Christmas Market Breaks in Europe

The festive charm of Christmas markets on the continent
The season of goodwill may seem a long way away, but savvy Christmas shoppers know that this is the month to start planning - especially if you want to book a mini break to a Christmas Market by rail before the trains get booked up. What better way to enjoy the lead up to Christmas than visiting the atmospheric Christmas markets in some of the most charming cities in Europe, including Bruges, Cologne, Prague and Vienna. You'll get a chance to savour local delicacies, drink mulled wine or hot chocolate and buy stocking fillers at the arts and crafts stands.

Decorated gingerbread cookies at a Christmas market in GermanyGreentraveller have teamed up with Railbookers to offer you a selection of the most popular Christmas market breaks which include your Eurostar ticket, all onward train travel, hotel accommodation and breakfast. To enjoy the ultimate festive experience, we recommend that you combine at least two cities within your trip. You can also get some great deals this way, as certain cities are cheaper during the week (such as Bruges), while a second city can offer better value during the weekend (such as Brussels).

Check Availability on Christmas Market Breaks

Booking information

• All prices are per person for two nights including Eurostar, onward train travel, hotel and breakfast.
• Prices are based on departure from London St Pancras but can be changed to any other station within the UK.
• Due to the huge popularity of Christmas markets, booking close early October already, so get planning for your festive break.
• The period for visiting the markets is from 17 November until Christmas.

The Christmas Markets

Brussels, Belgium
From £189 p.p.
On the cobblestone streets between the Bourse and the Fish Market, you'll find over 240 chalets offering festive food and drink specialities, a 60 metre ice rink and a huge Christmas tree on the Grand Place.
To check availability and book, see: Brussels Christmas Market Short Break 

Bruges, Belgium
From £165 p.p.
The medieval city of Bruges, with its cobbled streets, chocolate shops, and market stalls, is a magical setting for your Christmas shopping.
To check availability and book, see: Bruges Christmas Market Break

The atmospheric lights at a Christmas market in GermanyLille, France
From £189 p.p
Take a short break to Lille's Christmas market to stock up on gifts, decorations and local specialties at the stalls on Place Rihour and take a spin on the 50 metre wheel.
To check availability and book, see: Lille Christmas Market Holiday 

Cologne, Germany
From £235 p.p.
Stroll between Cologne's seven picturesque markets to pick up gifts and indulge in currywurst, glühwein and pretzels.
To check availability and book, see: Cologne Christmas Market Break

Aachen, Germany
From £249 p.p.
On the market square by the cathedral and town hall, don't miss the local gingerbread speciality - Aachen Printen at the spectacular Aachen Christmas market.
To check availability and book, see: Aachen Christmas Market Short Break

Berlin, Germany
From £327 p.p.
Enjoy the most picturesque of Berlin's Christmas markets, Gendarmenmarkt. Sample some local treats such as gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and sausages.
To check availability and book, see: Berlin Christmas Market Long Weekend Break

Maastricht/ Valkenburg, Holland
From £285 p.p.
The centre of Maastricht is transformed during the festive season to include a skating rink, a giant Ferris wheel, live music, as well as many traditional Christmas market stalls with unique handcrafted gifts.
To check availability and book, see: Maastricht/Valkenburg Christmas Market Holiday Break

Christmas markets are a great chance to stock up on local delicaciesPrague, Czech Republic
3 nights from £399 p.p
Brightly decorated wooden huts on Prague's Old Town square offer stocking fillers, wooden toys, scented candles, Christmas tree ornaments, hand-made jewellery and puppets.
To check availability and book, see: Prague Christmas Market Break

Zurich, Switzerland
From £343 p.p.
Take your pick of Bahnhofstrasse, a cosy market in the old town area and a huge indoor market with 160 wooden chalets at ShopVille-RailCity in the train station.
To check availability and book, see: Zurich Christmas Market Short Break

Vienna, Austria
From £398 p.p.
Vienna’s Christmas market takes place on Rathausplatz, where the square is illuminated by a giant Christmas tree. Don't miss tasting the punch and traditional sweets as you browse the stalls for Christmas presents and decorations.
To check availability and book, see: Vienna Christmas Market Holiday Break

 
Example of the Combined City Christmas Breaks:
 
Bruges and Brussels
4 nights from £276 pp
To check availability and book, see: Bruges and Brussels Christmas Market Combined Holiday Break
 
Brussels and Cologne
4 nights from £279 pp
To check availability and book, see: Brussels and Cologne Christmas Market Short Break
 
Berlin and Prague
4 nights from £479 pp
To check availability and book, see: Berlin and Prague Christmas Market Break