Best Christmas markets in 2024: Our top 5
The countdown to Christmas has begun! Thankfully you don't have to wait till the second half of December to get into the mood. At the end of November, there are enjoyable Christmas markets all over Europe. With stalls, an ice rink or Ferris wheel, lots of food and lights wherever you look. All are easily accessible by train.
1. London
And the winner is… London! Enjoy great Christmas markets, beautifully lit streets and special shop windows in Europe's Christmas shopping capital. It's easy to get there with Eurostar. On the way there, you need to change trains once, but on the way home you can sit back and relax. Ideal as you’re travelling back with all those shopping bags. There is now an increased availability of cheap tickets: our Christmas present to you. Cheers to an unforgettable Christmas!
2. Bremen
The Christmas market in Bremen is special due to its location by the old town hall and the Weser River. In addition to the traditional Christmas market, Bremen also hosts a medieval market, complete with artisans in medieval clothing and ancient crafts. It's like stepping back in time. Furthermore, Bremen has the 'Schlachte-Zauber' along the riverbank, where you can enjoy maritime specialties and handmade products in stalls resembling old ships. This makes the Bremen Christmas market truly unique and worth a visit. You can easily travel there with Intercity Berlin and ICE International.
3. Vienna
The city of Sissi, opera, classical arts, and baroque architecture, and one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets. It’s like Christmas was created for this beautiful city. Vienna is well worth a visit. Feel free to take a few days off to soak up the typical Viennese Christmas atmosphere. Travel at night with the direct night train ÖBB Nightjet.
4. Cologne
If you arrive in Cologne with the ICE International between late November and Christmas, you can enjoy the enchanting Christmas markets. It's the perfect opportunity to get into the festive spirit early and go Christmas shopping. In Cologne's charmingly decorated city centre, you'll find the most unique Christmas gifts. Cologne has six Christmas markets in the centre, with the most atmospheric one located by the Cologne Cathedral. Here, more than 150 stalls create a cosy Christmas village, with the impressive Cathedral as a backdrop, adding a special touch to an unforgettable experience.
5. Brussels
At the largest Christmas market in Belgium, 240 stalls sell a wide variety of Christmas items: from lovely gifts to delicious Belgian delicacies. In the Ferris wheel – which is decorated with 18,000 lights – you can look out over all the stalls and the ice rink. Intercity Brussels takes you quickly to the heart of the city. You'll board the train, and before you know it, you've arrived. Brussels is that close!
Book a trip to your favourite Christmas market!
Fancy a visit to your favourite Christmas market? By train, you can travel quickly and comfortably to the nicest Christmas markets. Be quick, early bookers travel with the cheapest tickets.
Christmas markets in Germany
Is Christmas also your favourite time of the year? Going to a Christmas market will give you even more Chirstmas spirit. Especially if you visit a romantic Christmas market in Germany, enjoy!
Christmas markets in France
Visit the city of lights in Paris at Christmas. Or the cosy market in Lille, near the train station.
Christmas markets in Belgium
Taste the Christmas atmosphere in Bruges or visit the cozy Christmas markets in Brussels. Our southern neighbours know what Christmas is all about!