As the holiday season approaches, many people are looking for the best way to fully immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit One popular way to do this is by visiting Christmas markets These markets are filled with festive decorations, delicious food, and unique gifts that are sure to get you in the holiday mood While there are many ways to get to these markets, traveling by train is a great option for those looking to avoid the stress of driving and parking in crowded areas Here are some of the best Christmas markets to visit by train.
1 Vienna, Austria
Vienna is known for its stunning architecture and rich cultural history, making it the perfect destination for a Christmas market visit The Vienna Christmas market is held in front of the beautiful Town Hall, where visitors can browse through rows of wooden stalls selling everything from handcrafted ornaments to traditional Austrian foods To get to Vienna by train, you can take the EuroCity train from cities like Munich, Budapest, or Prague The train journey offers scenic views of the Austrian countryside, making it a magical way to start your Christmas market adventure.
2 Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is often referred to as the “Capital of Christmas” due to its long-standing tradition of hosting one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe The market takes place in the city’s historic center, where visitors can marvel at the stunning Christmas decorations adorning the buildings and streets To reach Strasbourg by train, you can take the TGV from major French cities like Paris or Lyon The train ride takes just a few hours, giving you plenty of time to explore the market and enjoy a cup of vin chaud (mulled wine) as you wander through the stalls.
3 Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is home to a magical Christmas market that takes over the city’s Grand Place square every year best christmas markets by train. The market features a huge Christmas tree, an ice-skating rink, and a ferris wheel, making it a must-visit for families and couples alike To travel to Brussels by train, you can take the Thalys from cities like Amsterdam, Paris, or Cologne The Thalys offers comfortable and convenient service, allowing you to sit back and relax as you make your way to the festive market.
4 Cologne, Germany
Cologne boasts not one, but seven different Christmas markets that are spread throughout the city during the holiday season From the traditional market at the Cathedral to the fairytale-like market at the Old Town, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Cologne To get to Cologne by train, you can take the ICE from cities like Frankfurt, Berlin, or Dusseldorf The ICE trains are known for their speed and comfort, making them the perfect mode of transportation for a quick weekend getaway to experience the Christmas magic in Cologne.
5 Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich’s Christmas market is held in the picturesque Old Town, where visitors can wander through the charming streets and squares filled with festive decorations and twinkling lights The market features a wide variety of stalls selling Swiss crafts, delicious food, and warm drinks to keep you cozy in the winter weather To travel to Zurich by train, you can take the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) from major Swiss cities like Geneva, Bern, or Lucerne The SBB offers punctual and reliable service, ensuring that you arrive in Zurich just in time to experience the magic of the Christmas market.
Traveling by train to Christmas markets not only adds to the festive experience, but it also allows you to relax and enjoy the journey without the stress of traffic and parking With convenient train routes connecting major cities to these popular Christmas markets, it’s easier than ever to embark on a magical holiday adventure So grab your winter coat, hop on a train, and get ready to explore some of the best Christmas markets in Europe.