The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than by visiting a traditional Christmas market These markets are filled with twinkling lights, mouth-watering treats, and unique gifts perfect for your loved ones If you’re looking to experience the magic of Christmas markets this year, why not hop on a train and explore some of the best ones in Europe? Traveling by train not only adds to the adventure but also allows you to sit back and enjoy the scenic winter landscapes along the way Here are some of the best Christmas markets worth visiting by train.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is known for its elegant Christmas markets, filled with beautifully decorated stalls selling handmade crafts, traditional Austrian foods, and warm drinks like Glühwein (mulled wine) The city’s main Christmas market is held in front of the stunning Rathaus (City Hall), where visitors can enjoy ice skating and a giant Christmas tree To get to Vienna, you can take a direct train from major European cities like Budapest, Prague, and Munich.
Strasbourg, France
Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg boasts one of the oldest and most picturesque Christmas markets in Europe The market takes place in the city’s historic center, with hundreds of stalls selling local delicacies like bredele (Alsatian Christmas cookies) and vin chaud (hot spiced wine) To get to Strasbourg, you can take a train from Paris, which takes just under two hours.
Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of the most famous Christmas markets in Germany, dating back to the 16th century The market is located in the city’s Old Town and features traditional wooden stalls selling gingerbread, sausages, and handmade ornaments To reach Nuremberg, you can take a direct train from major German cities like Munich, Frankfurt, and Berlin.
Brussels, Belgium
Brussels’s Winter Wonders market transforms the city’s historic center into a winter wonderland, complete with an ice skating rink, a ferris wheel, and a light show The market offers a mix of traditional Belgian treats like waffles and chocolates, as well as international cuisines To visit Brussels, you can take a train from Paris, London, or Amsterdam, all of which have direct connections to the Belgian capital.
Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck’s Christmas market is set against the backdrop of the snow-covered Alps, creating a truly magical atmosphere best christmas markets by train. The market features over 70 stalls selling handcrafted gifts, Tyrolean specialties, and warm beverages To get to Innsbruck, you can take a train from major Austrian cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen hosts one of the oldest and most charming Christmas markets in Europe The market features hundreds of stalls selling Danish handicrafts, festive treats, and holiday decorations Visitors can also enjoy rides on Tivoli’s vintage carousel and roller coaster To reach Copenhagen, you can take a train from cities like Hamburg, Berlin, and Stockholm.
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is also home to a beautiful Christmas market held in the city’s Old Town The market features traditional Austrian treats like roasted chestnuts, apple strudel, and hot chocolate Visitors can also enjoy festive performances and carol singing To get to Salzburg, you can take a train from major Austrian cities like Vienna, Innsbruck, and Graz.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin’s Christmas markets are some of the largest in Europe, with over 60 markets spread throughout the city From the historic Gendarmenmarkt to the trendy Winter World at Potsdamer Platz, there’s a market for everyone in the German capital To visit Berlin, you can take a train from major German cities like Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg.
Traveling by train to these enchanting Christmas markets is not only convenient but also adds an extra layer of magic to your holiday experience So why not pack your bags, board a train, and immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Europe’s best Christmas markets?