The Perfect European Christmas Markets Itinerary By Train (7–10 Days)

This European Christmas market itinerary is for you, if you are looking to explore the magic of Europe at Christmastime.

If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping mulled wine under twinkling fairy lights, wandering cobblestone streets, and browsing wooden stalls with delicious eats and souvenirs under the crisp, magical winter air.

While this 7–10 day itinerary is fast-paced, it takes you through some of the most magical Christmas markets I have visited in Europe! The hard part of European Christmas markets is figuring out where to go. From romantic Paris to Germany’s medieval fairytale towns, finishing with Vienna’s grand holiday celebrations. 

The best part? You can do this European Christmas Market itinerary all by train! No rental cars, or stressing over driving or finding parking.  Trains in Europe are fast, comfortable, and scenic! Plus, many markets are just steps from the main station. 

This itinerary is easy to make your own, skip a stop, or swap in one of the nearby markets I suggest! From the best Christmas markets in France to the best Christmas markets in Germany, to the best Christmas Markets in Austria, we have you covered!

European Christmas Markets Itinerary By Train (7–10 Days)

Day 1–2: Paris, France

Dates: November 15 to January 5

I suggest flying into Paris to start your European Christmas Market trip. Paris may not be famous for massive Christmas markets, but it certainly knows how to make the season sparkle. And nothing is quite as magical as seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkling.

The Tuileries Garden Christmas Market is a bustling mix of carnival rides, gift stalls, and food vendors. You must ride the Ferris wheel for incredible winter views over the city. The Hôtel de Ville market (my personal favorite) is smaller and cozy with historic charm and a peaceful garden tucked behind it.

The Montmartre Christmas Market is smaller and more artistic, located near the Sacré-Cœur Basilica for gorgeous city views.

The history of winter fairs in Paris goes back centuries, often linked to religious celebrations and local artisans selling their goods before the holidays. Today’s markets blend that tradition with Paris’s love for food and festive décor.

Nearby Markets to Visit:

• La Défense Christmas Village – a huge, modern market, 15 minutes by RER A
• Provins Medieval Christmas Market–UNESCO town, 1 hr 25 minutes by train

What to Eat in Paris Christmas Markets:

• Crêpes with Nutella or chestnut cream (my personal favorite)
• Vin chaud (mulled wine)
• Hot roasted chestnuts from street vendors
• Galette des rois (almond cream-filled puff pastry. Traditional in January but often found earlier.

How to Get There:

Fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Orly (ORY). From CDG, take the RER B train or a taxi into the city.

📍 Train to Strasbourg: TGV or OUIGO from Paris Gare de l’Est — 1 hr 40 minutes.

Day 3: Strasbourg, France

Dates: November 26 – December 24

Strasbourg is probably one of my favorite Christmas Markets in Europe, and it lives up to the nickname of Capitale of Noel in France! During the holidays, the entire city of Strasbourg turns into a festive stage. The Christkindelsmärik has been running since 1570, making Strasbourg’s market one of the oldest in Europe. 

The city goes ALL OUT, with jaw-dropping light displays, including the light show at the Cathedral of Strasbourg. Located in Alsace, you will find a blend of French and German heritage that gives the market its distinct feel. With timber-framed buildings, German-style stalls, and French elegance all in one place. 

At Place Kléber, the city’s giant Christmas tree is the focal point, while smaller squares like Carré d’Or and Place Broglie feature specialty goods and gourmet Alsatian dishes. Nighttime is magical here. Don’t miss the cathedral’s evening light show.

Nearby Markets to Visit:

• Obernai – 25 minutes train, medieval setting, mulled white wine
• Mulhouse – 50 minutes by train, famous Christmas textiles
• Kehl, Germany -10 minutes tram, small but charming

What to Eat at Strasbourg Christmas Markets:

• Spätzle with cheese and onions
• Bretzel (soft pretzel)
• Tarte flambée (thin Alsace pizza with cream, onions, and bacon)
• Vin chaud in a collectible market mug

How to Get There:

From Paris, take the TGV or OUIGO (often cheaper option) train from Gare de l’Est to Strasbourg — 1 hr 40 minutes direct.

📍 Train to Colmar: SNCF regional train is 30 minutes.

Day 4: Colmar, France

Dates: November 28 – December 21

Colmar feels like walking into a snow-dusted fairytale, and is a must on any European Christmas Market itinerary. The markets scatter across the Old Town, from Place des Dominicains (crafts) to Place Jeanne d’Arc (food specialties) and Petite Venise (family-friendly rides and canals).

Evenings here are magical. The lights reflecting off the water create postcard-perfect scenes in this already magical village. The market stalls often feature goods from nearby villages, making Colmar one of the best places to pick up authentic Alsatian gifts.

Nearby Markets to Visit:

• Turckheim – 10 minutes train, giant advent calendar windows
• Eguisheim – 15 minutes by bus, voted one of France’s most beautiful villages
• Riquewihr -30 minutes from the cutest wine village inside medieval walls

What to Eat at Colmar Christmas Markets:

• Choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with sausages and potatoes)
• Kugelhopf (Alsace rum-soaked cake)
• Foie gras on toasted bread
• Alsace wines, especially Gewürztraminer and Riesling

How to Get There:

From Strasbourg, take an SNCF regional train is 30 minutes directly.

📍 Train to Heidelberg: SNCF/DB via Offenburg is 2 hours 9 minutes.

Day 5: Heidelberg, Germany

Dates: November 24 – December 22

Heidelberg’s Christmas market spreads across the entire old town, with each square offering a unique twist. The setting of each is spectacular. And so romantic. The ruins of Heidelberg Castle loom above, and the Neckar River flows just steps away. 

The Kornmarkt has a small, cozy atmosphere perfect for sipping hot chocolate, while the Marktplatz boasts a large Christmas pyramid and endless gift stalls. And Karlsplatz offers an ice rink framed by castle views, one of the most scenic skating spots in Europe.

For a quieter moment, stroll along the Philosophenweg for sweeping winter views over the rooftops. There is a reason this is one of the best European Christmas markets that you can visit.

Nearby Markets to Visit:

• Karlsruhe -40 minutes train, fairy forest theme with ice rink
• Mannheim – 15-minute train, historic, and large

What to Eat at Heidelberg Christmas Markets:

• Bratwurst with mustard (senf)
• Kartoffelpuffer (crispy potato pancakes)
• Gebrannte Mandeln (candied almonds)
• Stollen (German fruit bread with marzipan)

How to Get There:

From Colmar, take SNCF/DB trains via Offenburg, which takes 2 hours 9 minutes

📍 Train to Stuttgart: The Regional train is 40 minutes

Day 6: Stuttgart, Germany

Dates: November 26 – December 23

One of the busier Christmas markets on the list has over 3.5 million visitors. Stuttgart’s Christmas market is as much about tradition as it is about size. The market has been running for over 300 years (dating back to 1692) and is famous for its elaborately decorated rooftops.  It is easy to see why this is a must-visit on your European Christmas Market itinerary.

Elaborate displays, including nativity scenes and animated holiday figures, adorn the tops of every stall in the city, renowned for its decorated rooftops. The market sprawls across Schlossplatz is best for children with an ice rink and children’s rides. Schillerplatz is for those looking for a historic setting, and the largest market of Marktplatz, which has over 200 stalls to explore!

An antique market adds a unique twist, perfect for finding vintage ornaments or rare collectibles. The musical performances add a festive soundtrack as you wander from stall to stall.

Nearby Markets to Visit:

• Esslingen – 20-minute train, medieval theme
• Ludwigsburg -15 minute train, baroque decorations
• Tübingen – 45 minutes by train, plus there is a chocolate festival in early December

What to Eat at Stuttgart Christmas Markets:

• Maultaschen ( ravioli stuffed with meat or spinach)
• Schupfnudeln (potato noodles with sauerkraut)
• Glühwein with a shot of Kirsch (cherry schnapps)

How to Get There:

From Heidelberg, take a direct regional train is 40 minutes.

📍 Optional Train to Rothenburg ob der Tauber: 2 hours 20 minutes with connections.

Day 7 (Optional): Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Dates: November 12 – December 23

Rothenburg is part of Germany’s Romantic Road and feels like a living snow globe in December. Nestled in the gorgeous town between the town hall and St. Jakob, the Reiterlesmarkt is considered one of the most picturesque Christmas markets in Germany, with the entire town decorated in lights.

The Reiterlesmarkt takes its name from a centuries-old legend of the Reiterle, a mystical horseman said to visit during winter. Today, people celebrate that folklore with performances, storytelling, and plenty of mulled wine.

While small, medieval walls and colorful half-timbered houses frame it. The entire town feels frozen in time, with every window and rooftop decked in holiday lights. The Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum is a must for year-round festive magic.

Nearby Markets to Visit:

• Dinkelsbühl – 1 hour train, historic Franconian charm
• Ansbach – 50 minute train, Franconian specialties

What to Eat at Rothenburg Christmas Market:

• Bratwurst with sauerkraut
• Schneeballen (snowball-shaped pastry dusted with sugar)
• Hot apple cider or Glühwein

How to Get There:

From Stuttgart, take regional trains via Ansbach, which takes 2 hours 20 minutes.

📍 Train to Nuremberg: Around 2 hours with connections.

Day 7–8: Nuremberg, Germany

Dates: November 28 – December 24

Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is one of the most famous in the world, with roots going back to the mid-1500s. The market opens each year with the Christkind (a golden-haired angel) reciting a prologue from the balcony of the Frauenkirche. This tradition draws thousands of visitors and sets the tone for the festive season.

The Sister Cities’ Market offers global goods, while the Kinderweihnacht keeps kids entertained with rides and games. The food here is the real showstopper!

Nearby Markets to Visit:

• Bamberg – 50 minute train, UNESCO old town
• Regensburg – 1 hour 20 minutes train, visit the palace market

What to Eat at Nuremberg Christmas Markets:

• Rostbratwurst (Nuremberg’s famous small pork sausages)
• Lebkuchen (gingerbread topped with almonds or sugar glaze)
• Feuerzangenbowle (flaming rum punch over mulled wine)

How to Get There:

From Rothenburg, take the regional trains is 2 hours.

📍 Train to Vienna: Railjet is about 4 hours and 30 minutes direct.

Day 9–10: Vienna, Austria

Dates: November 14 – December 26; Schönbrunn Palace market runs until January 6

Vienna has been hosting Christmas markets since 1296, when King Albrecht I granted permission for a December fair. Today, the city boasts over a dozen unique markets. Plus, for those coming in early November, they open earlier than most markets in Europe.

Today, the Rathausplatz market is the showpiece, with over 150 stalls, a massive tree, and ice-skating trails winding through the park.

The Schönbrunn Palace market is my favorite as it is perfect for shopping for little gifts, with Baroque architecture as its shopping backdrop. Smaller markets like the one at St. Stephen’s are equally charming, and the illumination on the cathedral makes it worth a visit!

Nearby Markets to Visit:

**Great for those that have a full 2 weeks**

• Bratislava – 1 hour train, Slovak specialties
• Salzburg – 2 hours 30 minutes train, mountain backdrop
• Budapest -2 hours 20 minutes train, thermal baths & festive squares

What to Eat at the Vienna Christmas Market:

• Käsespätzle (cheesy noodles)
• Krapfen (jam-filled donut)
• Vanillekipferl (vanilla crescent cookies)
• Beerenpunsch (berry punch)
• Coffee and Sachertorte

How to Get There:

📍From Nuremberg, take the Railjet – 4 hours 30 minutes direct. Flying home from Vienna International Airport (VIE), just 20 minutes by train from the city center, is the best ending to your European Christmas Market itinerary.

What to Know and Tips for Visitors

Opening Dates

Most European Christmas markets open in late November and run until right before Christmas. However, several on the list will run until early January. Most open at 10:00 am and run into the evening ( my favorite time to visit)! Check out our amazing list of festive Christmas Markets in Europe that you must visit.

Brings Cash

While in the last few years, more merchants have begun accepting cash, many of the smaller stalls only accept cash ( especially in Germany)

Mulled Wine Mugs

When you order vin chaud or Gluhwein, you pay a small deposit for the mug ( under 5 euros). You can return it for a money back, or keep it as a souvenir ( I collect them from each city as a cute souvenir)

Dress for Weather

December in Europe is normally cold and damp, sometimes even with snow! I suggest packing waterproof boots, a coat, a scarf, and gloves to keep warm! Especially if you will be ice skating or enjoying the city after dark! Bring layers and stay warm! Wintertime in Europe is Magical!

Eating

If you are visiting the market with friends or family, the best way to try all the foods is to share plates. But if going alone, not to worry, as I have listed my favorite must-try foods above!

Best time for Photos

For ‌Golden hour iconic pictures you see all over your feed, you will want to head to the market just after sunset, where the market lights shine, but the sky still has enough light for pictures! 

Avoid Crowds

The best time to visit the markets is weekday mornings.