The best Christmas markets 2011

Christmas markets are popping up all over Europe this year, making it tricky to decide where to head for mulled wine, festive snacks and a stroll through beautifully lit cobbled streets. So that you don't get crippled by choice, we've listed details of the top three Christmas markets to head for this year, all of which can be reached by train. 

Stock up on festive cookies. Photo: Railbookers

1. Christmas markets in Vienna
Far more than just a Christmas market pulls people to Vienna over Advent and Christmas. The city oozes winter charm; classical music and carol concerts are often free for all, Vienna's dramatic churches are adorned with nativity displays and the scent of roasted chestnuts fill the streets. The main Christmas market is a celebration of Advent, in front of City Hall, however there are plenty of others throughout the city including the traditional Viennese Market on Freyung and infront of the St Charles Borromeo. If you tire of shopping and grazing at the markets then Rathauspark comes alive at this time of year with decorated trees, pony rides, winter sculptures and other winter wonderland attractions.
>> Book your trip to a Christmas Market in Vienna
Vienna's Christmas markets are open from 13th November to 26th December. See our Plan Your Journey by train to Vienna for itineraries and booking information.  

Why stick to land when you can browse on water. Photo: Paul Miles

Christmas markets in Cologne
Cologne is arguably the leader of the pack when it comes to the original Christmas market experience. It is home to no less than seven unique markets, all with their own theme and speciality, as the names would suggest; 'Home of the gnomes' ( in the Old Town), 'Angels Market' ( on Neumarkt) and 'Fiarytale Christmas Market' (at Rudolfplatz). Arts and crafts are plentiful, as is street food of German and more exotic origin and, of course, Gluhwein and beer. Whilst there make sure you head for the ship “MS Wappen von Köln”, which not only gives you a superb view of Christmas lights reflected in the Rhine but also houses over 40 market stalls and evening entertainment. 
Cologne's Christmas market is open from 21st November to 24th December.

>> For a tailer made trip by train see Cologne Christmas Market Holiday or check out our Plan Your Journey to Cologne by train. Find out more in Paul Miles' Review of Cologne Christmas Market . 

Old towns come alive with Christmas lights. Photo: Railbookers

Christmas markets in Munich
Usually more renowned for its modern and cosmopolitan vibe rather than tradition, Munich's historical side comes alive over the Christmas period. There are over 20 Christmas markets to chose from, all promising top notch festivities. However, the Medieval Christmas Market stands out as a must see. This market is more of a fair, celebrating both Christmas and the medieval history of the city, whose Christmas markets supposedly date back to the early 15th Century. The market is designed to take you back to Medieval Bavarian times with traditional arts and crafts being demonstrated by glass blowers, goldsmiths, potters and other craftsmen. Throughout Advent weekends are filled with a steady stream of hearty entertainment including Celtic harps, Irish fiddles, Bavarian hurdy-gurdy, Medieval singing, bagpipes and jugglers. Wizards, stilt-walkers and the slightly dubiously named 'Wonder Doctors' drift through the stalls to entertain kids. 
Munich's Christmas markets are open from 24th November to 23rd December daily.
>> Book your trip to a Munich Christmas Market Holiday

See also our Plan Your Journey to Munich by train. For more information about the Medieval Market line up see Munich's Medieval Christmas Market. 

To see more of our Christmas market holidays by train go to our City Breaks section or Winter Holidays for more great holiday ideas over the festive season.