4 Christmas markets you can visit by train
If you are feeling festive, look no further than a Christmas market. The smell of mulled wine, the sound of carol singers, the taste of that first mince pie: markets are a multi-sensory feast for all the family, and the perfect way to kick off your festivities.
If you’re planning festive trips, why not start thinking about how you can make your Christmas even more sustainable? Travelling by train is one of the easiest ways to do this, and you’ll have time for some last-minute Christmas ‘admin’ en route, like writing cards or strategising your gift plans.
To help your planning, we bring you our top four European Christmas markets you can visit on a Byway trip!
Where: French Alsace, France
Start your trip in Strasbourg, often dubbed the “capital of Christmas”—it is after all the oldest Christmas market in the world. The size means there’s plenty to explore and something for all the family. Make your way to the cobbled streets of Colmar, which feel like a picture on a postcard. Old medieval streets and half-timber houses glow with beautiful Christmas lights, connecting six different markets across the town. There’s obvious overlap between what you’ll find at each, but it means no single market is too busy. Be sure to try the crepes and the warm apple juice, both of which are iconic for the region. And if you feel like wandering off the beaten path, explore some of the historic churches around the town that will no doubt have their own authentic Christmas tributes.
Where: North Yorkshire, UK
As a historic walled city dating back to Roman times, York makes the perfect backdrop to frosty winter evenings. The St Nicholas Fair at York Christmas Market is a quintessential British Christmas market at the heart of the city. Picturesque wooden chalets line the streets flogging Christmas merchandise and tasty festive treats. Adjacent to the main Christmas market is the appropriately named Shambles Market, the perfect stop-off for creative stocking fillers. Fill your pockets with Christmas sweets, and head out into the moors, for wild walks and old ruins, and the coast for some time on the beach and that fresh sea air.
Image: Jason King
Christmas Markets in France and Italy
Where: from Paris to Turin, Venice, and Milan
Start your slow Christmas journey in Paris, stopping off at Abbesses - a charming market in the arty neighbourhood of Montmartre. Paris plays host to dozens of Christmas markets, ranging from the massive to the relatively small. Abbesses Christmas Market falls in the latter category with only around twenty chalet stalls, but with more than enough charm to go around. Vin chaud (mulled wine) is the order of the day, but also make sure you try the raclette (melted cheese) or escargots (snails) on offer Make your way to Turin for a night and experience a unique Christmas in the North of Italy. See the famous Luci d’Artista, an outdoor art exhibition, offering Christmas lights like no other. Next up is Venice, where it’s off-season and you can enjoy this beautiful city without the usual crowd. You’ll be able to stock up on quirky gifts, such as Venetian masks and fruit-filled panettone. The final city on your tour is Milan, the fashion capital of Italy and one of the world’s best shopping destinations.
Take a slow winter trip to France and Italy
Image: Jeff Frenette
Where: Brighton, UK
Just an hour from London, the arty market town of Lewes is the ideal place for a relaxing escape to the countryside. Sitting just below the downs, you'll enjoy stunning walks with incredible 360-degree views over the south coast and surrounding farmland. End your stay with a visit to Brighton to get in the festive spirit. Brighton’s reputation for fun and revels certainly rings true at Christmas, when it puts on a fantastic five-week Christmas festival. The central square has live entertainment every day, with performances from local schools, choirs, and community groups to bring the festive cheer. For the kids, there’s a Santa’s grotto - a chance to put in some last-minute present requests within earshot of your parents; for the adults, there’s an ‘Apres Ski’ zone, where you can listen to Alpine-inspired acts while sipping on a Bailey’s hot chocolate.
Book your long weekend to the South Downs
Image: Callum Parker
