The holiday season is the most magical time of the year, and what better way to experience the festive spirit than by visiting some of Europe’s best Christmas markets? While many travelers opt to fly to their destinations, taking the train offers a more scenic and relaxing way to travel between cities and towns From the twinkling lights of Strasbourg to the charming markets of Vienna, here are some of the best Christmas markets to visit by train.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is known as the Capital of Christmas, and for good reason The city’s Christmas market dates back to 1570, making it one of the oldest in Europe The market is spread out over several locations, including the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral and the picturesque Place Kléber Visitors can stroll through the charming streets lined with wooden chalets selling handmade gifts, ornaments, and local delicacies The highlight of the market is the Great Christmas Tree, which stands tall in the center of Place Kléber, adorned with thousands of twinkling lights.
To reach Strasbourg by train, travelers can take the TGV from Paris, which takes just under two hours The train ride offers stunning views of the French countryside, making it a scenic journey to kick off the holiday season.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is another must-visit destination during the holiday season, thanks to its many enchanting Christmas markets The city is home to over 20 markets, each offering their own unique charm and atmosphere One of the most popular markets is the Christkindlmarkt in front of the City Hall, where visitors can browse handmade crafts, enjoy traditional Austrian treats, and admire the dazzling light displays.
Travelers can easily reach Vienna by train from cities like Munich, Budapest, and Prague The train journey through the Austrian Alps is nothing short of magical, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and picturesque villages along the way.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens is transformed into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, making it one of the most enchanting Christmas markets in Scandinavia The market features over 60 stalls selling everything from Danish handicrafts to festive treats like Æbleskiver (round pancakes) and Gløgg (mulled wine) best christmas markets by train. Visitors can also enjoy ice skating on the Tivoli Lake, ride the vintage carousel, and marvel at the dazzling light displays throughout the gardens.
Travelers can easily reach Copenhagen by train from cities like Hamburg, Berlin, and Stockholm The train ride offers a scenic journey through the Danish countryside, with picturesque views of rolling hills and quaint villages along the way.
Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of Germany’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets, dating back to the 16th century The market is held in the city’s historic Old Town, where visitors can wander through the cobblestone streets lined with colorful stalls selling traditional wooden toys, ornaments, and gingerbread treats The highlight of the market is the Christkind, a young woman dressed in a golden robe who opens the festivities with a solemn prologue.
Travelers can easily reach Nuremberg by train from cities like Munich, Frankfurt, and Prague The train journey offers scenic views of the Bavarian countryside, with rolling hills, picturesque villages, and medieval castles along the way.
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a picture-perfect destination year-round, but it’s especially enchanting during the holiday season The city’s Christmas market takes place in the Grote Markt, where visitors can browse through stalls selling handmade gifts, sip on Belgian hot chocolate, and admire the festive decorations throughout the city Visitors can also take a romantic boat ride along the city’s picturesque canals, which are illuminated with twinkling lights during the holiday season.
Travelers can easily reach Bruges by train from cities like Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp The train journey offers scenic views of the Belgian countryside, with rolling farmland, charming villages, and historic windmills along the way.
Taking the train to Europe’s best Christmas markets is not only a convenient and eco-friendly way to travel, but it also adds to the overall festive experience Whether you’re browsing through wooden chalets in Strasbourg, sipping mulled wine in Vienna, or ice skating in Copenhagen, exploring Europe’s Christmas markets by train is sure to create unforgettable holiday memories.