The holiday season is a magical time of year filled with twinkling lights, festive music, and the scent of mulled wine in the air One of the best ways to get into the Christmas spirit is by visiting a traditional Christmas market, and what better way to do so than by taking a scenic train journey through Europe to experience some of the most enchanting markets on offer With Great Rail Journeys, you can combine the magic of Christmas markets with the romance of train travel for a truly unforgettable holiday experience.
One of the most popular destinations for Christmas market enthusiasts is Germany, where the tradition of the Christkindlmarkt dates back to the late Middle Ages The country is home to countless charming markets, each offering its own unique blend of festive cheer Some of the must-visit markets include the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, with its iconic red and white striped stalls and dazzling lights; the Cologne Christmas Market, which boasts an impressive 160 stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to delicious food; and the Dresden Striezelmarkt, one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany.
For those looking to experience the magic of Christmas markets in multiple countries, a tour of Central Europe is the perfect choice Great Rail Journeys offers a holiday package that takes you on a magical journey through Hungary, Austria, and Slovakia, stopping at some of the most enchanting markets along the way From the fairy-tale setting of the Budapest Christmas Fair to the historic charm of the Vienna Christmas Market, this itinerary is sure to delight even the most seasoned Christmas market aficionado.
If you’re in search of a truly unique Christmas market experience, look no further than Scandinavia great rail christmas markets. The Nordic countries are known for their minimalist yet festive approach to the holiday season, with markets that offer a stark contrast to the bustling crowds of central Europe The Great Rail Journeys Scandinavian Christmas Markets tour takes you on a scenic train journey through Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, where you can explore markets set against the backdrop of snow-covered landscapes and stunning fjords Highlights of the tour include the Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market in Copenhagen, the traditional Stortorget Christmas Market in Stockholm, and the charming Bergen Christmas Market in Norway.
For those who prefer a more off-the-beaten-path Christmas market experience, why not consider a tour of Eastern Europe? Great Rail Journeys offers a holiday package that takes you through Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, where you can discover some of the lesser-known gems of the Christmas market world From the medieval town of Krakow, where you can sample traditional Polish delicacies such as pierogi and mulled beer, to the picturesque city of Prague, with its beautifully decorated stalls and stunning architecture, this tour offers a truly unique and unforgettable holiday experience.
No matter which Christmas market tour you choose, one thing is for certain – the combination of festive cheer and scenic train travel is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime So why not make this holiday season one to remember by embarking on a magical journey through some of Europe’s most enchanting markets with Great Rail Journeys?