The holiday season is upon us, and one of the best ways to get into the festive spirit is by visiting a Christmas market The twinkling lights, the smell of mulled wine, and the sound of Christmas carols all come together to create a magical atmosphere that is sure to get you in the holiday mood And what better way to experience these enchanting markets than by taking a train journey to one of Europe’s best Christmas destinations? Here are some of the best Christmas markets you can visit by train.
1 **Strasbourg, France**
Strasbourg, located in the Alsace region of France, is known as the “Capital of Christmas” and for good reason The city’s Christmas market dates back to 1570, making it one of the oldest in Europe The market is spread out across the city center, with its centerpiece being the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral The train station is conveniently located within walking distance of the market, making it easy to hop off the train and start exploring the festive stalls selling everything from handcrafted ornaments to delicious Alsatian treats.
2 **Cologne, Germany**
Cologne is home to not one, but several Christmas markets, each offering its own unique charm The most famous of these is the market located in front of the city’s iconic cathedral The train station is just a short walk away, allowing you to easily access the market and take in the breathtaking views of the cathedral towering above the stalls Don’t miss the chance to sample some traditional German Christmas treats like glühwein (mulled wine) and lebkuchen (gingerbread).
3 **Vienna, Austria**
Vienna is a city that knows how to do Christmas right The Austrian capital is home to several stunning Christmas markets, with the most popular being the market in front of the City Hall Take a train to Vienna and immerse yourself in the festive spirit as you wander through the market, admiring the dazzling light displays and enjoying a cup of hot chocolate Be sure to check out the ice skating rink set up in front of the City Hall for a truly magical experience.
4 **Brussels, Belgium**
Brussels is another great destination for Christmas market enthusiasts The city’s main market is located in the Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture best christmas markets by train. After arriving at the train station, take a leisurely stroll to the market and marvel at the sparkling Christmas lights and decorations Make sure to try some Belgian waffles or sample the local specialty, moules-frites (mussels and fries), while browsing the stalls for unique gifts.
5 **Munich, Germany**
Munich is famous for its Oktoberfest celebrations, but the city also knows how to put on a great Christmas market The Marienplatz market is one of the oldest in the city and features a towering Christmas tree surrounded by festive stalls selling traditional Bavarian crafts and treats Take a train to Munich and soak up the holiday atmosphere as you explore the market and enjoy a bratwurst washed down with a stein of beer.
6 **Zurich, Switzerland**
Zurich may be known for its luxury shopping and financial district, but during the Christmas season, the city transforms into a winter wonderland The Christmas market in Zurich is located in the picturesque Old Town, with stalls selling everything from handmade ornaments to Swiss chocolates Arriving by train allows you to easily access the market and take in the stunning views of Lake Zurich and the snow-capped Alps in the distance.
7 **Budapest, Hungary**
Budapest’s Christmas market is not to be missed, with the main market located in Vorosmarty Square in the heart of the city Take a train to Budapest and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere as you wander through the market, sipping on mulled wine and sampling traditional Hungarian dishes like goulash and chimney cake Don’t forget to stop by the nearby St Stephen’s Basilica to enjoy the dazzling light display projected onto the facade.
In conclusion, taking a train to visit Europe’s best Christmas markets is a fantastic way to experience the magic of the holiday season Whether you choose to visit the historic markets of Strasbourg and Cologne or explore the picturesque markets of Vienna and Zurich, traveling by train allows you to relax and enjoy the journey while taking in the sights and sounds of the festive season So pack your bags, hop on a train, and get ready to make unforgettable memories at some of the best Christmas markets in Europe