As the festive countdown begins in December, Christmas markets bring a touch of sparkle to Europe. Across the continent, visitors embark on grand European Christmas market tours and locals head out to enjoy one of the highlights of the cultural calendar.
It is a golden time to explore the continent as centuries-old traditions light up cities and towns steeped in history and culture. Lured by the aroma of mulled wine and the melodies of carolers, it’s a time to embrace the winter chill and celebrate the season of goodwill.
For visitors who want to savor these moments, the comfort and convenience of the continent’s expansive rail system is the key to European Christmas market tours you won’t forget.
Why Explore Europe by Train
Rail travel during the festive season offers something flights can’t match: a journey that becomes part of your adventure. Reclining in warmth as your train glides through villages and frost-covered forests adds an extra layer of coziness to the vacation.
A European Christmas tour by train has a few more aces up its sleeve. It is an efficient, uncomplicated way to see more of Europe in one vacation. No airport security lines, space to stretch legs, and the sense you’re seeing Europe as the locals do.
Rail travel also connects you to Europe’s authentic character. You can cross borders and thread together some of Europe’s most exciting destinations, seeing the landscape between cities before arriving in the beating heart of the city.
It’s an intimate, enriching way to travel that transforms your European Christmas market tours into something more meaningful than just ticking off destinations.
If you have a travel itinerary in mind but are unsure what is possible, our expert travel specialists is ready to help you personalize your dream European Christmas market tours. We marry your perfect vacation with the right trains and hotels so you can switch your focus to planning the fun stuff.
Top European Xmas Tours
With Christmas markets popping up in cities and towns across Europe and intercity trains crisscrossing the continent, rail travel is the key to unlocking your dream European Christmas markets tour. This is why so many travelers choose curated xmas market tours to navigate the season with ease.
Whether you want to sip steaming mulled wine in the shadow of medieval town halls, hear joyous choirs in Gothic churches, or sample piping hot regional specialties on cobblestone squares, there is a European Christmas markets tour for you.
Some of the best European Christmas markets are far from airports, but there’s always a train station nearby. It’s key to our popular Christmas market tours of Europe that showcase the best of the season.
- Discover the Guided German Christmas Markets Tour Group – A structured yet flexible journey through Germany’s most beloved festive destinations.
- Explore the European Christmas Market Tour – A multi-country festive adventure from Switzerland to Austria via Bavaria.
- See the Full German Christmas Market Tour Itinerary – A deep dive into authentic holiday traditions where it all began.
Guided German Christmas Markets Tour Group
Made for those who want a touch of structure with their independence, this guided journey takes you through some of Germany’s most beloved Christmas markets.
It’s a journey from the Bavarian charms of Munich’s Christkindlesmarkt to sipping warming glühwein in one of Germany’s oldest cities, Augsburg. There’s a stop to savor the famous local gingerbread, Nuremberg Lebkuchen, in Nuremberg. Along the way, there’s time for detours to UNESCO World Heritage gems such as the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle and medieval Regensburg. Maximizing this Christmas market tour by rail, there’s a final stop at Cologne on the Rhine, where seven Christmas markets unfold under the gaze of the imposing Gothic Cathedral.
With expert guidance and carefully selected rail routes, you can see more and discover why German Christmas markets set the gold standard for festive cheer.
Book the Guided German Christmas Markets Tour
European Christmas Market Tour
This comprehensive Xmas market tour sweeps through three countries infused with Christmas traditions.
It’s a relaxed voyage that begins amid the elegant charm of Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, and ends with the celebrated Viennese markets in the Austrian capital, stopping along the way in vibrant Munich. This immersive seven-night adventure is a showcase for Europe Christmas tours, revealing diverse yuletide traditions in contrasting cities. Made possible by rail routes through some of Europe’s most picturesque scenery.
View the European Christmas Market Tour details
German Christmas Market Tour
This focused Christmas markets tour is a chance to dive deep into holiday traditions in the country where it all began.
This self-guided package starts at the fabled market on Munich’s medieval square, Marienplatz. An immersion in Bavarian traditions continues in Augsburg, home to one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets. Then it’s onto another celebrated christkindlmarkt in Nuremberg for more gemütlichkeit. Then wrap up the trip with a voyage to the festive vibes in Cologne, where seven markets offer a final burst of holiday magic.
With first-class train tickets and premium hotels all sorted, you have the freedom to savor some of Europe’s leading Christmas markets at your own pace. Explore the German Christmas Market Tour
What Makes Rail Travel Ideal for the Festive Season
Snug in your heated carriage, watching landscapes merge from city to countryside, is inherently comforting in winter.
Like mobile winter lounges, you glide from effervescent festive markets through unfolding Christmas card scenes, as church spires rise above morning mist and frozen lakes glint in the afternoon sun. Compare that to the drab uniformity of airport lounges…
The Practical Benefits of Rail Travel for European Christmas Market Tours
Christmas Europe tours by rail come with notable practical advantages during the busy holiday season. These routes also create some of the most seamless christmas tours in europe, connecting festive capitals without the stress of airports.
Train stations are centrally located; you arrive near your pre-booked hotel, an invigorating stroll away from Christmas markets. No lengthy transfers, and you can arrive moments before departure, giving you more time to soak up the holiday atmosphere.
You’ll find generous luggage space for all those irresistible gifts picked up along the way. With comfortable seating and onboard amenities, the journey is a chance to unwind and plan your escapades at the next stop.
The environmental benefits add another dimension to a European Christmas market tour. By choosing rail over flying, you’re reducing your carbon footprint while experiencing Europe’s winter like a local. It’s feel-good travel, comfortable and efficient with a smaller footprint.
Best Time to Book European Rail Travel for Christmas
European Christmas markets are in full swing when Advent calendars are being emptied of chocolates and glittering stores fill with gift shoppers; most open in late November and run through December, with some extending into early January.
Early booking can smooth out the wrinkles, letting you secure better availabilities, first-class seats on popular routes, and the most desirable hotels in central locations.
You can plan Christmas market tours with Rail Escape at any time. We know the schedules inside out and will get the best seats before they’re gone. We pair that with premium hotels conveniently located, allowing you to ditch the luggage and embrace the moment without rushing. If you have an idea where you want to spend Christmas in Europe, start planning your Christmas rail itinerary.
Tips for Booking Festive Rail Travel in Europe
Timing booking your Xmas market tour in Europe is just one piece of the puzzle. A little insider knowledge can smooth any remaining wrinkles.
- Map your route and consider travel times between cities. Short winter days reward morning travel, allowing daylight exploration before the Christmas market revelry is in full swing.
- Adapt to the rail schedules. High-speed trains link many cities, and minimizing connections can smooth your journey from one destination to another. A little flexibility might be essential to catch fast, direct trains or take advantage of well-timed connections.
- Find a pace that works for you. While it’s tempting to squeeze in grand sights and famous markets, a more relaxed itinerary lets you savor the moments and settle into the local rhythm. In big cities like Cologne or Strasbourg, there are several Christmas markets. Be prepared to eat and drink like a wise king!
- Pack sensibly. It might not need saying, but it will be cold. Layers are essential, as you’ll move between chilly outdoor markets and warm train carriages. Comfortable walking shoes make following your nose and appetite over icy cobblestones easier.
- Think about luggage. One advantage of European Xmas market tours by train is ample luggage space. But the flight home will be a different story. Think about all the gastronomic goodies and handcrafted gifts you’ll find hard to resist.
Why Choose Rail Escape for Your European Christmas Markets Tour
As specialists in luxury European train travel, Rail Escape crafts bespoke Xmas market tours that blend scenic rail journeys with handpicked boutique hotels—creating a seamless, unhurried way to experience Europe at its most magical.
We take care of every detail: premium rail tickets, centrally located accommodations near the continent’s most enchanting Christmas markets, smooth airport transfers, and attentive support throughout your trip. Your only task is to relax into the rhythm of the rails and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Our curated itineraries cater to all ages and travel styles, from stress-free travel for seniors seeking comfort and accessibility, to families creating meaningful holiday memories without the rush of traditional Christmas travel.
When you’re ready to embrace a more elegant way to discover Europe this winter, we’re here to design a Christmas market tour tailored entirely to you.
Start planning your festive rail escape.
