On one of my recent December getaways, I found budget-friendly ticket offer to Basel, and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to combine Swiss Christmas markets with a visit to the famous Alsace region in France. Basel’s central Christmas market is one of the largest in Switzerland. While I wouldn’t personally call it the prettiest, its unique charm lies in Basel’s geographical location, right on the border with both France and Germany.

Find the best train ticket deals to and from Basel here.

Where to stay in Basel: GAIA Hotel 

Check out 2025 Christmas markets and events in Basel here.

From Basel, I took a train to visit the Christmas markets in Strasbourg and Colmar. It’s the same train line, with Colmar being closer than Strasbourg. In this post, you can read more about my experience in Colmar and the unexpected railway incident I encountered in France. Although not common, it’s a situation worth being prepared for when planning to visit European Christmas markets by train.

Where to stay in Colmar: Un Petit Vintage

Check out 2025 Christmas markets and events in Colmar here.

Strasbourg Christmas Markets

Strasbourg, often referred to as the Capital of Christmas, is home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. Depending on your travel dates, Strasbourg might even be a better option than Colmar, especially closer to Christmas when Colmar becomes quite crowded. While Strasbourg also gets busy, being a larger city, it doesn’t feel as overwhelming to walk around. We traveled in early December and were able to enjoy Colmar’s fairytale ambiance, so, personally I found Colmar’s charm even more magical than Strasbourg’s (although Strasbourg is stunning too).

Where to stay in Strasbourg: Hotel Rohan

Check out 2025 Christmas markets and events in Strasbourg here.

Mulhouse Christmas Markets

Another lesser-known destination to consider is Mulhouse, a small French town just a 30-minute train ride from Basel. It has a charming Christmas market and is a great alternative if you’re looking to avoid the more crowded spots. Alternatively, Freiburg, located in Germany’s Black Forest region, is another excellent option. About an hour from Basel by train, Freiburg’s Christmas market provides a cozy, inviting atmosphere, perfect for trying hot wine and enjoying the famous Black Forest cake.

Where to stay in Mulhouse: La Maison Hôtel

Check out 2025 Christmas markets and events in Mulhouse here.

Christmas markets in Munich

Christmas markets in Nuremberg

From Munich, you can easily take a train (approximately 1.5 hours) to Nuremberg, famous for its world-renowned Christmas market, which often appears on lists of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the world. This market is known for its ornate red-and-white stalls and traditional foods like Nuremberg bratwurst and Glühwein.

Where to stay in Nuremberg: Park Plaza

Check out 2025 Christmas markets and events in Nuremberg here.

Christmas markets in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber (about 2.5 hours from Nuremberg) left me with the most vivid and Christmassy memories of my time in Germany. Rothenburg is like stepping into a holiday fairy tale. In the photo below, you can see one of the charming local shops – it’s hard to imagine how anyone could make themselves leave such a place! Even spending just one day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber will allow you to experience all the magic that makes this town so special.

Where to stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Gästehaus Edelzimmer

Check out 2025 Christmas markets and events in Rothenburg ob der Tauber here.

Other Christmas markets near Munich to visit by train

Augsburg Christmas market is just a short 45-minute train ride from Munich and is also one of the oldest in Germany. Alternatively, Regensburg Christmas Market is about an hour and a half from Munich. During one of my visits to Regensburg, I attended a Sunday church service to listen to a local choir, a suggestion from a local friend, and I absolutely loved the experience.

Where to stay in Augsburg: Boutique Rooms

Check out 2025 Christmas markets and events in Augsburg here.

Christmas Markets in Vienna

Vienna is one of my favorite Christmas destinations in Europe. As the capital of Austria, it is one of the best places to explore Christmas markets across the country by train. On my last visit, we spent 3 days in Vienna, as its vast sightseeing options went beyond just the Christmas agenda. Vienna in December gets crowded, but it is still an epic place to visit. The Rathausplatz market is the most legendary place in the city over the holidays.

Find the best train ticket deals to and from Vienna here.

Where to stay in Vienna: Hotel Sans Souci

Check out 2025 Christmas markets and events in Vienna here.

Christmas Markets in Salzburg

Just within a 2.5-hour train ride from Vienna, you can visit Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace and home to one of the most charming European Christmas markets. The Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, set against the backdrop of the Hohensalzburg Fortress, is a truly dream destination to include in any December itinerary.

Where to stay in Salzburg: Altstadt Hotel Stadtkrug

Check out 2025 Christmas markets and events in Salzburg here.

Graz and Linz Christmas Markets

Other Austrian Christmas markets that can be visited by train from Vienna are in Graz and Linz. Though not as famous as Salzburg, these destinations are well worth a day trip or a weekend getaway. Linz is just 1.5 hours from Vienna by train and is known for its lovely market at the Hauptplatz, surrounded by baroque buildings. Don’t miss their famous Linzer Torte, a delicious pastry available during the festive season. Graz Christmas Market is a bit farther, about a 2.5-hour train ride from Vienna, but this town also offers several delightful Christmas markets.

Where to stay in Linz: Hotel Schwarzer Bär

Check out 2025 Christmas markets and events in Linz here.

Christmas markets in Zurich

Around an hour from Zurich by train, you’ll find Lucerne, one of my personal favorites. The city’s charming medieval architecture creates a picture-perfect setting for a Christmas break in Europe. Switzerland is a bit less touristy than its famous neighbors, Germany and France, particularly outside of the big cities.

Lucerne is, without a doubt, one of the most picture-perfect cities in all of Switzerland, renowned for its crystal-clear lake dotted with swans, charming architecture, and Christmas markets set against the stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

Where to stay in Lucerne: Hotel des Balances

Check out 2024 Christmas markets and events in Lucerne here.

Christmas markets in Bern

About an hour by train from Zurich, Bern’s Christmas market is set in the UNESCO-listed old town. The Waisenhausplatz market features plenty of handmade crafts, while the Münsterplatz market is perfect for enjoying local food and mulled wine. Another great alternative to visit in Switzerland by train is Montreux. Just over 2 hours from Zurich, Montreux offers a beautiful lakeside Christmas market, where the backdrop of Lake Geneva and the Alps enhances the enchanting atmosphere.

Where to stay in Bern: Hotel Waldhorn

Check out 2024 Christmas markets and events in Bern here.

Christmas Markets in Cologne

Cologne’s Christmas markets are some of the most beautiful in Germany, and they completely exceeded my expectations. The Cathedral Christmas Market is iconic, set against the backdrop of the stunning Gothic Cologne Cathedral, one of the tallest religious buildings in Europe. There are also several other markets to explore in the city, including the maritime-themed Harbour Christmas Market and the cozy Angel’s Market at Neumarkt. I never expected Cologne would make it to my list of all-time favorite Christmas destinations in Europe – truth be told, I never really considered it a Christmas destination at all. But those magical fairy-tale markets, with the little train circulating between them, changed my mind. At first glance, Cologne might not seem as charming as Rothenburg ob der Tauber or some of the smaller villages in Germany. However, the glorious lights of Kölner Dom, sparkling cruise boats on the Rhine River, and the abundance of Christmas-inspired activities and events all come together to make Cologne one of the coolest places to experience a magical Christmas in Europe.

Find the best train ticket deals to and from Cologne here.

Where to stay in Cologne: The Midtown Hotel

Check out 2025 Christmas markets and events in Cologne here.

Christmas Markets in Dusseldorf

From Cologne, it’s extremely easy to hop on a train for the 30-minute journey to Düsseldorf, with trains running frequently. Düsseldorf also has several charming Christmas markets spread across the city. The market at Marktplatz, in front of the town hall, is the most picturesque, while the one on Königsallee offers high-end shopping alongside festive stalls. You can also visit the Aussichtsturm (tower) for panoramic views, which can be especially beautiful with the city covered in snow. (Although during our last trip to Düsseldorf in December, it was raining, snowfall in winter is quite common.) Also, with so many trains running between Düsseldorf and Cologne, we accidentally got on the wrong one (ours was delayed by 10 minutes), and we were fined. So, keep in mind that Germany is strict about its rules, and being a tourist won’t excuse you if you board the wrong train or seat. If in doubt, it’s always better to ask the staff for directions.

Where to stay in Dusseldorf: Leonardo Royal Hotel

Check out 2025 Christmas markets and events in Dusseldorf here.

Christmas Markets in Bonn

Only 30 minutes by train from Cologne, you can visit the charming and less crowded Christmas markets of Bonn. The main market stretches from Münsterplatz to Friedensplatz, featuring plenty of delicious food stalls and festive activities. Another great option is the Aachen Christmas Market, located just under an hour from Cologne. This German town is famous for its unique market set around the cathedral and town hall, as well as Aachener Printen, the city’s traditional gingerbread.

Where to stay in Bonn: Beethoven Hotel Dreesen

Check out 2025 Christmas markets and events in Bonn here.