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Discover Europe's Most Enchanting Christmas Markets on a Train-Powered Journey

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 10:24 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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Discover Europe’s Most Enchanting Christmas Markets on a Train‑Powered Journey

If you’re looking for a holiday adventure that blends the comfort of rail travel with the festive wonder of European Christmas markets, Railbookers’ “Christmas Markets Train Tour” offers a one‑stop ticket to the season’s most iconic sights. The itinerary—carefully crafted by the travel‑rail company—takes you through a string of cities where centuries‑old traditions, dazzling lights, and mouth‑watering holiday fare collide. Below is a detailed, 500‑plus‑word summary of the tour as described in the Travel + Leisure feature, giving you a full picture of what to expect and why it’s worth adding to your holiday bucket list.

The Itinerary: From German Charm to Czech Splendor

Railbookers’ train tour is essentially a “rail‑road trip of Christmas.” The itinerary typically spans nine to ten days and starts in the heart of Bavaria, then snakes eastward through Austria, the Czech Republic, and Germany again, before concluding in the city of Strasbourg in France’s Alsace region—home of the world’s oldest Christmas market.

(Depending on the specific package, some itineraries may skip Potsdam or add additional stops such as Kraków or Bratislava.)

Each day is punctuated by a short, scenic train ride (often a 2–4 hour segment), giving travelers time to soak in the Germanic landscape without the fatigue of a daily transfer. Railbookers uses comfortable, often first‑class compartments on German, Austrian, and French high‑speed lines, with free Wi‑Fi, complimentary onboard meals, and an optional “Night Train” segment that lets you sleep in a private cabin and wake up right beside your next market.

Market‑Specific Attractions

Munich’s Christkindlmarkt is a classic German market—think wooden stalls brimming with artisanal ornaments, a giant Christmas tree in the square, and the sweet scent of Lebkuchen drifting from bakers. The article notes the market’s “famous ‘Stollen’ stalls,” which produce the spiced German fruit loaf that is a holiday staple.

In Nuremberg, the market is perhaps the most historically rich of all. The tour’s guide emphasizes the Christkind, a traditional “Christmas Child” that opens the market on December 6th, and the Nürnberger Lebkuchen that fills the air. The “Nürnberg Beer” stalls, a local specialty, are also highlighted as a must‑try.

Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is renowned for its giant Stollen bakery, “Stollen,” a traditional German cake. Travelers can sample the cake right in the market, and the guide recommends visiting the “Dresden Christmas House,” a gigantic 12‑meter‑tall model of the city that is a visual treat.

The Berlin Nikolaiviertel market is noted for its romantic ambiance under the medieval rooftops, offering a unique “urban Christmas” experience. The article mentions a special lighting show at the “Potsdamer Platz,” giving the city a festive glow.

Prague is described as “the ultimate winter wonderland.” The New Town Square market boasts a large wooden Christmas tree, hand‑carved ornaments, and a “St. Nicholas” concert that fills the square with classical holiday music. The market’s “Troll” stalls, selling handmade gifts, add to the fairy‑tale vibe.

Vienna is famous for its Rathausplatz market, featuring a gigantic “Christmas Tree” that is one of the largest in the world. The article also notes the “Vienna Christmas Ball” tradition, a highlight for those interested in local cultural events.

In Salzburg, the tour emphasizes the connection to Mozart. The guide recommends strolling past the Hofburg, a baroque palace that’s a backdrop to the market, and attending a Mozart Christmas concert at the Festspielhaus.

Finally, Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik is described as “the oldest and arguably the most enchanting” of all. The market is set in the historic half‑timbered buildings of the old town, and the guide recommends wandering through the “La Petite France” district to fully appreciate the region’s unique Alsatian charm.

Onboard Experience & Practical Details

Railbookers markets the tour as a “fully‑guided, all‑inclusive experience.” That means the guidebook, train tickets, accommodations (usually 3‑star hotels with breakfast), and half‑board meals are included. A dedicated guide—often a local language speaker—accompanies the group, offering insights into each market’s history and recommending the best stalls and drinks.

The trains themselves are a highlight. Railbookers partners with Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB, and SNCF, guaranteeing comfortable seats, clean facilities, and scenic views of the Bavarian Alps, the Austrian forest, and the German countryside. Passengers can enjoy free Wi‑Fi, power outlets, and a small complimentary snack on each leg.

The total price of the tour is typically $1,200–$1,600 per person, depending on the season and the number of travelers in the group. Travel insurance, visa assistance, and a 24‑hour support line are included, providing peace of mind for those traveling outside the EU.

Why the Tour Stands Out

1. Cultural Immersion: The article emphasizes the unique opportunity to experience each market’s traditions—like the “Christkind” in Nuremberg or the “Stollen” in Dresden—under the guidance of locals.

2. Convenience: By bundling train travel, accommodation, and meals, Railbookers removes the logistical headaches of booking each component separately. Travelers can simply arrive in the first city, hop on the train, and watch the itinerary unfold.

3. Scenic Routes: The train legs are not just transportation; they’re a scenic backdrop that showcases the Germanic landscapes. On the way to Prague, for example, the train passes through the Bavarian forest and the Czech countryside, offering picturesque vistas.

4. Flexible Itinerary: The Travel + Leisure article notes that Railbookers offers different variations—some itineraries skip Berlin or add a night in Prague. This flexibility allows travelers to tailor the trip to their interests.

5. Safety & Accessibility: With COVID‑19 protocols in place, travelers are assured of clean trains, masks, and health checks. The trains and markets are also wheelchair‑friendly, ensuring accessibility for all.

Final Thoughts

The Railbookers “Christmas Markets Train Tour” is more than a holiday trip; it’s a curated journey that captures the essence of European Christmas traditions across several cultural hubs. From Munich’s bustling Marienplatz to Strasbourg’s ancient half‑timbered lanes, the tour offers an immersive, hassle‑free way to experience the season’s most beloved markets.

For travelers who crave the warmth of holiday lights, the aroma of spiced pastries, and the joy of shared traditions, this train tour delivers an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and convenience. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first‑time visitor, the itinerary ensures that every market feels like a living postcard—perfectly framed by the scenic rails that carry you from one winter wonderland to the next.