The five best Christmas Markets reachable by rail

Listen, we’ve tried to avoid it as long as possible, but here it comes… Christmas. It’s coming. So strap on a silly jumper and strap in for some seriously festive content. We’re kicking off with a selection box of some of the best Christmas markets you can head to on the rails – we’re talking cute chalets, various sausages being grilled, fairy lights, mulled wine and probably somewhere selling those wooden ties. So settle in, choose your favourite, and don’t forget to treat yourself to a festive upgrade with Seatfrog when you travel this season.

Credit: @thevividexposure

Birmingham Frankfurt Market
Nearest station: Birmingham New Street

Who needs to travel to Europe? The largest German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria is right here in good old Brum. Located on Victoria Square and along New Street, this market is absolutely packed with all the usual Bavarian festive food suspects, including pretzels, bratwurst, weissbeer and gluhwein. There’s also ample opportunity to buy gifts, from baubles to jewellery and everything in between. Keep an eye on the website for the live music line up on the bandstand, too.

Credit: @bathchristmasmarket

Bath Christmas Market
Nearest station: Bath

As if Bath weren’t already offensively charming on its own, add in a beautifully twinkly market meandering around the cobbled streets of the historic centre, and you’ve got Christmas perfection. There’s a huge selection of stalls with local artisans and crafts, delicious food and drink, and a community chalet representing local charities. To make it even more idyllic, get your skates on for a twirl at the Bath on Ice rink. You can even meet Father Christmas in his grotto (presumably he’s the real thing).

Credit: @couvanos

Glasgow Christmas Market
Nearest station: Glasgow Central

More than a market, this is a full-on festive festival. Head to George Square or St Enoch Square, and you’ll find all the usual artisan stalls with handcrafted gifts and delicious food (we’ve heard rumours of mac & cheese, churros and Yorkshre pudding), plus a whole range of thrilling rides and attractions. The big kids can get their jollies on the drop tower, the wave swinger or the big wheel, and smaller tots can squeal in delight on the Grinch Train, the carousel, or the Helter Skelter.

Credit: @northyorksc

Harrogate Christmas Fayre
Nearest station: Harrogate

You know when it’s spelt ‘fayre’, it’s going to be seriously delightful. This charming spa town will be welcoming independent traders from all over Yorkshire to its cobbled streets, as well as trad food delights like crepes and mulled wine. If you’re visiting for the first time, you can hop on the Candy Cane express mini train (adorable) for a tour of the town in festive style, and climb aboard the giant Ferris wheel for views across the market and beyond.

Credit: @thisischichester

Chichester Christmas Market
Nearest station: Chichester

Set in the centre of this Roman Cathedral City, the Christmas market is at the centre of a whole host of festive events. In celebration of the Chichester Festival Theatre’s production ‘Hey! Christmas Tree!’, shops around the city will be competing for best Christmas window display with a Christmas tree theme. There’s also a Christmas Tree Stroll – a lovely route around the centre, visiting different Christmas trees, including sculptures made by local artists with sustainable materials.

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