As the holiday season approaches, many people start looking for ways to fully immerse themselves in the festive cheer One popular way to do this is by visiting Christmas markets, where the smell of hot mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the air, and the sound of carolers singing can be heard in the background For those looking to combine their love of Christmas markets with a bit of adventure, traveling by train is an excellent option With comfortable seats, scenic views, and the convenience of city center stops, taking the train to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe can be a magical experience Here are 10 of the best Christmas markets to visit by train.
1 Cologne, Germany
Cologne is renowned for having one of the most enchanting Christmas markets in Europe With the iconic Cologne Cathedral as a backdrop, the market boasts over 150 festively decorated wooden stalls selling everything from handmade gifts to traditional German treats Traveling to Cologne by train is convenient, with the city’s main train station being just a short walk from the market.
2 Vienna, Austria
Vienna is another must-visit destination for Christmas market enthusiasts The city’s main Christmas market is held in front of the stunning Rathaus (City Hall), where visitors can browse through the market stalls, enjoy ice skating, and listen to live music Traveling to Vienna by train allows for a scenic journey through the Austrian countryside before arriving at the city’s central train station.
3 Strasbourg, France
Widely considered to be the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg is home to one of the oldest and most traditional Christmas markets in Europe Set against the backdrop of the city’s picturesque half-timbered buildings, the market features hundreds of stalls selling handmade decorations and Alsatian delicacies Traveling to Strasbourg by train is a convenient option, with the city’s train station located just a short walk from the market.
4 Brussels, Belgium
Brussels comes alive with the spirit of Christmas during the holiday season, with several markets scattered throughout the city The main market is located in the Grand Place, where visitors can sip on Belgian hot chocolate and admire the stunning light displays Traveling to Brussels by train is a convenient option, with the city’s central train station located just a short walk from the market.
5 Budapest, Hungary
Budapest’s Christmas markets are known for their festive atmosphere and stunning backdrop of historic buildings The main market is held in Vörösmarty Square, where visitors can enjoy traditional Hungarian foods and shop for unique gifts best christmas markets by train. Traveling to Budapest by train allows for a scenic journey through Hungary’s countryside before arriving at the city’s central train station.
6 Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg’s Christmas market is one of the most famous in Germany, with its long history dating back to the 16th century The market is held in the city’s Old Town, where visitors can browse through hundreds of stalls selling handmade toys, ornaments, and gingerbread Traveling to Nuremberg by train is easy, with the city’s train station located just a short walk from the market.
7 Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich’s Christmas market is a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights and festive decorations The market is held in the city’s main train station, making it easy to reach by train Visitors can shop for Swiss handicrafts, sample traditional Christmas treats, and even take a ride on the famous Christmas tram.
8 Dresden, Germany
Dresden is home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, dating back to the 15th century The market is held in the city’s historic Altmarkt square, where visitors can explore the stalls selling handmade crafts, traditional toys, and delicious treats Traveling to Dresden by train is a convenient option, with the city’s main train station located just a short walk from the market.
9 Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh’s Christmas market is set against the backdrop of the city’s stunning castle, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors The market features a mix of traditional Scottish crafts, festive foods, and amusement rides Traveling to Edinburgh by train allows for a scenic journey through the Scottish countryside before arriving at the city’s central train station.
10 Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg’s Christmas market is a charming affair held in the city’s historic Old Town The market features artisanal crafts, traditional Austrian foods, and live music performances Traveling to Salzburg by train allows for a scenic journey through the Austrian Alps before arriving at the city’s central train station.
For those looking to experience the magic of Christmas markets in Europe, traveling by train is a convenient and scenic option Whether it’s sipping on mulled wine in Cologne, shopping for handmade crafts in Budapest, or admiring the stunning light displays in Brussels, these 10 Christmas markets are sure to add a touch of festive cheer to any holiday itinerary So why not hop on a train and embark on a magical journey to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe this holiday season?
“Best Christmas Markets by Train”