The air is crisp, the scent of mulled wine hangs heavy, and festive illuminations transform historic city squares into magical wonderlands. Mulled wine, al fresco ice skating, and charming chalets selling woolly socks can only mean one thing: Christmas markets are back. Rediscover their magic—and the romance of rail travel—across Europe this winter with a handful of the continent’s best. Each one is a festive escape from the everyday, less than five hours away from London terminals by train. This guide will take you on a journey to find the perfect mix of twinkling lights, traditional crafts, and seasonal treats that capture the enchanting spirit of Christmas.
Edinburgh: A Crowned Jewel of Christmas
In 2021, Edinburgh’s festive market beat out 65 others to be crowned Europe’s Best Christmas Market, and its reputation has only grown since. The city’s Christmas celebrations take over several key locations, including St Andrew Square, Princes Street, and Princes Street Gardens, from mid-November to early January. It’s a sprawling, joyous affair that promises to be even bigger and better for 2024. Visitors can wander through a maze of traditional stalls, picking up unique gifts and warming their hands around a mug of spiced cider. An ice rink will return to George Street, and the Festive Family Funfair will bring a burst of color to West Princes Street Garden, offering classic rides and a sense of childlike wonder.
The market’s atmosphere is a perfect blend of tradition and a unique Scottish flair. While you’ll find all the classic Christmas market treats, you can also warm up with a wild game burger, sample a mulled Irn-Bru, or sip a dram of whisky to ward off the winter chill. The festive illuminations that weave through the gardens add to the magical ambiance, creating a truly unforgettable experience. To get there, direct trains from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh take just over four hours, making this incredible festive journey as simple as it is enchanting.
Brussels: The Grandeur of Grand Place
Brussels’ winter festivities transform its central square into a breathtaking spectacle. Each year, a 360-degree light and sound show illuminates the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Grand Place, casting a magical glow over the towering 18-meter-tall spruce and its traditional nativity scene. This event, known as “Plaisirs d’hiver,” now in its 22nd year, extends well beyond the main square. More than 200 festive cabins wind through neighboring areas like Place de la Monnaie, Place De Brouckère, and Place Sainte Catherine, inviting visitors to get lost in a world of festive delights.
The market offers a true feast for the senses. Browse stalls selling knitted woollen socks, fire-smoked salmon, and warming fondue, and be sure to try a delicious, spiced waffle. For those who feel adventurous, the 800-square-meter ice rink in Place De Brouckère is the perfect place to wobble your way around under a transparent roof. In previous years, the market has been enlivened by brass bands, choirs, jugglers, and stilt walkers, creating a festival vibe that’s unlike any other. Be sure to order a glass of genever, or Dutch gin, and make merry as you explore this magical winter wonderland. Getting to Brussels is incredibly convenient, with direct Eurostar trains from London St Pancras International taking less than two hours.
Cologne: Germany’s Christmas Market King
Germany is famously the king of the Christmas markets, and Cologne is a city that showcases this tradition in spectacular fashion. The city has several markets, each with its own unique charm. The largest and most impressive sits outside its gothic cathedral, where 150 stalls are set beneath a canopy of fairy lights that seem to stretch to the heavens. Visitors can shop for snow globes and traditional erzgebirge wooden toys while listening to the soothing soundtrack of carols. Artisans demonstrate their craft by painting glass and ceramics, offering a glimpse into the painstaking work that goes into each handmade souvenir.
Two streets south, on Alter Markt and Heumarkt, lies Heinzels Winter’s Fairytale, a collection of 100 half-timbered huts that look as though they are straight from a Hansel and Gretel storybook. Here, woodcarvers and metalworkers produce stocking fillers around a large outdoor ice rink. At the Village of St. Nicholas on Rudolfplatz, the air is filled with the tantalizing scent of riebekuchen—grated potato and onion patties with applesauce. You can browse pop-up timbered houses selling handmade soap, watch pyrography demonstrations, and even look out for a roaming Saint Nicholas. The easiest way to get to Cologne is via Eurostar from London St Pancras, with a quick change in Brussels.
Amsterdam: A Winter Paradise of Light
During the holiday season, Amsterdam transforms into a winter paradise, with the festive glow of Christmas markets and light displays illuminating the city. At the RAI convention center, the Amsterdam Winter Paradise takes over with a massive indoor and outdoor space that feels like a magical Alpine village. Here, you can find a Ferris wheel that offers views of Amsterdam’s dinky skyline, indoor and outdoor ice rinks, and even opportunities for snowball fights, tubing, and cross-country skiing between Christmas trees. When your fingers can’t feel the cold anymore, you can toast marshmallows and snack on spiced biscuits in a cozy, festive setting.
Beyond the main convention center, the entire city glows brightly, thanks to the annual Amsterdam Light Festival. A trail of 30 sculptures winds through the city’s iconic canals, offering a stunning art experience that can be explored by foot or boat. This festival provides a beautiful and artistic backdrop to the more traditional Christmas market activities, creating a truly unique and memorable winter experience. The train journey from London to Amsterdam is just over four hours on a direct Eurostar, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic ride before stepping into this winter wonderland.
Paris: La Magie de Noël in the Tuileries Garden
No city does festive romance quite like Paris, and its Christmas markets are the perfect place to experience “La Magie de Noël” (The Magic of Christmas). The largest of the city’s 20-or-so festive markets is located in the magnificent Tuileries Garden, stretching from Place de la Concorde to the Louvre. The air is filled with the mingled scent of roasted chestnuts and savory onion soup, creating an irresistible invitation to explore. This iconic location, which first hosted the market in 2018, provides a stunning backdrop for the festivities, with classic Parisian elegance meeting festive charm.
The market offers something for everyone, regardless of age. Children will delight in a ride on the Santa Train, while teens can whiz about in bumper cars. For all ages, the Ferris wheel offers spectacular views of the capital’s largest Christmas tree and the Eiffel Tower, both of which are especially beautiful when lit up at night. After experiencing the rides, you can explore the 100-plus chalets that sell mostly French crafts and produce, from savory cheeses and chocolates to warming mulled wine. For a truly glamorous end to the night, you can relax in a Champagne igloo, toasting your holiday trip with a touch of classic Parisian style.
