The days are getting noticeably shorter, At this time of the year, I love embracing the changing of seasons by planning a festive getaway to some of Europe's most unique Christmas markets, to appreciate the magic of winter.
Gerany is the most-loved Christmas market destination, and I have written a post dedicated to my favourite. But there are some great Christmas markets in other European countries too.
As an added bonus, many of them are reachable by train.
Intrigued? Keep reading.
Cobbled streets of Brixen, Südtirol © Amy-Leigh Barnard/Unsplash
European Christmas markets - an introduction
The Weihnachmarkt - or Christkindlesmarkt - is a tradition of all countries with strong present or past links to German language and culture. Austria, Switzerland, the German-speaking Italian province of Südtirol, Alsace - which used to be part of Germany - and the countries previously part of the Austro=Hungarian Empire such as Hungary and Czechia, all take their Christmas markets seriously,
Just like in Germany, in all these countries traditional wooden huts serve mulled wine and gingerbread biscuits, and stalls sell handicraft, and, in catholic countries, nativity figurines.
While most of them open in late November and close until the 23rd of December, some continue until New Year’s Eve, and a few until the Epiphany, so they also work perfectly as a getaway during the Christmas holidays. If you take that option, you can combine two or more of the markets, or combine a German one and one from another country.
12 great European Christmas markets outside Germany you can reach by train in 2024
The markets I feature have made the list for different reasons, Some are in extremely atmospheric historical settings, some are in spa towns so you can combine winter pampering and Christmas cheer, and some are in cities that make for excellent weekend breaks.
A word of warning: a few of these markets claim to be the oldest in Europe. As I am unable to establish it, I record their claim and the date, and you 'll form your guess when you visit them!
The European Christmas market destinations I feature can be reached by train from various departure points in Europe. So, you can soak in the festive atmosphere while being kind to our planet. Check out Thetrainline, RailEurope, or Rome2Rio for travel options from your departure point.
Now, without further ado, it is time to unveil my 2024 shortlist of the best Christmas markets in Europe:
1. Budapest Christmas Market
What's so good about it
Repeatedly voted best Christmas Market in Europe, Budapest's is quite special.
Budapest in the lead-up to Christmas © Chris Caines/Unsplash
What makes it unique? Budapest is actually two cities, Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube, and each side has its ownfabulous Christmas market on both sides.
In Pest, the centre of action is the Vorosmarty Square. As you would expect, it is an elegant square overlooked by grand buildings such as the iconic Café Gerbeaud, an ideal stop for hot chocolate and delicious Hungarian cakes. Under the square is a piece of transport history - the first metro station ever built in the world!
Gerbeaud during Advent © Viola Kovacs/Unsplash
At Christmas, even the statue of poet Vorosmarty in the middle of the square joins in the celebrations, and over 100 stalls sell everything from amber jewels, artifacts and local craftmanship, to winter warmer such as mulled wine, bowls of goulash, and the traditional Hungarian/Transilvanian chimney cake.
The stalls' offering is similar in Buda, on the hill. Yet the setting could not be more different. From 19th century Austro=Hungarian grandeur to medieval fairy tale. The main market takes place in square in front of the beautiful gothic St Stephen’s Basilica, an absolutely magical setting!
The Parliament from Buda's Bastions © Harold Wainwright/Unsplash
What makes Budapest a perfect winter destination is that it boats cultural sights, culinary delights, and thermal baths. There are 6 hot springs in the city, and you can try that unforgettable experience of immersing yourself in a warm pool while it's freezing outside - even watch the snow fall on the water! Besides, some of the indoor baths are architecturally unique, and ranging in style from liberty to Ottoman - the Turks ruled over Budapest for a while.
Getting there
You can reach Budapest directly by train from Prague, Vienna, Innsbruck, Bratislava, and Berlin.
There are also direct Nightjet night train from Zürich, Berlin, Munich, Vienna, and Wroclaw.
From Western Europe, Budapest is not super-easy to reach by train for a long weekend, but if you have a week off you can combine a few days in Budapest witha stop at another great winter destination better connected with Budapest, such as Vienna, Munich or Basel.
Dates: From 17th November 2023 to 1st of January 2025.
2. Brixen's Christkindlmarkt
Brixen's Cathedral Square during the Christmas market © Amy-Leigh Barnard/Unsplash
What's so good about it
Before Christmas, the Italians flock to Südtirol (the German-speaking province of the Dolomites area) to savour the Christmas market atmosphere., and one of the most loved ones is hosted in the heart of the small city of Bressanone, or Brixen in German.
Why is Brixen so special?
First of all, its setting is delightful. A river runs through it, and it is surrounded by vine-covered hills, with Alpine peaks around those.
Although a small city, Brixen played an important role in medieval Europe, and the grand cathedral, the Bishop's Palace (Hofburg) and calm cloisters whisk you away to a different era.
The town centre is busy in the lead-up to Christmas, but you only need to talk 20 minutes and you'll be climbing up mountains, or exploring the beautiful abbey of Novacella, which still makes its own wine!
Frescoed cloister ceilings © Alp2Coast
The Christmas market (Mercatini di Natale in Italian, and Christkindlmarkt in German) takes place in DomPlatz - the main square in front of the cathedral and offers many unique gifts, and products of local traditional Alpine craftsmanship.
As the Brixen market stays open until the Epiphany, you can also take a week off and travel there between Christmas and New Year. If you are a skier, you may be able to fit in a bit of skiing too, and alternatively make the most of the countless hiking options in the area.!
Tempted tp find out more? Here is a post dedicated to Brixen, its history and its highlights.
Getting there:
You can reach Brixen via Bolzano, the provincial capital. Bolzano is connected by train to Munich, Vienna, Salzburg, Stuttgart, and many destinations in Italy.
Another option is cathing a Nightjet night train to Munich (possible from Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, Strasbourg, Hamburg, Budapest, and Berlin) and from there catch a direct train to Bolzano.
The journey from Munich to Bolzano may feel long on paper (it is almost 4 hours) but you will be travelling through the most incredible Alpine scenery all the way, so it will feel like an excursion!
Dates: Opening dates: From 29th November 2023 to 6th January 2024.
3. Bolzano's Weihnachtmarkt
Bolzano is the capital of this German-speaking province of Italy, and its Christmas Market (Weihnachtmarkt) is the largest in the country.
Whether in conjunction with nearby Brixen or in its own, Bolzano's Christmas market is a great introduction to the uniqueness of South Tyrolean culture.
The main venue is Piazza Walther, the city' main square, and is a feast of speck, apple strudel and mulled wine, as well as another great place to buy unique Alpine products, be it food - the area is known for its sustainable agriculture and slow food traditions - or handicrafts.
Piazza Walther © Bolzano Tourist Office
Like Brixen's, this market is great if you are a skier. It stays open until the Epiphany and in a week you can combine skiing and sightseeing.
Getting there
You can reach Bolzano by train from Munich, Vienna, Salzburg, Stuttgart, and of course most of Italy.
You can also use a Nightjet night train to get to Munich from Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, Strasbourg, Hamburg, Budapest, and Berlin, and from there get on a direct train to Bolzano. The journey from Munich to Bolzano may feel long on paper (it is almost 4 hours) but you will be travelling through the most incredible Alpine scenery all the way, so it will feel like an excursion! Check out the Thetrainline or Rome2Rio for travel options.
 Dates. Opening dates: From 28th November 2023 to 6th January 2024.
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4. Montbéliard's Marché de Noël
What's so good about it
Montbéliard, a small town in Franche-Comté (South-Eastern France) is often rated as the most beautiful Christmas market in France. World-famous for the beauty of its illuminations, this 140-stall Marché de Noël (Christmas market) feels very authentic.
The Dukes' Castle © Pays de Montbeliard Tourisme
If you are surprised to find a traditional Christmas German-style market so close to the French Alps, there is a historical reason. For 400 years, until the French Revolution, Montbéliard was part of the Duchy of Wüttemberg, and the market takes place at the feet of the dukes' castle. Interestingly the dukes were protestant, so this is historically one of the very few protestant enclaves in France, and the Marché de Noël takes place in front of the protestant Temple de Saint Martin.
The route from the station to the centre of town © Pays de Montbeliard Tourisme
The market is proud of its artisanal food and gifts, and you will be spoiled for choice.
Comté cheese happens to be local so Montbéliard is a great place to feed your cheese addiction. Local sausages are also renowned. So are white wines, often from small producers following traditional methods, And of course you'll find the Alsatian flammekuche and traditional ginger treats and vin chaud to keep you going!
You will feel very welcome if you arrive by train - the route from the train station to the Place Denfert-Rochereau in the centre is a spectacular display of light bulbs arranged to form arches and shapes.
Getting there
I strongly recommend reaching Montbéliard by train. We tried going there by car last year and the queues on the motorway were so horrendous that we gave up! The train gets you right into the centre of town with no delays and you do not have to fight for parking.
From Amsterdam, Brussels, and London you will need to change station in Paris, going from Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon with the metro or RER.
From Milan, Frankfurt, and stations in Switzerland you change in Basel.
Dates. Opening dates: From 23rd November to 24th December 2024.
5. Bruges's Kerstmarkten
Bruges Markt during Advent © Matt Seymour/Unsplash
What's so good about it
The romantic canal city of Bruges (Brugge in Flemish) has one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. Bruges's medieval buildings have a gingerbread-house appearance which just adds to the charm. The main event (Kerstmarkten) takes place in the Grote Markt (Main Square) and nearby Simon Stevinplein.
Over the last few years the Bruges Kerstmarkten' experience has been enriched by the introduction of a Light Trail - you can follow artistic light installations throughout the city. There is also a floating ice skating rink on the Minnewater (Lake of Love). And of course there are waffles and chocolate and hearty Belgian food to keep you warm!
Wandering the cobbled streets and taking a boat trip on the illuminated canals, and musing over the timeless beauty of Bruges, will give you memories to treasure for a long time.
Winter night on the canals © Arno Vernote/Unsplash
The Bruges market does not end with Christmas, it feels like a solstice celebration of light winning over the darkness of winter.
Colours of Bruges © Nicole Baster/Unsplash
Getting there
From Amsterdam, Paris, London, Frankfurt and Cologne all you need is a swift change in Brussels. You can also get to Bruges easily with day time connections from Strasbourg, Basel, Zürich, Geneva, and Stuttgart.
From Munich, Vienna, and Berlin you can catch the Nightjet night train and then hop onto a local train for the 1-hour journey between Brussels Midi and Bruges.
Dates. November 22nd to January 5th.
6. Strasbourg's Christkindelsmärik
Making an entrance © Alexis Brandner/Unsplash
What's so good about it
Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace, a region that has changed hands between France and Germany many times, so the tradition of the Christmas market is felt very strongly by the local people, who proudly call their city 'the capital of Christmas.'
Strasbourg's Christmas market, Christkindelsmärik, started in 1570 and claims to be the oldest European Christmas market in Europe.
Pretty much the whole of the UNESCO-listed Grande ÃŽle (Old Town) is covered in Christmas lights and decorations. Sipping vin chaud while admiring the majestic lone tower of cathedral, once called by Goethe a 'sublimely towering, wide-spreading tree of God,' is a moment of sheer magic.
A sunset view of the cathedral's tower © Gleb Lucky/Unsplash
Strasbourg also boasts one of the tallest decorated public Christmas trees in all of Europe.
While Christmas markets in other European cities have often moved around, in Strasbourg the main even has taken place in the same spot on Place Broglie since 1570.
Be sure to check out the smaller 'specialist' markets. Place du Marché-aux-Poissons showcases local delicacies; Strasbourg also holds the OFF Market, a socially responsible way to celebrate the season, with second-hand stalls and fair-trade products.
Getting there
From Amsterdam, Brussels, and London you need a swift change in Paris; from Switzerland and Northern Italy (Milan) an equally swift change in Basel.
The German) side of the Rhine is ideally connected with Strasbourg, and there are direct trains from Frankfurt.
From Munich, Vienna, and Berlin you can catch the Nightjet night train.
Dates. November 27th to December 27th.
7. Vienna's Wintermärkte
Father Christmas swapping reindeer for horses at the Hofburg Imperial Palace © Manel and Sean/Unsplash
What's so good about it
 Vienna is a great place to enjoy the magic of Christmas, as snow often blankets the city.
There are actually over a dozen Christmas markets in Vienna, scattered across the Austrian capital, and all opening at different times, with the earliest opening around 10 November each year.
The markets are of high quality, refined, and all different, especially thanks to their incredible architectural backdrops.
The Wiener Chriskindlemarkt on Rathausplatz, perhaps the largest and well-known in Vienna, opens early. Its setting is the square in front of the neogothic Rathaus (Town Hall).
During Advent, the windows of the Rathaus are decorated with Advent scenes by local artists, and as the scent of gluhwein, roasted chestnuts, and ginger sweets fills the air. You can browse stalls offer everything from upcycled hats to cuddly toys, and craftmanship from all parts of Austria and beyond. And if you need a break from the crowds, let yourself be enchanted by the illuminated trees of nearby Rathauspark.
Welcome to Wiener Chrikindlmarkt © Angelika Yakymenko/Unsplash
While smaller than its more famous neighbouring market, the Schloß Schönbrunn market is quintessential Vienna. With classical music playing in the background and the imperial palace of Schönbrunn as the backdrop, this is a place to relax and dream!
The market here specialises in local arts and crafts rather than food: pottery, candles, glass, wood. and much more. It is the perfect place for unique gifts.
You cannot leave Vienna without visiting the Christmas village at the Belvedere Palace. The palace itself houses arguably Vienna's best art collection, including Klimt's The Kiss. Its outline, decorated in star-themed Christmas lights, is one of the most beautiful market backdrops I have ever scene.
As the Vienna Tourist Board rightly puts it, 'I defy you to enter the Belvedere complex through the southern gate after sunset and not gasp in wonder at the beauty of the scene before you.'
Belvedere Palace at Chrismas © Visiting Vienna
Getting there
There are Nightjet night trains to Vienna from Berlin, Venice, Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, Hamburg, Milan, Verona, Bologna, Florence and Rome.
Good daytime connections are available from Munich, Stuttgart, Prague, Budapest. and Venice.
Dates: Opening and closing dates vary. All locations will stay open until at least 23 December, with the Christkindlmarkt closing on 26 December and the markets at Belvedere and Marie-Theresien-Platz open until New Year’s Eve. The Wintermarkt on Riesenradplatz runs until 7 January. Check the Visiting Vienna website for details.
8. Salzburg's Christkindlmarkt
What's so good about it
The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt on Dom- and Residenzplatz Square is one of the oldest markets in Europe, believed to have started in 1491.
The fairy-tale baroque Cathedral Square is the perfect backdrop for celebrating the Advent season in the city of Mozart. High above the cathedral, Salzburg's fortress watched over the city for added charm.
The fortress from the Altstadt © Shippik/Unsplash
As you would expect given the city's Mozart connection, the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt offers a rich cultural programme, ranging from an exhibition of Christmas mangers, to folk song and dance performances, to classical music and chorus.
I also love the way the pre-Christian figure of the Perchten - a devil-like creature of the pagan Austro-Bavarian tradition, said to roam the countryside at midwinter - is incorporated in the celebration. A procession of Perchten their frightening masks and costumes, is part of the celebrations. For the more traditional, angelic experience of Christmas, visit the nativity exhibit in the Residenz courtyard.
If you want to explore further afields, there are plenty of other Christmas markets nearby, such as Hellbrunn Advent Magic and St. Leonhard Advent Market.
Getting there
Munich is literally around the corner. There are good daytime connections from Venice, Verona, Frankfurt, Strasbourg, Zürich, Prague, Budapest, Berlin, and Milan.
From Brussels, Paris, Florence, Rome, Bologna, Ljubljana, Milan, Warsaw, Budapest, and Rijeka you can catch the Nightjet night train.
Dates. 21st of November 2024 to 1st of January 2025.
9. Colmar's Marché de Noël
What's so good about it
Colmar's half-timbered houses, churches, and the delightful Petite Venise are magical at any time of the but the Christmas illuminations enhance the medieval Old Town's fairy tale quality. It is a mid-winter dream!
There are 6 Christmas markets in then the centre, with stalls and wooden chalets selling artisan crafts, gourmet food and of course wonderful Alsatian wines.
Don't miss the children choirs singing carols listen out for the children choirs singing traditional carols on illuminated boats on the canal in the Petite Venise.
Christmas decorations in Colmar © Jametlene Reskp/Unsplash
The whole of Alsace is a Christmas wonderland, so I recommend visiting Colmar and perhaps using it as a base but also exploring some of the nearby villages if you have the time.
During Chrismas market season, shuttle buses link them to Colmar. It's hard to choose between Ribeauville, with its market huddled between the towers and the ramparts, and your period costume events; the delightful fortified village of Eguisheim, anointed as one of the most beautiful villages in France; and fairy-tale Kayserberg, overlooked by the ruins of its medieval castle.
If you can, get on a train to Sélestat (10 minutes away), for a bit of Christmas history. The first ever written mention of the Christmas tree, dated, is preserved in the town's Humanist Library!
As you are on one of the main Alsatian wine routes, you'll find plenty of cellars open to visitors, as well as market stalls selling local favourites such as Riesling and the aromatic Gewurtztraminer.
Alsatian Kugelhopf © Shalev Cohen/Unsplash
Wherever you are, the magic of an Alsatian Christmas and the delights of Alsatian food and wine will fill your senses. Think wild boar stew, flammekuche, fragrant braedele (aniseed or ginger-flavoured biscuits) and the king of Alsatian cakes, the comforting, buttery kugelhopf!
Getting there
Colmas is just over 2 hours from Paris by direct train, and the trains leave from Gare de l'Est, so if you come from London, Amsterdam, or Brussels, arriving into Gare du Nord, you can change stations with a 20-minute walk or one stop on the metro.
It is also super-easy to get to Alsace from Switzerland, Frankfurt, Milan (change in Basel)
There is a Nightjet night train service from Berlin.
Dates: Colmar markets run from November 26th to 29th December. For nearby villages check this website for details.
10. Basel's Weihnachtmarkt
What's so good about it
Basel is traditionally considered Switzerland’s most beautiful Advent destination. The shops and the facades of many buildings glitter with a golden glow, dozens of brightly-lit tall pine trees border the streets and the well-preserved Basel Altstadt radiates Christmas light. No wonder Basel is rated as the Best Christmas Lights Destination in Europe!
Christmas lights over Münsterplatz © Manu Schwendener/Unsplash
As for the market itself, every year the Altstadt area between Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz fills with wooden chalets selling artisanal crafts and goods. A magnificent Christmas tree, decorated by local legend Johann Wanner, stands on beautiful Münsterplatz, against the backdrop of the historical Basler Münster cathedral. A 13-meter-high Christmas pyramid dominates nearby Barfüsserplatz.
The Christmas Pyramid © This is Basel
No stay in Basel is complete without some time by the Rhine. When you have had enough of shopping, grab a mulled wine and head along the right bank. At Claraplatz, you can surrender to some culinary temptations, you can surrender to the food stalls culinary temptations, from gooey raclette to chunky sausages. Properly refuelled, you can enjoy the timeless beauty of one of Europe's mighty rivers, with Chrismas lights glittering on the water surface.
Getting there
To get to Basel from Amsterdam, London, and Brussels, you'll need to change train in Paris (and walk 20 minutes from Gare du Nord to Gare de l'Est or catch the metro for one stop.
Basel is also very easy to reach from Frankfurt, Milan, Stuttgart, Munich, Lyon, Bologna, Dusseldorf, and Luxembourg.
From Berlin, Hamburg, and Hannover you can catch the Nightjet night train.
Dates: Dates: November 28th to December 23rd 2024.
11. Valkenburg and Maastricht
What's so good about it
According to local legend, Santa comes from Valkenburg aan de Geul in the Netherlands. As the days get shorter, this enchanting small city on the river Geul in Zuid-Limburg, becomes ‘Kerststad Valkenburg’.
Christmas Market in the Municipal Cave © Visit Zuid-Limburg
Apart from the delightful village and the Santa connection, what makes Valkenburg unique? That the over ground Santa grotto and waffle stalls are just the beginning...Under the Municipal Building in the city centre, there is a maze of marlstone caves, known under the name of Municipal Cave and every November this maze is transformed into the largest underground Christmas market in Europe!
And another cave system, the Velvet Cave, lies under the ruins of the castle, and it gets the same Christmas makeover.
From Valkenburg, every 30 minutes there is a train to Maastricht, and this city in the deep southeast of the Netherlands, very close to Aachen, is another wonderful Dutch Christmas destination.
Christmas decorations in Maastricht © Remco Marien/Unsplash
I find Maastricht one of the prettiest and most romantic cities in the Netherlands, and never more so than in the magic glow of its Christmas lights.
Follow the Magical Lights route through the cobbled streets and pristine Dutch townhouses, and you'll feel transported back in time.
The main Christmas market, in the Vrijthof, takes place in front of the Saint Servatius Romanesque basilica, believed to be the most ancient surviving church in the Netherlands. Unforgettable.
Getting there
Given its location in the south of the Netherlands, you do not need to make your way to Amsterdam to go to Maastricht.
From London or Paris the best way is a fast train to Brussels, where you change for Belgian/Dutch railway services.
From Switzerland and western/northern Germany head to Aachen, and change there for Maastricht.
From Berlin you change in Dusseldorf.
From Munich and Vienna you can catch the Nightjet night train to Brussels and change.
Dates. Both Valkenburg and Maastricht run from 15 November 2024 until 5th January 2025.
12. Metz's Marché de Noël
What's so good about it
With a history spanning 3000 years, a gorgeous and pedestrianised historical centre, two rivers running through it, and an enticing food culture, Metz is in my view one of Europe's underrated gems. You can find out more about the city here.
Its Christmas market is a wonderful affair, in which the complex history of the city (which changed hands between France and Germany) comes to the fore. Think tartiflette, saucisson, champagne and waffles alongside the more traditional mulled wine and ginger treats. Many activities, shows and guided tours enliven the festivities. It is a pity it closes on Christmas Eve!
Metz cathedral in December © Alps2Coast
Getting there
Metz is a 46-minute train ride from Luxembourg and 1h25 from Paris Gare de l'Est.
To get to Metz from Amsterdam, Geneva, and London you'll need to change train in Paris.
From Brussels, you can change in Paris or Luxembourg.
Metz is also very easy to reach from Frankfurt (change in Karlsruhe and Strasbourg). Stuttgart (change in Strasbourg) Munich (change in Stuttgart and Strasbourg), Zurich and Basel (change in Mulhouse).
Dates: Â Dates: November 22nd to December 30th 2024.
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