The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by visiting a traditional Christmas market? With twinkling lights, delicious food, and unique handmade gifts, these markets are a must-visit during the winter months To add an extra touch of magic to your experience, why not travel to these markets by train? Not only is it a convenient and environmentally friendly way to get around, but it also allows you to sit back and enjoy the beautiful winter scenery along the way Here are some of the best Christmas markets to visit by train this holiday season.
1 Cologne, Germany
Cologne is home to one of the most famous Christmas markets in Europe, and getting there by train is a breeze The city’s main train station is just a short walk away from the Cologne Cathedral, where the market takes place Step off your train and into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, traditional wooden huts selling everything from handmade ornaments to mulled wine, and the scent of roasting chestnuts in the air Don’t miss the iconic giant Christmas tree in the center of the market, which is sure to leave you feeling merry and bright.
2 Vienna, Austria
Vienna is known for its elegant architecture, rich history, and stunning Christmas markets The city’s main train station, Wien Hauptbahnhof, is well-connected to the rest of Europe, making it easy to reach by train Once you arrive, take a stroll through the historic streets to reach the Rathausplatz Christmas market, which is set against the backdrop of the stunning Vienna City Hall Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate as you browse the market stalls filled with handmade gifts, traditional Austrian food, and plenty of festive cheer.
3 Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg is often referred to as the “Capital of Christmas,” and it’s easy to see why The city’s Christmas market has been a tradition since 1570, making it one of the oldest in Europe Take a scenic train ride through the French countryside to reach Strasbourg, where you’ll be greeted with the sight of hundreds of wooden chalets decorated with twinkling lights and festive decorations Sample local delicacies like tarte flambée and vin chaud as you wander through the market, taking in the sights and sounds of the holiday season.
4 Stockholm, Sweden
For a truly magical Christmas market experience, hop on a train to Stockholm best christmas markets by train. The city is home to several Christmas markets, with the Old Town market being one of the most popular Located in Stortorget square, this market is filled with traditional Swedish handicrafts, mulled wine, and plenty of festive decorations After exploring the market, take a stroll through the charming streets of Gamla Stan, where you’ll find beautifully preserved medieval buildings and cobblestone streets dressed up in twinkling lights.
5 Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is a city that knows how to celebrate the holiday season in style, and its Christmas markets are not to be missed Take a train to Brussels Midi station, and from there, it’s just a short walk to the city center where the main market takes place Marvel at the Grand Place all decked out in festive decorations, and then head to the Winter Wonders market to sample Belgian treats like waffles, chocolates, and hot chocolate Don’t forget to take a spin on the ice rink or catch a show at the Christmas circus for some added holiday fun.
6 Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a city that comes alive during the holiday season, with several Christmas markets scattered throughout the city Take a train to Budapest Keleti station, and from there, it’s easy to reach the main market in Vorosmarty Square Browse the stalls selling handmade crafts, artisanal foods, and traditional Hungarian treats like chimney cake and mulled wine Be sure to also visit the market at St Stephen’s Basilica, where you can admire the stunning light displays and towering Christmas tree.
Traveling to Christmas markets by train adds an extra element of magic to the holiday season Whether you’re browsing handmade gifts in Cologne, sampling traditional foods in Vienna, or exploring medieval streets in Stockholm, these markets are sure to leave you feeling merry and bright So this holiday season, why not hop on a train and experience the festive cheer of Europe’s best Christmas markets?