Europe that you can visit by train.
1 Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is known as the “Capital of Christmas” and is home to one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe The market’s centerpiece is the magnificent Cathedral of Notre Dame, which provides a stunning backdrop for the rows of festively decorated stalls selling everything from handmade ornaments to traditional Alsatian delicacies To get to Strasbourg, you can take the TGV train from Paris, which will whisk you away to this magical city in just under two hours.
2 Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s Christmas markets are a feast for the senses, with the scent of roasting chestnuts and mulled wine filling the air and the sound of festive music drifting through the streets The markets are spread throughout the city, with the most famous one located in front of the City Hall To reach Vienna, you can take a scenic train ride from cities like Munich or Budapest, passing through picturesque countryside along the way.
3 Cologne, Germany
Cologne is home to several Christmas markets, but the most iconic one is located in front of the stunning Cologne Cathedral Here, you’ll find a sea of twinkling lights, charming wooden stalls, and plenty of delicious holiday treats like gingerbread and mulled wine best christmas markets by train. To reach Cologne, you can take a high-speed ICE train from cities like Frankfurt or Amsterdam, making it an easy and convenient journey.
4 Brussels, Belgium
The Christmas market in Brussels is one of the largest in Europe, with over 200 stalls offering a wide variety of holiday gifts and foods The market is set up in the historic Grand-Place, surrounded by beautiful medieval buildings adorned with festive decorations To reach Brussels, you can take a Eurostar train from London or a Thalys train from Paris, both of which will deliver you right into the heart of the city.
5 Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich’s Christmas market is a winter wonderland come to life, with sparkling lights, ice skating rinks, and a towering Christmas tree in the center of the market The market is located in the heart of the Old Town, making it easy to explore the charming streets and historic buildings while shopping for unique gifts To reach Zurich, you can take a direct train from cities like Munich or Milan, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the snowy Swiss countryside along the way.
6 Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s Christmas market is a cozy affair, with wooden stalls selling handmade crafts, hot beverages, and delicious Danish pastries The market is located in the historic Tivoli Gardens, which are transformed into a magical winter wonderland during the holiday season To reach Copenhagen, you can take a train from cities like Hamburg or Stockholm, passing through scenic landscapes and charming towns before arriving in the Danish capital.
Traveling by train to these enchanting Christmas markets is not only convenient but also allows you to fully immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the holiday season So grab your scarf and mittens, hop on a train, and get ready to embark on a magical journey to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe Merry Christmas and happy travels!