The holiday season is fast approaching, and one of the best ways to get into the festive spirit is by visiting a traditional Christmas market These markets, filled with twinkling lights, delicious food and handcrafted gifts, are a beloved tradition in many European countries And what better way to experience the magic of Christmas than by traveling to these markets by train? Here are some of the best Christmas markets that you can visit by train this holiday season.
1 Strasbourg, France
Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season The city’s Christmas market dates back to 1570, making it one of the oldest in Europe Visitors can explore the market’s 300 stalls selling everything from ornaments to mulled wine To get to Strasbourg, simply hop on a train from Paris and enjoy a scenic journey through the French countryside.
2 Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s Christmas markets are famous for their stunning architecture and festive atmosphere The city hosts over 20 different markets, each with its own unique charm From the traditional market at the Rathaus to the hipster-friendly market at Spittelberg, there is something for everyone in Vienna Traveling to Vienna by train allows you to soak in the beauty of the Austrian countryside and arrive in the heart of the city ready to shop and explore.
3 Cologne, Germany
Cologne is home to not one, but seven different Christmas markets, each with its own theme and attractions From the historic market at the Cologne Cathedral to the quirky Christmas Avenue, there is plenty to see and do in this vibrant city Taking a train to Cologne allows you to easily hop between markets and experience the festive spirit of the city.
4 Brussels, Belgium
Brussels’ Christmas market is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in delicious food and drinks From Belgian waffles to hot chocolate, the market offers a wide range of tasty treats to enjoy Visitors can also browse the market’s stalls for unique gifts and decorations best christmas markets by train. Traveling to Brussels by train is a convenient and environmentally friendly option, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey without the stress of traffic and parking.
5 Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s Christmas markets are known for their old-world charm and picturesque setting The markets take place in the city’s historic squares, surrounded by stunning architecture and twinkling lights Visitors can shop for traditional Czech crafts, enjoy a cup of hot wine, and take in the beauty of the city during the holiday season Arriving in Prague by train allows you to admire the scenic landscapes of the Czech Republic before immersing yourself in the magic of the Christmas markets.
6 Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich’s Christmas market is a treat for the senses, with the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine filling the air The market is located in the city’s picturesque Old Town, surrounded by historic buildings and charming streets Visitors can shop for handmade gifts and decorations, sample Swiss delicacies, and even skate on the city’s largest outdoor ice rink Taking a train to Zurich allows you to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Switzerland before discovering the festive delights of the Christmas market.
7 Budapest, Hungary
Budapest’s Christmas markets are known for their cozy atmosphere and unique gifts The city hosts several markets, each offering a different experience From the traditional market at Vorosmarty Square to the trendy Design Terminal market, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Budapest Traveling to Budapest by train is a convenient option, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey while taking in the scenic views of Hungary’s countryside.
In conclusion, visiting Christmas markets by train is a magical experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the festive spirit of the holiday season From the charming markets of France and Austria to the cozy markets of Switzerland and Hungary, there are plenty of options to choose from So why not hop on a train this holiday season and discover the beauty and charm of Europe’s best Christmas markets?