As the holiday season approaches, many people are looking for ways to get into the festive spirit. One of the best ways to do this is by visiting Christmas markets, which are popular all over the world. These markets are a great place to find unique gifts, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and soak up the holiday atmosphere. And what better way to visit these markets than by taking a scenic train ride to get there? In this article, we will explore some of the great rail Christmas markets that you can visit this holiday season.
One of the most famous rail Christmas markets is the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany. This market has a long history, dating back to the 16th century, and is set up in the city’s main square. Visitors can browse through over 180 wooden stalls selling traditional German gifts, decorations, and food. One of the highlights of this market is the Christkind, a fairy-like being who represents the Christmas spirit and makes appearances throughout the market. The best way to get to the Christkindlesmarkt is by taking a scenic train ride through the Bavarian countryside, which is sure to put you in a festive mood.
Another great rail Christmas market to visit is the Winter Wonderland in London, England. This market is set up in Hyde Park and features over 200 stalls selling a wide variety of goods, including handmade crafts, delicious food, and mulled wine. Visitors can also enjoy ice skating, a giant observation wheel, and a circus. To make your visit even more magical, you can take the Heathrow Express train from the airport to central London, where you can easily transfer to a local train to get to the Winter Wonderland.
For those looking for a more traditional Christmas market experience, the Striezelmarkt in Dresden, Germany is a must-visit. This market is one of the oldest in Germany, dating back to the 15th century, and is famous for its giant Christmas pyramid and nutcracker figures. Visitors can browse through over 250 stalls selling handcrafted ornaments, toys, and treats. To get to the Striezelmarkt, you can take a scenic train ride through the picturesque German countryside, where you can enjoy views of snow-covered fields and quaint villages along the way.
If you’re looking for a truly unique Christmas market experience, look no further than the Maastricht Underground Christmas Market in the Netherlands. This market is set up in the caves underneath the city of Maastricht and features over 50 stalls selling handmade crafts, jewelry, and local food and drinks. Visitors can explore the caves and learn about their history while shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts. To get to the Maastricht Underground Christmas Market, you can take a train to the city and then transfer to a shuttle bus that will take you to the cave entrance.
No article about great rail Christmas markets would be complete without mentioning the famous markets in Vienna, Austria. The city is home to several Christmas markets, including the Christkindlmarkt in front of the city hall, the market at Schönbrunn Palace, and the Spittelberg market in the historic Spittelberg district. Visitors can shop for handmade gifts, enjoy traditional Austrian treats like roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, and admire the festive decorations. To get to Vienna’s Christmas markets, you can take a scenic train ride through the Austrian Alps, where you can enjoy stunning views of snow-covered mountains and charming villages along the way.
In conclusion, visiting Christmas markets by rail is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Whether you’re looking for traditional German gifts in Nuremberg, a magical winter wonderland in London, or a unique underground market in Maastricht, there are endless options to choose from. So why not hop on a train this holiday season and explore some of the great rail Christmas markets around the world?great rail christmas markets