The holiday season is upon us, which means it’s time to start planning your visits to the enchanting Christmas markets that pop up all over Europe These festive markets are a common tradition in many European countries, offering visitors a chance to indulge in holiday shopping, delicious food, and charming decorations While many people opt to drive or fly to these markets, there is another, often overlooked, mode of transportation that can add an extra dose of magic to your holiday experience – the train.
Traveling to Christmas markets by train not only allows you to avoid the stress of traffic and parking, but it also gives you the opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy the picturesque winter scenery as you make your way to your destination Whether you’re looking to explore the markets of Germany, Austria, France, or beyond, here are some of the best Christmas markets you can visit by train.
1 **Nuremberg, Germany**
Known as the “Christmas City,” Nuremberg is home to one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Germany The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt dates back to the 16th century and boasts over 180 stalls selling traditional Bavarian crafts, ornaments, and food To get to Nuremberg by train, you can take a direct ICE train from major German cities like Munich or Frankfurt.
2 **Strasbourg, France**
Located in the heart of Alsace, Strasbourg is home to the oldest Christmas market in France The Strasbourg Christkindelsmärik features hundreds of stalls spread out across the city’s charming cobblestone streets, selling everything from handmade toys to Alsatian delicacies To reach Strasbourg by train, you can take a TGV train from Paris or Frankfurt.
3 **Vienna, Austria**
Vienna’s Christmas markets are some of the most elegant and magical in Europe From the iconic Rathausplatz market to the artisanal crafts at the Spittelberg market, there is something for everyone in Austria’s capital city To get to Vienna by train, you can take a direct Railjet train from cities like Munich, Budapest, or Zurich.
4 **Copenhagen, Denmark**
For a Scandinavian twist on the traditional Christmas market, head to Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens best christmas markets by train. This historic amusement park transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, complete with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and plenty of stalls selling Danish treats To reach Copenhagen by train, you can take a direct train from cities like Hamburg or Stockholm.
5 **Brussels, Belgium**
If you’re looking for a Christmas market with a side of Belgian chocolate and beer, Brussels is the place to be The Winter Wonders market in Brussels’ Grand Place is a festive extravaganza featuring an ice rink, light show, and over 200 stalls selling handcrafted gifts and decorations To reach Brussels by train, you can take a Thalys train from Paris or Amsterdam.
6 **Salzburg, Austria**
With its stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains and baroque architecture, Salzburg is a picture-perfect destination for a winter getaway The Salzburg Christmas market, set against the backdrop of the historic Hohensalzburg Fortress, offers a charming mix of traditional Austrian treats, hand-blown glass ornaments, and festive entertainment To reach Salzburg by train, you can take a direct Railjet train from cities like Munich, Vienna, or Zurich.
7 **Colmar, France**
Nestled in the heart of the Alsace wine region, Colmar is a fairy-tale destination for Christmas market enthusiasts The Colmar Christmas market, spread out across the city’s quaint medieval streets, features a mix of traditional Alsatian crafts, mulled wine, and twinkling lights To reach Colmar by train, you can take a direct train from cities like Strasbourg, Basel, or Zurich.
Traveling to Christmas markets by train offers a convenient and stress-free way to explore Europe’s most enchanting holiday destinations So ditch the car keys and boarding passes this holiday season, and hop aboard a train to discover the magic of Christmas markets across the continent Your festive adventure awaits!
So, why not explore the enchanting Christmas markets by train and create unforgettable memories this holiday season!