Christmas Markets

Embrace the festive season with a magical Christmas market holiday

Christmas Markets

Nothing encapsulates the festive spirit quite like a Christmas market. Weave through quaint town squares packed with charming wooden stalls and twinkling fairy lights while sipping spiced Glühwein and listening to carol singers. Embrace the undeniable scents of Christmas lingering in the crisp winter air - sweet waffles, mouthwatering Brätwurst and freshly roasted chestnuts - and the joyous atmosphere, enhanced by seasonal activities and traditional offerings.

As experts in capturing magical moments, Great Rail Journeys has created a range of holidays featuring these iconic symbols of Christmas. Celebrate the season with a river cruise of the Rhine & Alsace, docking at ports of call famed for their Christmas markets and historical offerings, and bookended by time in Cologne and Strasbourg. Travelling by land instead, soak up the ambience of Bavarian Christmas Markets or the delightful Harz Mountains Christmas Markets. Enjoy stunning routes filled with Christmas cheer and the worry-free atmosphere that comes with curated travel.

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Colourful Stalls

Soak up the scents and sights of Christmas while wandering amongst stalls decorated for the season. Each market varies in its offerings, from traditional ornaments and festive clothing to gifts and holiday decorations. Visit stalls selling sausages or spiced biscuits, savouring the season's offerings as you explore.

Captivating Atmospheres

A feast for the senses awaits every time you set foot in a Christmas market. It is the twinkling lights, the carols drifting through the air, and the distinctly cosy scents of holiday goodies. But more than anything, it is the culmination of these elements - all set against magnificent backdrops of European cities.

Seasonal Tastes

As you wander through Europe's Christmas markets, you can relive holidays of years past as you taste treats brimming with cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, or forge new traditions and memories as you explore the unfamiliar, such as Glühwein, that can bring you back to this enchanting setting for years to come.

Charming Locations

Europe's best destinations, from cities like Cologne and Strasbourg, to lesser-known gems, such as Quedlinburg, a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage site, are transformed into decorative wonderlands during the holidays. Great Rail Journeys tours highlight a blend of delightful locations to bring the season to life.

River Cruise

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German Christmas Markets of the Rhine

(211 reviews)

2026NovDec

2027NovDec

Feel the spirit of Christmas on this cruise along the beautiful Rhine. Discovering Germany at the most magical time of the year we stop at traditional Christmas markets along the way, including Cologne, Bonn, Koblenz and Rüdesheim. Strolling through the stalls, admire the craftsmanship of local artisans and savour the flavours that define...

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Save £300pp

5 days from

£1,199 pp

per person

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River Cruise

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Festive Markets of the Rhine & Alsace

(28 reviews)

2026NovDec

2027NovDec

Embark on a festive cruise through Europe's most enchanting Christmas destinations on the Rhine river. Scenic landscapes and charming towns come alive with seasonal cheer in Germany and France during the most wonderful time of the year. From the twinkling lights of Koblenz's historic streets to the captivating markets of Rüdesheim,...

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Save £300pp

5 days from

£1,299 pp

per person

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Classic

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Bavarian Christmas Markets

(23 reviews)

2026NovDec

Prepare to be swept away by the romance of Bavaria's world-renowned Christmas markets. Experience the captivating atmosphere of three unique markets - in Nuremberg, Regensburg and Rothenburg - each with its own distinct character and enjoy a scenic journey along Germany's famous Romantic Road. Staying in enchanting Nuremberg, discover the...

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5 days from

£1,299 pp £1,149 pp

per person

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Classic

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Harz Mountains Christmas Markets

(51 reviews)

2026NovDec

The Harz Mountains' medieval towns and picturesque landscapes are perfect for soaking up the traditions of Advent in Germany. Join us as we visit three of the region's traditional Christmas markets, UNESCO-listed Old Towns and enjoy a steam train ride through picture-book winter scenery to the summit of the Brocken, Germany's highest summit.

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6 days from

£1,399 pp £1,249 pp

per person

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Classic

Classic Glacier Express at Christmas

(19 reviews)

2026Dec

Snowbound views and seasonal scenery have made the Glacier Express famous at this time of year as the Swiss Alps' glistening peaks provide picture-postcard backdrops to an unforgettable journey. Enroute to Switzerland, visit Strasbourg's Christmas market and marvel at Matterhorn views from Zermatt, before travelling through the 'Swiss...

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9 days from

£4,149 pp

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At Great Rail Journeys we have a wonderful selection of train holidays that guide you to enigmatic destinations, allowing you to sample the culture and authentic flavours. The advantage of a rail holiday is that you not only see fabulous cities and towns, you also get to witness the spectacular scenery which envelops them. Journey among snow-dusted mountains, frozen lakes and fairytale fortresses that make you feel like you have stepped into a real winter wonderland.

Rest assured that our rail journeys are as exhilarating as the Christmas markets themselves, and the sociable environment makes our holidays perfect for solo travellers. We ensure that each passenger feels that they are part of a group, making mealtimes a sociable occasion. Great Rail Journeys will make all of the travel arrangements for you and a professional Tour Manager is on hand throughout your holiday.

During a Christmas markets holiday there will be ample leisure time incorporated into the tour so you have the freedom to explore at your own pace. Perhaps shop for gifts for family back home or simply watch the world go buy in a chic café. Let us treat you this season on an unforgettable break at a Christmas market of your choice. Browse through our selection of tours and begin planning your perfect festive adventure.