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An illuminated carousel glows at night among stalls at a European Christmas market.

Christmas market breaks

Which? Recommended Provider - Rail Holidays

Christmas markets are made for winter train travel.

Explore Europe’s most atmospheric markets on cosy, celebratory winter getaways by train to twinkling squares, with festive stalls and steaming mugs of mulled wine.

Top Christmas market trips by train

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Christmas in Vienna

From Art Advent's local crafts to a classic Christkindlmarkt with roast chestnuts and punsch, Vienna sparkles at Christmas.

Riga's Dome Square Market

Home of the first recorded community Christmas tree in 1510, Riga's historic market fills the UNESCO-listed Dome Square.

York Christmas Market

York's Christmas market offers crafts, Yorkshire produce and mulled wine against a backdrop of medieval streets.

Pilsen Winter Market

Less tourist attraction, more neighbourhood meetup: bramborák and Pilsner Urquell at the intimate Pilsen Winter Market.

Aachen's Weihnachtsmarkt

Famed for Printen gingerbread, glühwein and reibekuchen, Aachen's Weihnachtsmarkt curls around the cathedral and town hall.

Winter Station in Utrecht

Utrecht's Railway Museum becomes Winter Station at Christmas and New Year: historic trains and roast marshmallows for all.

Marché de Noël Rennes

Visit Rennes for festive markets, Breton crêpes and cider, ending with a Ferris wheel ride above glowing winter city lights.

Christmas at Bratislava Castle

Few market settings beat the foot of Bratislava's castle. The city's beloved tram, decked in lights, is a free festive tour.

Christmas in Brno and Olomouc

Olomouc's festive Punch Trail winds through wooden huts of spiced rum punch. In Brno, see the market from a hot air balloon.
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