See Europe’s Christmas markets by rail
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Candlelight stalls piled high with hand-made gifts, local foods, wine in beautiful packaging, and traditional decorations to add to your collection. What better excuse could you have for enjoying one of these seasonal short breaks by train?
But our guided rail tours to the Christmas Markets offer much more than a quick shopping trip. Many British Christmas traditions originated in mainland Europe, such as Christmas trees and advent calendars, not to mention some of our favourite carols. In the face ofincreasing commercialism, a few days away on our Christmas Markets holidays by train enjoying age-old customs in an enchanting setting is a wonderful way to re-discover the true meaning of Christmas.
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Based in the spa town of Harrogate, experience the Christmas Markets in York, enjoy two vintage steam rail journeys with a festive theme and visit the historic house of Castle Howard in its full Christmas glory.
Departures from November to December
from £325
Christmas comes alive with a stay in historic Stratford upon Avon. Visit nearby Christmas Markets, enjoy festive steam trains and medieval Warwick Castle.
Departures from December to December
from £378
Festive Cologne has six bustling markets to choose from - including a floating one. Sample local bratwurst, beers and mulled wine, whilst musicians and acrobats provide lively entertainment.
Departures from November to December
from £435
Edinburgh is a delight in the weeks before Christmas, its streets aglow with Christmas markets and festive events. Explore to your heart's content from our base on the Royal Mile and enjoy varied and fascinating excursions around Scotland.
Departures from November to December
from £445
This winter, come with us to the historic town of Trier, the quaint old wine village of Bernkastel-Kues and postcard-pretty Cochem: three festive riverside towns absolutely brimming with Christmas cheer!
Departures from November to December
from £450
Yorkshire Christmas Markets 2010
Stratford & Christmas Markets 2010
Cologne's Wonderful Markets 2010
Edinburgh Christmas Market 2010
Markets of the Moselle Valley 2010
01904 521 936
Christmas markets by rail - Christmas markets guided rail tours
6 December is St Nikolaus Eve, when German children leave polished shoes outside their bedroom door in the hope that Weihnachtsmann will have filled them with treats come morning. In Luxembourg children wait for Klees'chen but in parts of France it is Saint Nicolas who fills the shoes with sweets and small toys. This region of the world has some of the best Christmas markets by rail and starting from late November children step incredibly cautiously around their parents. Not for fear that they won't receive their presents but if they misbehave then Black Peter or Père Fouettard will take them away on Christmas Eve.