Published on
October 11, 2025
Europe’s Christmas markets remain among the most significant propellants of tourism during the festive season. With the holiday season almost here, travellers begin to look for opportunities to get into the festive spirit, and Christmas markets are a great gateway to local heritage, historical locales, and welcoming festive joy. In 2025, Rail Europe plans to promote six of the region’s remote Christmas markets. All are accessible by train and can be booked through Rail Europe’s B2B platform, which provides a scenic and sustainable travel alternative for tourists wishing to venture beyond the more popular markets.
The vibrant social atmosphere and welcoming festive cheer associated with lifting holiday spirits, brilliantly decorated with lights and seasonal music, and the crisp, enticing scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts evokes a sense of nostalgia to which we all respond. It is then perhaps no surprise that European Cities, during the Christmas season, come alive with dreams of winter wonderlands, with numerous Christmas markets capturing the hearts of millions from all over the world. From the cherished markets of Germany and Austria to the concealed treasures of Poland and Switzerland, Europe is filled with rich cultural and culinary traditions to be celebrated and cherished at the most magical time of the year.
Rail Europe highlights in Europe, for citizens wanting to explore Christmas markets that are underpopulated but just as beautiful, oh, rest easy in knowing that there are six alternative destinations selected for travel in 2025. These Christmas markets are as far as Switzerland and Poland, and each market highlights uniquely charming and local customs that are easily connected by train as a means of desired travel to those hoping to relish in a greener form of travel during the holidays.
Zurich, Switzerland.
Zurich in Switzerland Boasts of claiming to host the most scenic and festive Christmas markets. The market sites and stalls are located on the Zurich shores of the mesmerising and beautiful Zurich Lake, as well as the alluring and majestic view of the Alps. The market stalls are beautifully decorated and offer a wide variety of handmade goods, local gourmet delicacies, and an abundance of Christmas decorations.
The welcoming and uplifting vibes of the market are also complemented by the deliciously crafted Swiss-style Christmas tree. Apart from the wonders of the tree, oh, there are also the delicious Swiss crafts available, along with heavenly Swiss chocolate. There is also Glühwein available, and it is a great addition to the beautiful atmosphere. It is also a great perk and advantage that there are train services available directly from Geneva or Lucerne
2. Wrocław, Poland
Wrocław Christmas Market, located in the southwestern part of Poland, is a place that is still undiscovered. Having a fairytale charm, the Market is located in the Old Town of Wrocław, surrounded by beautiful historical buildings and structures. Visitors can relish polska pierogi, traditional Polish vodka, and numerous locally crafted ornaments. The market shows the beauty of Poland’s holiday spirit and is a train ride away from Kraków and Warsaw.
Colmar, France
Located in the Alsatian region of France and having a Christmas market, the town of Colmar embraces and highlights every Christmas season. Its market stretches across different parts of the town, radiating magic as medieval wooden-framed homes are glimmering with Christmas lights. Visitors can sample authentic Alsatian meals, including choucroute and bredele. Colmar is a train ride away from Strasbourg and is a well-designed and beautiful alternative to the bigger markets.
Prague, Czech Republic
One of the finest Christmas markets in Europe can be found in the Old Town Square of Prague. The scenery of the medieval Old Town of Prague, combined with the stunning setting of the Astronomical Clock, adds to the joy of the celebrations. The market, which can be reached by train from either Vienna or Berlin, offers traditional Czech Christmas pastries, trdelník, and handmade wooden toys.
Salzburg, Austria
The Christkindlmarkt in Salzburg is perhaps one of the most picturesque, especially by the Hohensalzburg Fortress, which adds to the festive ambience. The baroque architecture, along with the mountains covered in snow, create a magical setting for the holiday market, where visitors can taste Austrian delicacies like Sachertorte and punsch. Salzburg can be reached by train from Vienna or Munich in a matter of minutes, making it a perfect spot for a day trip or extended holiday.
Budapest, Hungary
The breathtaking location of Vörösmarty Square hosts the Budapest Christmas Market, where people can appreciate the mesmerising skyline while indulging in some local Hungarian dessert delicacies and holiday treats. Visitors roam the area and enjoy the hot spiced wine, rich goulash, and Hungarian chimney cakes, all while appreciating the man-made beauty of Buda Castle and the natural beauty of the Danube River. The market can comfortably be reached in a short period of time by train from Vienna or Belgrade.
Train Travel: A Sustainable Way to Explore Europe’s Christmas Markets
They go hand in hand with a sense of slow, purposeful travel and mindful tourism, and a delightful part of the journey itself. Access the Christmas markets of Europe by train and the offers a fraction of the travel-related carbon emissions while releasing. Europe is blanketed with stunning countryside, and while the train routes could be the backbone of the system, holiday decorations and the numerous charming towns will be highlights.
Rail Europe’s B2B platform is designed to facilitate booking travel to these Christmas markets, offering valuable flexible tickets and services so that tourists can plan their travel with ease. Passengers have direct access to train schedules, connections, and tickets, enabling them to effortlessly navigate the differing routes and have a smoother journey while enjoying multiple markets within one trip.
Stimulating Regional Tourism and Local Economies
The new Christmas market tourism phenomenon has a beneficial impact on the local economy. Tourists have started patronising local lodgings, dining establishments, and souvenir shops. Such previously neglected regions are starting to attract off-season, winter tourists. Rail Europe is promoting off-the-beaten-path markets to help their local economies, while also allowing tourists to appreciate the richness and variety of European culture.
Unlike the more congested and commercialised Christmas markets, these alternative markets maintain a level of authenticity and charm, providing a more relaxed atmosphere during the holiday season. They are the ideal choice for those who want to escape the crowds and savour a truly festive holiday.
Conclusion: Celebrate Europe’s Construction With A Glimpse Of The Holiday Spirit Through Train Travel
With the addition of Christmas markets accessible by train to their offerings, Rail Europe is helping to improve the tourism industry by opening new avenues of travel to some of the most beautiful parts of Europe. Walking through the winding alleys of Colmar, drinking in the festive sights of Prague, or savouring the gourmet treats of Wroclaw, the Christmas markets in Europe cater to travellers with diverse itineraries and interests.
Sustainable tourism continues to be culturally immersive and offers genuine holiday experiences, so Rail Europe is restlessly taking steps to improve experience-based tourism by making available for their clients the unique opportunity to travel in comfort and ecological safety, while moreover, having the possibility to experience the most wonderful and versatile cultures and traditions Europe offers.
