Christmas in Europe is a season of pure enchantment. Glittering squares, historic old towns draped in twinkling lights, and markets filled with the comforting aromas of mulled wine and winter spices. And there is no finer way to experience it all than by rail. A Christmas markets by rail lets you glide through snow-dusted landscapes and storybook villages before arriving directly in the heart of each festive city.
Instead of airport queues or long, tiring drives, rail travel invites you to slow down, settle into comfort, and watch Europe unfold like a moving postcard. It is the most relaxed and refined way to explore centuries-old traditions, sustainable, seamless, and wonderfully atmospheric. For travellers dreaming of a winter escape that feels both magical and effortless, Christmas market rail tours offer the perfect blend of discovery, charm, and comfort.
5 Must-See Markets and Local Traditions
We could craft a hundred different Christmas market rail tours. Even then, we’ll have only unwrapped a few of Europe’s festive gifts. If you’re planning a tour of Christmas markets by rail, consider the world-class markets that could anchor your vacation.
Here are five European Christmas markets we consider the best:
- Salzburg, Austria – Overlooked by the snow-capped Alps in the background, Salzburg’s Christmas markets are surrounded by baroque architecture. Mozart’s birthplace is never less than fascinating, but truly sparkles during the holiday season.
- Strasbourg, France – The “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg hosts multiple markets across picturesque squares and the Grand Île, an island in the historic center. Blending French and German traditions with spectacular cathedral illuminations, the historic Christkindelsmärik dates back to 1570.
- Brussels, Belgium – The Winter Wonders market transforms the magnificent Grand Place into a colorful pocket of festive chaos. Gorge on Belgian chocolates and waffles, skate the ice rink, and ride the Ferris wheel for once-a-year city views.
- Prague, Czechia – The already magical Old Town Square takes on fairytale vibes at Christmas. Warm up with Czech specialities like trdelník (chimney cakes) and hot mead while drinking in the atmosphere of this architectural jewel. Then head to Wenceslas Square for more of the same.
- Krakow, Poland – Rynek Glówny, Europe’s largest medieval square, hosts a Christmas market of growing fame. Traditional Polish crafts (Bolesławiec pottery is a perennial star) and steaming piles of moreish pierogi, all under the watchful eye of the august St. Mary’s Basilica.
Planning Tips for Visiting Christmas Markets by Rail
While rail travel and European Christmas markets go together like Santa and sleighbells, long-distance planning may seem a little daunting. To get you on the right track, here are a few tips to consider when organizing a tour of Christmas markets by rail in Europe:
- Christmas markets run from late November through December.
- Book your Christmas packages best 3-4 months ahead for better availabilities and to snag those in-demand first-class seats.
- Maximize vacation time by matching your schedule to rail timetables. Fast-direct trains save time and are usually the most comfortable services, but may operate only a handful of daily services. That’s exactly what we at Rail Escape pay attention to.
- Late morning travel is ideal, as you can get time to visit leading attractions during the limited daylight hours. Save visiting the Christmas markets for the evening, when the fun begins.
- Pack layers for moving between chilly markets and heated trains, plus waterproof walking shoes for cobblestones and ice.
- Don’t be put off by international borders. Cross-border trains and convenient border connections make it possible to visit multiple countries on a Christmas markets rail vacation, especially within the Schengen area.
- When you’re in the Schengen passport-free area (29 European countries), you don’t even have to worry about customs or passport checks. But keep your passport handy, spot checks are possible.
Itineraries for a Magical Holiday Journey
The festive excitement begins long before Christmas carolers clear their throats. It begins the moment you start planning your Christmas rail tour. From France to Poland, Scotland to Germany, fans of all things Christmassy are spoiled for choice.
With intercity and intercontinental trains linking together cities big and small, you can weave together a holiday adventure to match your interests.
Here are a few Christmas rail tour itineraries that would make the next holiday season one to remember:
- The Classic German Christmas Market Circuit – Explore Bavaria and beyond with a route connecting Munich, Nuremberg, Augsburg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Cologne.
View the German Christmas Market Tour - A Festive Alpine Adventure – A picturesque journey through Zurich, Innsbruck, Salzburg and neighbouring Alpine regions.
View the European Christmas Market Tour - A Grand European Christmas Markets Tour – An imperial rail circuit linking Vienna, Prague and Dresden’s historic Christmas markets.
Enquire about this multi-country Christmas rail itinerary
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The Classic German Christmas Market Circuit
Where else to begin but Germany, home to Europe’s oldest Christmas markets? Ideal for visitors ready to experience the deepest of Yuletide traditions.
Begin in Munich, where the Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz has been delighting visitors for centuries. Sample authentic Bavarian specialities and unwind in the famous bierkellers before catching a scenic train north to Nuremberg. The famous Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is known for the Christkind angel who appears at the opening ceremony. And for irresistible lebkuchen, that moreish gingerbread Christmas icon that Nuremberg excels at. While in the region, drop into Augsburg or Rothenburg ob der Tauber, destinations steeped in history where Christmas markets retain authentic charm.
If you want to explore beyond Bavaria, head to Cologne, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral that has gazed over glühwein–fueled revelers for centuries. There are no fewer than seven Christmas markets in the Rhineland city.
It’s a similar route to our popular German Christmas Market Tour, which packages together first-class rail and premium hotel reservations, so you only have to worry about filling up on festive cheer.
A Festive Alpine Adventure
Christmas is illuminated by snow and goodwill, and you’ll find plenty in the countries bordering the Alps. Intercontinental trains zip along foothills and around soaring mountains, enriching a scenic itinerary that covers several countries.
Start this tour of Alpine Christmas markets by rail in Zurich, where our classic European Christmas tour begins. The holiday spirit greets you at the central rail station in Switzerland’s largest city, where a glittering Christmas market is hosted. Bundle up to wander the historic old town before warming the soul with melting raclette cheese from wooden chalets that congregate for the holidays.
Next, head through unspoiled Alpine landscapes to Innsbruck, nestled beneath dramatic peaks. There, the Old Town market radiates Tyrolean warmth. Or continue east to Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace. A jewel of baroque architecture, and a stunning backdrop for Christmas markets spread across the historic center. With Hungary and Czechia further East and Bavaria to the west, you could readily extend this epic journey around European Christmas markets by rail. More panoramic views, more cultures to excite your wanderlust.
Start planning your Christmas rail tour and we’ll help make it a reality.
A Grand European Christmas Markets Tour
Heading east from Innsbruck or Salzburg, Vienna is the perfect starting point for a Christmas rail tour infused with imperial splendor. Majestic elegance meets festive charm at markets like the one beneath Schönbrunn Palace. Within easy reach by train is Prague, where the Old Town Square market sits beneath the Gothic spires of Týn Church. It’s a spellbinding setting for the most bohemian of Christmas markets.
If your appetite for Christmas markets and contrasting cultures demands more, head north-west on a short ride to Dresden, in Germany. Christmas markets began in Germany, and this one claims to be the oldest. It’s undoubtedly home to one of the country’s grandest festive celebrations, with around a dozen Christmas markets, including the fabled Dresdner Striezelmarkt.
Why Choose Rail Escape for European Christmas Rail Tours?
Designing a Christmas rail journey through Europe can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Rail Escape brings expertise, tranquillity and precision to every itinerary, weaving together scenic routes, seamless connections and boutique hotels to create a journey that feels effortlessly curated.
Whether you’re drawn to Alpine landscapes, imperial cities or a multi-country festive adventure, we manage every detail—from premium rail tickets to centrally located accommodations—so you’re free to savour the experience rather than organise it.
Ready to experience Europe at its most magical? Plan your bespoke Christmas markets rail tour with Rail Escape and enjoy a festive journey crafted entirely around you.
