12-Day European Christmas Market Itinerary by Train
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Last updated on July 31, 2025
Planning a European Christmas market itinerary can feel overwhelming. There are so many incredible cities and markets to choose from, and just as many ways to get between them. Do you rent a car? Splurge on a river cruise? Or keep it simple with trains?
When I was planning our own European Christmas market trip, I knew we wanted to visit several markets across different countries without constantly being on the move or breaking the bank. That’s why we created a 12-day itinerary that takes you to six festive markets in four countries, with each train ride under five hours and time to explore the magic of each city.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-follow plan that blends holiday markets with efficient travel, this post is for you! We’ll walk you through the exact route we took, along with helpful tips for booking trains and accommodations, how to plan your itinerary so you’re not too rushed, and festive things to do in each destination.
Table of Contents
Where to Start and End Your Christmas Market Trip
You can, of course, copy my 12-day European Christmas market itinerary verbatim, but chances are you’ll need to adjust the itinerary slightly to accommodate where you’re flying in and out of, or to add a stop at one of the other amazing Christmas markets.
I recommend starting your Christmas market trip in the city it’s cheapest to fly into. I love using SkyScanner to search for cheap flights. I can set up alerts to notify me if flight prices have dropped, with no limit to the number of searches or alerts you can receive.
This European Christmas market itinerary begins in Brussels, Belgium, because it was one of the cheaper destinations to fly into when we booked. Other affordable airports to fly in and out of are Paris, Amsterdam, Prague, and Frankfurt.
If you adjust the itinerary to loop back to your starting point, book round-trip flights. However, we recommend booking “open-jaw” flights, where you buy one-way tickets to an arriving destination and fly home from a different city. We booked flights to Brussels, Belgium then flew home from Zurich, Switzerland for this European Christmas market itinerary.
➡ Read Next: What to Pack for European Christmas Markets ⬅
What to Bring on Your European Christmas Market Trip
I have an entire post about what to wear and pack for your European Christmas market trip, with helpful layering tips to stay warm. However, a few items worth mentioning here that you absolutely need to bring are:
- Plug travel adapter
- Ear plugs
- Eye mask
- Travel credit card with no international fees* (see our favorites here)
- Some cash (~€200)
Tips For Planning Your European Christmas Market Itinerary
Here are a few helpful tips to follow when planning a European Christmas market itinerary.
1. Don’t overbook your itinerary
It’s so easy to want to visit as many Christmas markets as possible. Americans, in particular, are notorious for overbooking itineraries to “see it all”. If you want to do more, start by choosing a few of the top destinations you absolutely want to visit, maybe it’s one of the best Christmas market destinations in Europe.
Place them all on a map and then look at the distances between each. Is it realistic to travel from spot to spot, and if so, in what order and by what train? Factor in potential delays, needing to arrive at the train station about 45 minutes early to get to your platform, and the time you’ll want to explore the destination outside of the Christmas markets. We decided to book a minimum of two nights in each destination so we could also explore the city/area during the day.
2. Keep your travel days under 4 hours max
When you start mapping out the route, make sure the train ride won’t be more than 4 hours long. I tried to look for direct train routes to minimize potential delays or risk missing our next train. Four hours is the perfect travel time after checking out of your accommodations and being able to check in to your new ones. It also gives you time to get settled and start exploring, without feeling too exhausted.
3. Look for variety in the markets you visit
Germany is hands down the best country to visit for Christmas markets, but I don’t recommend exclusively staying in Germany. It’s fun to visit different countries and see how they celebrate this holiday. They will likely have different foods on offer and, of course, influences from their unique culture. See our entire Christmas Market trip in our YouTube video below.
4. Prepare for museum closures on Monday
Almost every museum across Europe closes down on Mondays. If you want to visit various museums on your trip, adjust your European Christmas market itinerary to accommodate Monday closures and book guided tours or experiences that day instead.
6. Book your accommodations and train tickets early
Don’t wait until the last minute to book accommodations. The Christmas markets in Europe have become extremely popular, and most hotels will be fully booked. I recommend booking your accommodations at least two months in advance.
We use Booking.com to find the best stays, but I will have recommendations for where to stay on this specific itinerary below. The same goes for buying train tickets. Train routes fill up, so I recommend buying train tickets at least three to four weeks in advance.
➡ Read Next: Christmas Markets in Europe: 13 Things to Know Before You Go ⬅
Traveling By Train in Europe
Now let’s talk about traveling to different European Christmas markets by train. Trains are one of the best ways to get around Europe. They’re well-connected, generally affordable, fast, efficient, clean, and comfortable.
To book tickets, we recommend Trainline, a platform that lets you compare routes, prices, and travel times across multiple countries. It’s easy to use and often offers lower prices than booking directly through each country’s railway service.
That said, if you’re worried about cancellations or need flexibility, you may prefer to book directly through the national train providers, since it can simplify the refund process in case something goes wrong. Here are the main train companies you’ll encounter on this route:
- Belgium: SNCB Train
- Germany: Deutsche Bahn (DB) *Be weary of DB trains. They are severely underfunded and notorious for delays and cancellations.
- France: SNCF
- Multiple Countries in France: Eurostar or Eurail (ICE trains)
This European Christmas market itinerary includes five train trips totaling around $206 per person for our visit. We did experience two canceled DB trains in Germany and had to purchase separate Eurostar tickets to reach Cologne. Fortunately, we were reimbursed for the canceled trains after visiting a DB office in person. If a train is canceled or delayed, be sure to save the following documents. You will need them to receive a refund.
- Your original ticket confirmation with proof of payment
- Any emails or notices about the delay or cancellation.
Day 1 – 2: Brussels, Belgium
After arriving at the Brussels Airport, go down to the -1 platform to get a train to Brussel-Centraal (city center). Another option is to take the bus. However, the train is more direct to the city center and offers more space for luggage. After checking into your hotel and getting settled from the flight, start exploring. There are six Christmas markets in Brussels, Belgium. You can see hours and days of operations for the 2025 markets here.
- Place de la Bourse: Just off the Vismet/Place Sainte-Catherine. Is mostly food vendors.
- Place de la Monnaie: In front of the Royal Theatre, a good spot for drinks and sweets.
- Vismet/Place Sainte-Catherine: The biggest market with dozens of chalets and the Ferris wheel.
- Place de Brouckère: Lots of chalets selling food, drinks + goods. Home to the ice and curling rinks.
- Black tower: Great for kids, with Santa’s workshop and carols by the Winter Vox choir every Saturday and Sunday.
- Madeleine & Galerie Bortier: Mostly goods with some chalets spilling out onto Rue de la Madeleine.
- You can also see a special light show and a beautiful Christmas tree in the Grand Place or Grote Markt (Dutch).
Most markets had international specialties along with traditional foods from Belgium, like Moules-Frites (mussels and fries), waffles, and crepes. We really liked the selection of products sold in Brussels compared to other Christmas market destinations. There were several unique homemade goods compared to a lot of mass-produced items sold elsewhere.
Things to do in Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is an international city with a unique blend of cultures and languages. As the capital of the European Union, it’s home to several major institutions, including the UN. The city is trilingual, with residents speaking Dutch, French, and English, making it easy to communicate. Here are some of the best things to do in Brussels:
- Visit the main square called the Grand Place in French or Grote Markt in Dutch
- Visit the iconic Manneken Pis statue
- Belgian waffle making class (with beer)
- Food + beer history walking tour
- Visit the City Hall Museum (bonus: it’s open on Mondays)
Where to stay in Brussels, Belgium
Below are our recommendations of where to stay in Brussels, Belgium for this European Christmas market itinerary.
- Budget: Ibis Brussels City Centre ⭐⭐⭐, 7.8 rating
- Mid-range: OPO Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.1 rating
- Luxury: Juliana Hotel & Spa ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 8.8 rating
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Day 3 – 4: Brugge, Belgium
Your next stop on this European Christmas market itinerary is Brugge (also referred to as Bruges), located in the heart of Flanders, the Dutch-speaking area of Belgium. You can get to the city center (Markt) on their free shuttle outside the train station. The bus runs every 20 – 30 minutes, making several stops throughout town and is so convenient!
Bruges is a quintessential Dutch town with great food, chocolate, and beer. It ended up being our favorite stop on our European Christmas market itinerary because of its history, culture, and overall vibe (not necessarily because of the Christmas markets). It’s so incredibly charming!
There are two Christmas markets in Bruges. One in the main square, below the Belfort tower, called Winter Glow, and a second, smaller market is about a ten-minute walk away. The smaller market had a better food and beverage selection than Winter Glow, although Winter Glow had a better atmosphere.
You can stay one night in Brugge and one night in Ghent if desired. I’ve heard they are both lovely to visit and only a 30-minute train ride away; it’s an easy day trip to explore more Christmas markets. However, we decided to spend our two days in Brugge as there was plenty to do and see.
Things to do in Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a relatively small town that can be walked in its entirety in roughly 1 hour. I spent an entire afternoon meandering through the cobblestone streets, visiting several historic buildings, and admiring the beautiful views of the canal. Here are some of the best things to do in Brugge:
- Visit one of the dozens of chocolate shops or take a chocolate truffle-making class.
- Visit the main square, Markt Square, to admire the beautiful buildings.
- Take a walking history + boat tour through the canals
- Visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which houses a relic believed to be a cloth stained with the blood of Jesus Christ.
- Try one of the over 400+ Belgian beers at 2be shop, aka “The Beerwall”.
Where to stay in Bruges, Belgium
- Budget: Boutique Hotel Sablon by CW Hotel Collection ⭐⭐⭐, 9.0 rating
- Mid-range: Dukes’ Palace Brugge – by Dukes’ Hotel Collection ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.2 rating
- Luxury: Hotel de Orangerie by CW Hotel Collection ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.2 rating
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Day 5 – 6: Cologne, Germany
Your next stop on our European Christmas market itinerary is Cologne, Germany. The train ride is a quick three hours from Bruges, where you can hop on a local metro ($3.50 per person) to get to your hotel to check in. Cologne was our favorite destination for Christmas markets among all the places we visited. The city has seven Christmas markets, each with its own theme and elaborate decorations.
- Nicholas Village (Nikolausdorf): Great spot for kids with a Santa to meet and greet, a toy shop, and lots of fun reindeer decorations.
- The Angel Market (Market del Engel): Our top pick for food with a beautiful star-themed decor.
- Cathedral Market (Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom): The best overall vibe. It’s huge and right under the Dom! It also has live music, and the atmosphere is absolutely incredible.
- Harbor Market (Kölner Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt): We didn’t make it to this one, but it’s supposed to be nautical-themed.
- Heinzels Winter Fairytale (Heinzels Wintermärchen): Our second favorite, themed around dwarfs and gnomes. It has an ice skating rink there, too!
If you’re considering adapting this European Christmas market itinerary in any way, don’t skip Cologne! It was truly the best destination for Christmas markets with incredible food, amazing decor, and so many festive spots to celebrate.
Things to do in Cologne, Germany
I wouldn’t say the activities in Cologne were extra exciting. We enjoyed walking around and learning about the area’s history. We visited a museum since the weather was less than ideal during our visit. However, the Christmas markets are definitely the draw here. Some of the top things to do in Cologne are:
- Try a Kolsch beer on a Brewery Tour
- Visit the Museum Ludwig (the museum we visited)
- Go on a Rhine River Cruise
- History highlights on a walking tour
Where to stay in Cologne, Germany
- Budget: Motel One Köln-Neumarkt ⭐⭐⭐, 8.4 rating
- Mid-range: Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne MGallery ⭐⭐⭐, 8.7 rating
- Luxury: Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 8.9 rating
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Day 7-8: Frankfurt, Germany
Your next destination will be Frankfurt, a 1-hour train ride from Cologne. As the financial capital of Europe, this city feels big, new, and urban. It reminded me of a cleaner, more organized New York City or Chicago. Like Cologne, Frankfurt was destroyed at the end of World War II. Most of the city, aside from a few churches that were spared during the bombings, was rebuilt in the 1960s.
Frankfurt was my favorite city for food on this European Christmas market itinerary. I loved trying all the unique Frankfurt specialty foods and drinks (you have to try Apfelwein), and Kleinmarkthall was outstanding! This indoor farmers market (closed Sundays) sells produce, meats, prepared foods, and has multiple restaurants on the second floor. It’s one of the best markets I’ve ever visited in our travels. Stalls to visit are Fisch Markt Mare Blu, Daheim, and Hausfrauenkost for Frankfurter Würstchen (local sausage).
Unlike the other cities we’ve shared so far in this European Christmas market itinerary, Frankfurt’s Christmas markets wind through the historic area, spreading out into several parks and eventually ending in the Römerberg square. The markets here were impressive. While not themed like Cologne, they were so festive, with a great food selection, atmosphere, and outdoor fire pits to cozy up to.
Römerberg square can get extremely busy at night and on the weekends. Try to visit during the day to avoid the crowds, or visit during the week. Don’t miss admiring (or riding) the two-story merry-go-round. It may be the prettiest merry-go-round I’ve ever seen.
Things to do in Frankfurt, Germany
Like Cologne, I wouldn’t say I loved the activities outside of the Christmas markets in Frankfurt. We spent an afternoon at our hotel relaxing in the sauna, which was well needed after 8 days of non-stop travel. However, we did spend some time exploring the city. Below are a few of the must-do activities in Frankfurt, Germany:
- Frankfurt Walking History Tour
- Visit Kleinmarkthall
- Goethe House Museum (famous writer and poet)
- Explore the old town, Altstadt, and visit Römerberg square
- Walk across “the lock bridge” and grab a drink at Main Terrasse, Sommerterrasse mit Skyline
Where to stay in Frankfurt, Germany
- Budget: Moxy Frankfurt City Center ⭐⭐⭐, 8.4 rating
- Mid-range: LUME Boutique Hotel, Autograph Collection ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 8.8 rating (where we stayed)
- Luxury: Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 8.4 rating
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Day 9-10: Colmar, France (or Strasbourg)
Today is the longest travel day as you venture into a new country, France. The train will take just over 5 hours to reach the Alsace region, and while it’s a long trip, it’s worth the distance! Alsace is like a fairytale in real life. It’s believed to have inspired the town in Beauty and the Beast.
This European Christmas market itinerary has you visiting Colmar, instead of the larger, more famous Strasbourg, France. Strasbourg is nicknamed the Christmas Capital of Europe, and is definitely a magical place to visit, but it gets very busy. If you prefer to visit Strasbourg, it’s just a short 40-minute train ride from Colmar, where we’ll be staying in this European Christmas market itinerary.
Colmar has six Christmas markets spread throughout the city. As you’re walking from market to market, you’ll notice almost every home, square, and business has been decorated for the holiday. There is truly no shortage of festive decor here. It’s magical during the day and night!
One thing unique to Colmar’s market is the dedicated food Marché Gourmand. It’s a huge tent with just over one dozen different food vendors selling local specialities. I was super pleased to see regional foods and beverages, including the famous Alsace wine, over the typical international cuisine or German Christmas market foods. It was slightly expensive, but great variety! There was also a huge Ferris wheel nearby that you could go on.
Things to do in Colmar, France
Colmar is so romantic and picturesque, just walking the streets is a worthwhile activity. We opted for a history walking tour to learn more about what we were seeing, which I highly recommend! Below are a few of the top things to do in Colmar, France:
- Go on a walking history tour
- Visit Little Venice (Petite Venise)
- Try Muenster cheese (it originated in Alsace)
- Visit the Bartholdi Museum (the designer of the Statue of Liberty)
- Visit its historic waterfront market, Marché Couvert and check out the houses on Grand Rue
Where to stay in Colmar, France
Accommodations are slim in Colmar. It’s a tiny town with no big hotels. Most accommodations are vacation rentals, small boutique hotels, or B&Bs. With that being said, here’s where we recommend staying in Colmar, France. Book your stay in Colmar early! This is one of the most expensive stays of this European Christmas market itinerary, and prices will increase as accommodations dwindle.
- Budget: Loft vacation property 7.8 rating
- Mid-range: Hotel Le Colombier ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 8.8 rating
- Luxury: Appartement Grenier à sel Gentleman 9.6 rating
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Day 11-12: Zurich, Switzerland
The last stop on this European Christmas market itinerary is Zurich. It’s a roughly 3-hour train ride from Colmar, with a stopover in Basel to switch trains. Train rides up to this point haven’t been exceptionally beautiful, but this ride will have views of dense forests and mountains in the distance—it’s beautiful!
Zurich is the capital of Switzerland. It’s clean, organized, beautiful, and big. It’s also expensive! We were shocked at the prices here and were glad we only allocated two days to our itinerary in Switzerland. It’s important to note that Switzerland uses francs, not euros. All Christmas markets in Zurich were cashless, thankfully, so have a travel credit card with no international fees for purchases.
Zurich’s Christmas markets, like most other big cities, are spread across several areas. The largest Weihnachtsdorf market is in the main square, Sechseläutenplatz, in front of the Opera House. Another is located inside the train station (literally under the same roof) with a few others scattered around downtown and the historic area of Zurich. One market, Zurich Werdmühleplatz, has a daily concert with carolers singing on a stage decorated like a Christmas tree.
The Illuminarium is an unofficial Christmas market centered around food! They had every type of international cuisine imaginable, plus a few local dishes and lots of tasty drinks like spiked hot chocolate. You can see a full map of all of Zurich’s Christmas markets here.
One thing I loved about the Christmas markets in Switzerland is that they build temporary fondue huts called Klosters Hüschi. There was one at Werdmühleplatz and at the Illuminarium. You have to reserve your fondue dinners at these pop-up huts in advance, but it looked so dreamy!
Things to do in Zurich, Switzerland
- Listen to the Zurich Symphony at the Opera House (free daily at 5:30 during the holidays – arrive early!)
- Go on a Lindt Chocolate Tour
- Go to the Zurich Swiss Museum (so fascinating – we loved this)
- If you’re into football, go to the Zurich FIFA Museum
- Take a day trip to Rhine Falls
- Ride a Märlitram (Santa driving a festive train telling stories to children)
Where to stay in Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich’s accommodations are expensive. Expect to spend at least $300 to $500 a night if you want to be well located to the lake, museums, and historic areas of the city. We stayed further out to save on accommodations and took the tram into town, which was efficient and affordable. However, below are my top recommendations for Zurich accommodations in the center of the city.
- Budget: CitizensM Zürich ⭐⭐⭐, 8.6 rating
- Mid-range: Marktgasse Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 8.7 rating
- Luxury: Baur au Lac ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.4 rating
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Just like that, 12 magical days exploring Europe’s Christmas markets are over. If you found this European Christmas market itinerary helpful, let me know in the comments below. Of course, there are so many other amazing destinations to visit, but I hope this guide has given you a good foundation to build your own itinerary or follow in our footsteps for a festive holiday through Europe this year.
