As the holiday season approaches, there is no better way to get into the festive spirit than by visiting some of the best Christmas markets in Europe And what better way to travel than by train, taking in the picturesque winter landscapes and avoiding the stress of holiday traffic From traditional wooden stalls selling handmade gifts to delicious festive treats, these markets offer a truly magical experience that is not to be missed Here are some of the best Christmas markets to visit by train.
1 Strasbourg, France
Known as the “Capitale de Noël” (Capital of Christmas), Strasbourg boasts one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe Located just a short train ride from Paris, the market in Strasbourg dates back to 1570 and features over 300 stalls spread across the city center Visitors can stroll through the medieval streets adorned with twinkling lights, sample traditional Alsatian treats like mulled wine and gingerbread, and shop for unique gifts like hand-crafted ornaments and local crafts.
2 Vienna, Austria
Vienna is home to not one, but several Christmas markets, each with its own unique charm The largest and most popular market is the Christkindlmarkt held in front of the Rathaus (City Hall), where visitors can browse through over 150 stalls selling everything from handmade decorations to seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts and glühwein (mulled wine) Vienna is easily accessible by train from other major European cities, making it a perfect destination for a weekend getaway during the holiday season.
3 Cologne, Germany
Cologne is a city that truly embraces the Christmas spirit, with seven different markets scattered throughout the city The most iconic market is the one located outside the Cologne Cathedral, where visitors can admire the stunning backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage site while shopping for traditional German Christmas decorations and enjoying live music performances With its central location in Western Germany, Cologne is easily reachable by train from cities like Amsterdam, Brussels, and Frankfurt.
4 best christmas markets by train. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich’s Christmas market, known as the “Wienachtsdorf” (Christmas village), is a cozy and festive affair set up in the heart of the city Visitors can wander through the wooden chalets selling everything from handmade jewelry to Swiss chocolates, and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine The market is conveniently located near Zurich’s main train station, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring Switzerland by rail.
5 Budapest, Hungary
Located along the banks of the Danube River, Budapest’s Christmas markets offer a unique mix of Hungarian and European holiday traditions The main market is held in Vörösmarty Square, where visitors can browse through stalls selling traditional handicrafts, sample Hungarian delicacies like chimney cake and spicy sausages, and enjoy performances by local folk dancers Budapest is well-connected by train to major European cities like Vienna, Bratislava, and Prague, making it an ideal stop for a Christmas market-hopping adventure.
6 Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s Christmas markets are famous for their Old World charm and fairy-tale setting in the city’s historic squares The main market in Old Town Square features a towering Christmas tree, a nativity scene, and over 70 stalls selling handmade ornaments, wooden toys, and Czech delicacies like trdelník (a sweet pastry) Prague is easily accessible by train from cities like Vienna, Munich, and Berlin, making it a popular destination for travelers looking to experience the magic of a European Christmas market.
Traveling by train to visit these enchanting Christmas markets not only adds to the festive experience but also helps reduce your carbon footprint during the holiday season So why not hop on board and embark on a magical journey to some of the best Christmas markets Europe has to offer? Whether you’re shopping for unique gifts, indulging in seasonal treats, or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, these markets are sure to fill you with holiday cheer and unforgettable memories