Christmas Markets by Train: The Best European Markets You Can Reach Without Flying

There’s something wonderfully romantic about travelling by train at Christmas. Watching frosted landscapes roll by, sipping a hot chocolate in your seat, and arriving right in the heart of a twinkling city. All of this magic without the airport queues or baggage restrictions.

With Europe’s high-speed rail network better than ever, you can reach some of the continent’s best Christmas markets by train from the UK. It’s a slower, greener, and more scenic way to travel. The train is the perfect alternative for anyone looking to make their festive getaway a little more magical this year.

Here’s our guide to the best Christmas markets in Europe you can visit by train, complete with travel tips, highlights, and inspiration for your winter adventure.

Want to read more? Check out our Top 5 Christmas Markets in Europe post. 

Why Travel by Train This Christmas?

Flying might be faster, but train travel offers a charm that’s hard to beat, especially at this time of year. Here are some reasons why so many travellers are choosing rail for their festive escapes:

• Eco-friendly travel: Trains produce far fewer emissions than planes, making them perfect for conscious travelers.

• No baggage fees: Bring back as many handcrafted gifts and decorations as you like!

• City-centre to city-centre: Step off the train straight into the heart of the Christmas market.

• Relax and unwind: Enjoy the journey, no long airport waits, just scenic views and seasonal spirit.

And with great-value rail passes and connections via Eurostar from London, exploring Europe by train has never been easier.

🇫🇷 Paris, France – A Chic Christmas Escape

London to Paris: Around 2 hours and 20 minutes by Eurostar.

Paris sparkles at Christmas. From the glittering lights along the Champs-Élysées to the festive stalls at La Défense and the Tuileries Garden, the French capital brings its elegant flair to the season.

Don’t miss:

• The ice rink under the Eiffel Tower.
• Sweet treats like vin chaud and crêpes in Montmartre.
• The magical window displays at Galeries Lafayette.

Christmas Markets in Paris:

• Market at Square Viviani (5ᵗʰ arrondissement) opposite Notre‑Dame de Paris.
• Market at St Germain-des-Prés.
• Market in the Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries).
• Market at La Défense (esplanade) with approximately 180 chalets.
  

For travellers who want to keep things simple, Paris makes an ideal first stop, or a weekend break all on its own.

Read More: Paris City Guide: Everything UK Travellers Need to Know

🇧🇪 Brussels, Belgium – Compact, Cosy, and Christmassy

London to Brussels: Just under 2 hours by Eurostar.

Brussels’ Winter Wonders market transforms the city centre into a festive wonderland. Expect twinkling lights, fairground rides, and over 200 chalets selling Belgian waffles, chocolates, and gifts.

Highlights include:

• The huge Ferris wheel at Place Sainte-Catherine.
• Light shows at the Grand-Place.
• Easy onward train connections to Bruges, another storybook destination famous for its canals and Christmas charm.

Christmas Markets in Brussels:

• Market zone: Grand‑Place (main square) – part of the Winter Wonders route.
• Chalets at Place Sainte-Catherine / Vismet.
• Place de la Bourse & Place de Brouckère (ice rink & curling at Brouckère).
• Approximately 200–250 wooden chalet stalls across Grand-Place, Bourse, Sainte-Catherine, and Marché aux Poissons.

🇩🇪 Cologne, Germany – The Classic German Christmas Market

London → Brussels → Cologne: Around 4 hrs 30 mins.

Germany is the birthplace of the Christmas market, and Cologne is home to one of the very best. Set beneath the towering Gothic cathedral, the Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom is pure festive perfection.

Here’s the picture: mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and handcrafted ornaments surrounded by sparkling lights and Christmas cheer.

Don’t miss:

• The smaller Old Town and Harbour markets have fewer crowds.
• Local delicacies like Reibekuchen (crispy potato cakes).
• The Rhine riverside promenade is twinkling with lights.

Christmas Markets in Cologne:

• Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom (Christmas Market at Cologne Cathedral) – hundreds of stalls beneath the cathedral.
• Heinzels Wintermärchen (on Alter Markt & Heumarkt) – ice rink and a bigger fair, with a fun feel.
• Markt der Engel (Neumarkt) – more romantic, white-angel theme.
• Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt (Chocolate Museum / Rhein-harbour area) – maritime twist.

🇫🇷 Strasbourg, France – The Oldest Christmas Market in Europe

London → Paris → Strasbourg: Around 5 hrs 30 mins by high-speed TGV.

Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg has hosted festive markets since 1570. The city’s medieval half-timbered houses, canals, and giant Christmas tree make it one of Europe’s most enchanting destinations.

Top experiences:

• The main market at Place Broglie.
• Sampling Alsatian mulled wine (vin chaud d’Alsace).
• Visiting nearby Colmar for another fairy-tale market.

Christmas Markets in Strasbourg:

• Christkindelsmärik (historical market) at Place Broglie & around the cathedral (Place de la Cathédrale).
• Market of Small Producers of Alsace (Place des Meuniers) – local artisan & food focus.
• “OFF” Christmas Market (Place Grimmeissen) – more alternative fare.
• Market at Place du Temple Neuf, Place Benjamin-Zix, Place Saint-Thomas, Place Klèber, etc.

🇨🇭 Basel, Switzerland – Where Three Countries Meet

London → Paris → Basel: Around 6 hrs 30 mins.

Basel’s Christmas market is a true hidden gem, combining Swiss precision with cosy charm. The city sits at the crossroads of France, Germany, and Switzerland, making it a perfect multi-country base. So if you want to hit all of the Christmas Markets, use Basel as your base!

Highlights include:

• The beautiful Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz markets.
• Hand-carved wooden decorations and Swiss fondue stalls.
• The nearby Rhine riverbanks for scenic winter walks.

Christmas Markets in Basel:

• Barfüsserplatz.
• Münsterplatz.

From Basel, you can easily connect by train to Zurich or Lucerne for more Alpine festivities.

🇩🇪 Munich, Germany – Bavarian Magic on the Rails

London → Brussels → Cologne → Munich: Around 8 hrs total.

Bavaria’s capital comes alive with festive spirit each December. Munich’s Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz is one of Europe’s most traditional Christmas markets, featuring choir performances, twinkling lights, and hearty German food.

Don’t miss:

• The Christmas Village in the Residenz courtyard.
• Nymphenburg Palace offers a royal touch at the market.
• Hot pretzels, sausages, and spiced punch.

Christmas Markets in Munich:

• Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz (city-centre) – the main event with ~100+ stalls. 
• Residenz Christmas Village (Residenz courtyard) – historic palace setting. 
• Medieval Market (~Old Town) – themed around historical crafts. 
• Pink Christmas (Stephansplatz) – niche/jazz-twist market.

Make Munich your final stop or continue south by rail to Salzburg for a two-country Christmas trip.

Multi-Market Itinerary Idea

If you love the idea of a festive rail adventure, combine several destinations into one unforgettable trip:

Example itinerary:

London → Paris (2 nights) → Strasbourg (2 nights) → Basel (2 nights) → Munich (3 nights).

You’ll experience French flair, Swiss charm, and German tradition, all on one scenic journey through Europe.

Travel Insurance for Festive Rail Adventures

Whether you’re planning a single market escape or a multi-country rail adventure, comprehensive travel insurance is essential.

Trains may be less stressful compared to flying, but delays, cancellations, or lost luggage can still occur, especially during busy holiday periods. Go Walkabout offers flexible cover for:

• Multi-destination European trips.

• Cancellations and delays.

• Winter travel and pre-booked excursions.

• Belongings, gadgets, and Christmas shopping.

Before you board, make sure your trip is covered, so the only thing you have to worry about is which market stall to visit first!

All Aboard for a Festive Adventure

Travelling to Europe’s Christmas markets by train isn’t just a journey, it’s part of the experience. From sipping hot chocolate as you cross borders to stepping off the train into a city glowing with lights, it’s an adventure that captures the real spirit of the season.

So, this year, skip the airport crowds and take the scenic route. Explore Europe’s most magical Christmas markets by rail and travel with peace of mind, knowing Go Walkabout has you covered every step of the way!

Contact us if you have any questions about your travel insurance cover.