The holiday season is a magical time of year, filled with festive lights, decorations, and the joy of giving One of the most beloved traditions during this time is visiting Christmas markets These markets, typically held in town squares, are filled with stalls selling handmade gifts, ornaments, food, and drinks There is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by wandering through the stalls, sipping on mulled wine, and listening to carolers sing.
While many Christmas markets are easily accessible by car or public transportation, there is something special about arriving at these markets by train Not only does it add to the overall experience, but it also allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views along the way Here are some of the best Christmas markets in Europe that you can visit by train.
1 Striezelmarkt, Dresden, Germany
Known as Germany’s oldest Christmas market, the Striezelmarkt in Dresden dates back to 1434 Located in the historic Altmarkt square, this market is a feast for the senses, with its stunning decorations, traditional crafts, and delicious treats To get to Dresden, you can take a train from Berlin or Prague, both of which offer direct connections to the city.
2 Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg, Germany
Another iconic Christmas market in Germany is the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg With its famous red and white striped stalls, this market is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the magic of Christmas The best way to get to Nuremberg is by train from Munich, which takes just over an hour.
3 Winter Wonders, Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is home to one of the most impressive Christmas markets in Europe, known as Winter Wonders The market stretches from the Grand Place to Place Sainte-Catherine and features a magical light show, an ice skating rink, and a Ferris wheel To reach Brussels, you can take a high-speed train from Paris, London, or Amsterdam.
4 best christmas markets by train. Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, Salzburg, Austria
Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Salzburg is a picture-perfect destination for a Christmas getaway The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, held in the historic Old Town, is a charming market with traditional gifts, food, and drinks To get to Salzburg, you can take a train from Vienna or Munich, both of which offer scenic routes through the mountains.
5 Düsseldorf Christmas Market, Düsseldorf, Germany
Düsseldorf is known for its luxurious shopping and vibrant nightlife, but during the holiday season, it transforms into a winter wonderland The Düsseldorf Christmas Market, held in several locations throughout the city, features over 200 stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to local delicacies To reach Düsseldorf, you can take a train from Cologne or Amsterdam.
6 Edinburgh’s Christmas, Edinburgh, Scotland
For a unique Christmas market experience, head to Edinburgh’s Christmas in the heart of Scotland’s capital This market offers a mix of traditional and modern attractions, including a Scottish-themed market, an ice rink, and a Christmas tree maze To get to Edinburgh, you can take a train from London or Glasgow, both of which offer direct connections to the city.
7 Cologne Christmas Markets, Cologne, Germany
Cologne is home to not one, but several Christmas markets scattered throughout the city From the historic Old Town market to the picturesque market at the Cologne Cathedral, there is something for everyone to enjoy To reach Cologne, you can take a train from Frankfurt or Brussels, both of which offer direct connections to the city.
Traveling by train to Christmas markets adds an extra layer of magic to the holiday season Whether you’re sipping on mulled wine in Dresden or skating under the lights in Brussels, these markets offer a festive experience that is not to be missed So why not hop on a train and embark on a holiday adventure to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe?