Trains Are The Easiest Way To Roam Around Best Christmas Markets in Europe.
Europe turns on the yuletide sparkle during the season of goodwill. Christmas trees go up, decorative lights twinkle into life, window displays get creative, and the advancing winter is forgotten for a few weeks of seasonal merriment. It’s also time for the best Christmas markets in Europe to burst into life, adding an enchanting dimension to continental travels during the holiday season.
Travelers hungry to experience a European festive cheer might wonder where to begin with so many contenders for the best Christmas cities in Europe. That’s where the continents’ extensive and interconnected rail network offers tantalizing possibilities, making possible a multi-city yuletide adventure that visits some of Europe’s grandest cities and prettiest.
The Comfort and Convenience of European Rail Travel During Christmas Holiday Season
If you want to see the Champs Elysse dressed for Christmas, experience an authentic German Christkindlmarkt, or take a seasonal waltz through imperial cities along the Danube, Europe’s interconnected rail network can open the door to a voyage that crosses borders and links cities a cultural world apart.
Modern high-speed trains zip between cities across the continent, sometimes on direct services or with connections to regional services that make the European map seem smaller.
Make The Most Of Europe’s Trains At Christmas
With train seats reserved and premium hotels booked near stations, like all our hotel and rail packages, you can sail between cities in hours. No driving around in circles in a rental car. And no time lost in crowded airports. Easier on the environment and your stress levels.
With your luggage safely stowed nearby, you can lean back in your seat and lean into the festive spirit. With a carefully designed rail and hotel package, you’ll find time to savor the colors and flavors of the best Christmas markets in Europe; with ample opportunity to explore the city beyond.
With passports rarely shown in the Schengen Area (29 European nations) and the Euro currency in 20 countries, there’s even less to worry about when traveling between the best cities in Europe for Christmas. You can join the local flow, drink in wintry views between stations, and enjoy a vacation that is both sedate and brimming with cultural escapades.
When To Visit Europe’s Best Christmas Markets
Christmas markets in Europe typically open from mid to late November and close on December 23-24.
Europe’s Christmas markets follow a pattern tied to the Advent season, the four-week period that marks the birth of Jesus. However, some of the top-rated Christmas markets in Europe stay open until New Year’s Eve.
Many of Europe’s best Christmas markets are readily accessible in a carefully crafted multi-city rail tour that makes the most of this four-to-six-week window.
If you’re planning a European Christmas vacation, our specialists can thread together a hotel and rail package that sweeps through several cities overflowing with cultural attractions. Inquire now to build a vacation through absorbing cities home to some of Europe’s best Christmas markets.
A Three-Country Rail Tour Via Several Of The Best Christmas Markets In Europe
If your heart beckons you to the yuletide celebrations in Europe’s charismatic cities, we have a ready-to-roll tour that hits the seasonal high notes across three countries.
Our European Christmas Markets Tour connects three cities brimming with character and some intoxicating Christmas markets that have been around for centuries.
This rail tour plows through winter landscapes in the shadow of the Alps. It starts in Zurich, with an optional day trip to Einsiedeln. From Switzerland, you head to Munich, Germany, before hopping on board a train to Vienna, the capital of Austria. Like the journeys detailed in our 7-day European tour packages article, this festive odyssey lasts a week.
The giddying week-long vacation links two of the world’s most livable cities (Global Liveability Index ranking for 2024), stopping in the Bavarian capital en route. A tour that lets you experience the contrasts of Europe’s best Christmas markets in three countries.
Swiss Elegance Meets Festive Charm in Zurich
Our rail voyage around several of the best Christmas markets in Europe starts with three nights in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city.
Refined and elegant, Switzerland’s banking center nestles around the shores of Lake Zurich. It is a stylish starting point for Christmas in Europe.
Zurich is a pivotal destination in some of our most picturesque tours through Switzerland and the Alps, and there’s always something to see and do. In winter, the city hosts several bewitching Christmas fairs.
Christmas Markets Experience in Zurich
A Swiss Christmas is not all snow, chocolate, and fondue. Although there’s every chance you’ll get a little taste of each in Zurich.
Traditions and Swiss customs abound in twinkling squares and public spaces hosting some of the prettiest Christmas markets in Europe.
Advent concerts and glittering decorations in chocolate box locations set the tone. As does the delightfully decorated streetcar, “Märlitram”, carting gleeful kids around the city.
Swiss Festive Treats At Zurich’s Christmas Markets
Festive flavors overflow at Zurich’s Christmas markets. While there, trade glühwein for local favorite glühmost, another steaming beverage with a spicy kick. Although this version is made with pressed apples for a Swiss spin on mulled wine.
Switzerland and cheese is an iconic food duo. Impossible to pass up are Swiss winter classics, including fondue in edible bread ‘cups’ and melting raclette mountains piled onto hot potatoes.
Try to find room for cinnamon-dusted apple fritters, aka Öpfelchüechli, to fill your stomach with winter calories and festive cheer.
Appetites sated, shop amongst the craft stalls where you’ll find cuckoo clocks and cowbells alongside a medley of products from across Switzerland.
When To Visit Zurich’s Christmas Markets
Zurich’s Christmas markets typically open from late November to December 23.
Thursday, November 21 to Monday, December 23, 2024.
Dörfli: Zurich’s Oldest Christmas Market
Lighting up the refined streets of Niederdorf in the Old Town is Zurich’s oldest Christmas market, known locally as the Dörfli.
With around 100 stalls on picturesque streets, it’s a welcoming start to a tour through some of Europe’s best Christmas markets. The optimal time to raise your first glass of glühwein and wish your travel companions a frohe Weihnachten (Merry Christmas).
When: November 21 to December 23, 2024
Zurich Main Station – One of Europe’s Largest Indoor Christmas Markets
This Christkindlimarkt could not be better situated for rail travelers searching for the best Christmas markets in Europe, as it sits on the train station concourse of Zurich’s largest station.
Fully covered, this is the place to escape the winter freeze and sample Swiss seasonal delicacies with your gloves off.
While there, admire the immense glittering Christmas tree. Sadly, the once-famous Swarovski crystal tree no longer makes an appearance. However, you will find 140 stalls to fuel festive escapades.
When: November 21 to December 23, 2024
Wienachtsdorf Christmas Market On the Shores of Lake Zurich
The Wienachtsdorf (Christmas village) boasts around 100 stalls overlooking the chilly waters of Lake Zurich. In the background sits the handsome opera house, creating a scene lifted from a festive greeting card.
Shop amongst jewelry designers and then skid around the temporary ice rink that elevates the Wienachtsdorf to Zurich’s prettiest Christmas market. While there, offset frigid temperatures with thick hot chocolate and even thicker, gooey fondue. Then fill your cloud account with idyllic images that mark this out as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
For one last festive flourish, take a moment to see the iconic Singing Christmas Tree on Bahnhofstrasse a 15-minute stroll away. Built to hold a choir, it’s a fun way to enjoy carols and glühmost, entertaining kids and parents alike.
When: November 21 to December 23, 2024
A Day Trip to Einsiedeln For An Authentic Swiss Christmas
For more holiday hijinks, head to Einsiedeln for the day. Timing is tight, as this Christmas market beneath an arresting Benedictine Monastery only opens for 10 days around the end of November.
However, Einsiedeln is just an hour from Zurich on public transport. It’s a rousing day trip if you want to add an intriguing dimension to your Swiss festive experience.
The captivating setting is reward enough. But with local shops joining the festive merriment, it’s a chance to get a fuller taste of a Swiss Christmas while looking for the perfect gifts to put under the tree.
When: November 29 to December 8, 2024
Zurich’s Festive Atmosphere Beyond the Markets
We plan for travelers to spend three nights in Zurich before heading to Munich, the next stop on our rail voyage to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. That gives you time to sample a few more of Zurich’s winter delights.
- If you enjoyed the pop-up ice skating rink at the Wienachtsdorf Christmas market, you’ll love the Dolder open-air ice rink, one of Europe’s largest.
- Shop for Swiss chocolate, cuckoo clocks, and homegrown mementos along the Bahnhofstrasse or around the decorated streets of the Old Town
- Admire modern art at the Kunsthaus Zürich, dive into the National Museum for a more rounded view of Swiss culture, or feed your sports cravings at the FIFA Museum.
- Take in the views from Lindenhof, the tranquil district settled by Romans boasting panoramic views over the Old Town of Zurich.
Bavarian Traditions Thrive At Munich’s Christmas Markets
The next stop on our tour of Europe’s best Christmas cities lands in Munich for two nights. It takes under four hours on Swiss SBB trains to travel from Zurich to Munich. And you’ll see a world of difference in the Bavarian capital.
Munich also features in our Christmas Markets Tour of Germany. It’s a city steeped in festive tradition, with abundant cultural diversions to make the three nights fly by.
When Can You Visit The Christmas Markets in Munich?
Munich’s Christmas markets open from mid to late November to Christmas Eve.
Munich’s most famous Christmas market on the Marienplatz bursts into life in the final week of November (November 25 – December 24, 2024).
One of The Best Christmas Markets in Europe Fills Munich’s Marienplatz
Munich’s Marienplatz hosts the city’s oldest and most traditional Christmas market, set against the neo-Gothic splendor of the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall). This iconic building is famed for the glockenspiel clock that delights visitors with the daily dance of the waltzing figurines (arrive early, there are only two shows at 11 am and 12 pm). It’s an intoxicating setting for one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
If you happen to be in Munich around the Feast of St. Nicholas on 6 December, you might encounter the dreaded Krampus.
The mythical beast who punishes naughty children while St Nicholas rewards the good ones is remembered in Munich during the annual Krampuslauf, or Krampus run. This uniquely Bavarian tradition takes place only once but signals the holiday season is well underway (December 8, 2024).
You won’t need reminding though as Munich’s largest Christmas market dials up the Christmas wow factor with nativity scenes and a daily performance of Bavarian Stubenmusik on the town hall’s balcony.
The Munich Christmas Market Experience
For festive souvenirs, visit the Kripperlmarkt to bring a piece of Munich’s festive spirit home. Locals have shopped here for nativity figurines and decorations since 1757.
Before exploring Munich’s other Christmas markets, sample weisswurst, the classic Bavarian white sausage, paired with a soft pretzel. And you’ll probably want to try an elaborate drink seen at every market, feuerzangenbowle. Translated as “fire-tong punch,” this flamboyant creation is made by melting a rum-soaked sugar loaf into mulled wine — yet another foodie experience contributing to Germany’s reputation as the home of Europe’s best Christmas markets.
When: Monday, November 25 to Tuesday, December 24
Munich Hosts An Array Of Christmas Markets
Munich offers a bounty of festive activities that make it the cornerstone destination of many adventures around Germany’s Christmas markets. There’s competition across the country, from the world’s oldest Christmas market in Dresden to the sprawling events in Stuttgart or Frankfurt. That is why we happily tailor our rail tours so you can see everything on your Christmas wishlist.
But a mix of festive gatherings explains why Munich is a popular destination for vacationers keen to visit the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Here’s a selection of Munich’s alternative Christmas markets that enrich yuletide adventures.
Christmas Village at the Residenz – Munich’s royal palace and the seat of the Bavarian monarchy from 1508 to 1918 hosts a cute and cozy festive gathering in its picturesque courtyard. The Residenz is a must for anyone diving into Bavarian history and the pretty market is the icing on the Christmas cake.
When: Monday, 18 November to Sunday, 22 December 2024
Sendlinger Tor – an intimate and photogenic Christmas market beneath the Sendlinger Tor. These imposing medieval city gates offer a dramatic backdrop, while the comparatively new Christmas market serves cinnamon-scented Christmas goodies.
When: Monday, 25 November to Sunday, 22 December 2024
Medieval Christmas Market at Wittelsbacher Platz – With stalls and workers dressed like medieval marketgoers, this evocative Christmas market revives old customs to recreate an Advent scene lost to time. Sip a mug of mead to imagine how Christmas was when the first festive fairs popped up.
When: Monday, 18 November to Monday, 23 December 2024
Neuhausen-Nymphenburg – Nymphenburg Palace was the summer home of the Bavarian monarchy and high on many visitor itineraries. The small Christmas market in the adjoining neighborhood (Rotkreuzplatz U-Bahn) adds a festive cherry to the visit. A great spot for a well-earned glühwein or thick, comforting hot chocolate.
When:Monday, 25 November to Monday, 23 December 2024
What To Do In Munich During the Holiday Season
Munich appears in many of our German rail tours. There is plenty to divert visitors between Christmas markets.
- Stroll around the atmospheric old town, stopping at the baroque Asamkirche before extending your outdoor excursions into the scenic English Garden
- Find fairtrade crafts and sample organic gastronomic delights at the bright and brilliant Tollwood Winter Festival.
- Admire Old Masters at the Alte Pinakothek art museum before grabbing a hearty plate of Bavarian fare at one of the city’s legendary beer halls, such as the former Royal brewery at the Hofbrauhaus built in 1589.
Imperial Splendor in Vienna, Home To Some of The Prettiest Christmas markets in Europe
After filling up on Bavarian festive cheer, our rail voyage around some of Europe’s best Christmas markets pulls into Vienna for two nights. The final destination on this three-country rail tour is about four hours on modern ÖBB (Austrian rail) trains from Munich.
At any time of the year, Vienna delivers an intoxicating cultural experience. The Austrian capital frequently stars on Rail Escape tours through Central Europe. And with good reason.
Vienna’s vibrant present is reflected through its colorful heritage. Home to great artists and composers through the ages and the birthplace of psychotherapy, it’s a city laden with grand architecture.
Vienna is also nirvana for sweet-toothed foodies and one of the greenest and most livable cities on the planet, scoring high for infrastructure, culture, and environment.
Vienna has all the ingredients to end a festive rail tour in style. When the Christmas lights go on, Vienna sparkles brighter than the icy spring water in city drinking fountains, making it one of the best Christmas destinations in Europe.
When To Visit The Christmas Markets in Vienna
Christmas markets in Vienna open from mid-November through to New Year’s Eve.
The famous Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz opens from November 16 to December 26, 2024.
The opening times of Vienna’s festive markets are well suited for the last stop on a rail tour of Europe’s best Christmas destinations.
The Stunning Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz
Vienna may be the capital of classical music. Yet, the Rathausplatz Christmas market is the standout show in Vienna during the holiday season.
Renowned for its grandiose setting and extensive array of stalls, it is known as the Viennese Dream Christmas Market.
The fairytale setting in front of the beautiful city hall positions Vienna as home to one of the best Christmas cities in Europe. Bubbling away in the wider city is a rich cultural heritage to enliven your last few days on the continent.
Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt: Saturday, November 16 to Thursday, December 26, 2024
More Seasonal Goodwill at Vienna’s Alternative Christmas Markets
Supporting Vienna’s claim to Europe’s best Christmas markets is an undercard of festive fairs silhouetted against magnificent buildings.
Christmas Village on Maria Theresien Square – packed with food stalls and seasonal goodwill, this popular Christmas market unfolds in the museum quarter under the dome of the venerable art history museum.
When: 13 November – 31 December 2024
Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace – another stunning nativity scene awaits at the Baroque Belvedere Palace. Visit the summer residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy before roaming around the intimate winter wonderland in its courtyards.
When: 15 November – 31 December 2024
Christmas Village at St. Stephans Square – located beneath the tall spire of the medieval St. Stephen’s Cathedral, this small market exudes gothic vibes. Shop for local crafts and Viennese delicacies before stepping into the cathedral to hear a choir celebrating Advent.
When: 8 November – 26 December 2024
A Taste of Viennese Festivities
The flavors of a Viennese Christmas are irresistible. Even if you have gorged on festive treats since your rail adventure began in Zurich. Especially as Vienna has earned a reputation as a culinary melting pot during the holiday season.
Gourmands looking to complete a foodie odyssey around the best Christmas markets will have to forgo diets to sample Viennese specialties like crispy Wiener schnitzel to chocolaty sachertorte. Then find room for regional favorites like satisfying kartoffelknödel mit sauerkraut, potato dumplings and sauerkraut topped with bacon.
This is also the place to get a taste of Central European dishes. Lángos (fried flatbreads) and indulgently filled chimney cakes, Hungarian specialties popular across the region, are especially popular.
If you plan to return and experience more of Europe’s best Christmas markets, Rail Escape tours through Hungary and Central Europe offer enticing possibilities.
Beyond Vienna’s Christmas Markets
Vienna offers an abundance of cultural excursions throughout the year, including an intoxicating mix of world-class museums. There are also plenty of activities you can only enjoy in winter.
- Slip on ice skates one last time at the scenic rink overlooked by the graceful town hall.
- Enjoy a show at the Viennese State Opera in the city Mozart called home (Mozart fans might relish our curated tour of Central Europe that stops in Vienna and Mozart’s birthplace, Salzburg)
- Thaw hands and revive festive spirits with hot chocolate and pastries in the city’s fabled coffee houses
- Explore Austria’s imperial past at the stunning Schönbrunn Palace from where the Hapsburgs ruled an empire
- Excite travelers young and old at the Prater fairgrounds or on the gigantic Ferris Wheel in Leopoldstadt.
The Winter Wonders of Europe’s Best Christmas Destinations by Train
Our curated tour around some of Europe’s best Christmas markets illustrates how rail can elevate and enrich a European vacation during the holiday season.
The romance of rail travel is just part of the appeal. Comfort, convenience, and the chance to see more of the country can deliver a fuller taste of Christmas on the continent. No need to make compromises as you leisurely cruise around some of the prettiest Christmas markets in Europe.
European Rail Tours That Sparkle At Christmas
You only have to look through our catalog of crafted itineraries to find trips that connect some of the best Christmas destinations in Europe.
The only detail that matters is timing your visit for the Advent season. It’s a magical time to see cities you’ve dreamed of visiting.
Take our Swiss and French Delights tour which promises different experiences according to the seasons. This European Christmas vacation begins in Paris, where you can see the brilliant illuminations of the Champs Elysee and explore myriad Christmas markets in quartiers across the City of Light.
Then you would head to Strasbourg, the Franco-German city that brings together yuletide customs from two countries into one intoxicating festive fair that ranks among the biggest and best Christmas markets in Europe.
From Strasbourg, the tour moves to Basel, home to one of Switzerland’s biggest and most charming Christmas markets. It’s a wonderful rail tour for all seasons laden with extra charm during the holiday season.
If it’s snowy landscapes and another taste of Swiss culinary delights you crave, our Scenic Switzerland tour starts in Zurich before climbing to alpine resorts that could not be more picturesque at Christmas.
It’s a trip where you can reward yourself with a Christmas present to cherish as you take the legendary Bernina Express and extraordinary Glacier Express trains through jaw-dropping alpine landscapes that lift festive adventures to new heights.
Booking Your Rail Tour of the Best Christmas Markets in Europe
With Rail Escape, we book premium hotels close to the markets and the stations you need. We set the scene for you to unwind and relish a tour of the festive moments and the best Christmas markets in Europe at your own pace.
Our expert knowledge of the rail networks means we can build the trip you aspire to.
Contact our team to book a Christmas vacation in Europe that lets you leave your worries behind and luxuriate in seasonal goodwill.
