Explore German Christmas Markets by Train

Rail Europe is presenting the “German Christmas Markets,” a seven-day itinerary to five enchanting Christmas Markets throughout Germany. Visitors can experience regional traditions, handcrafts and culinary specialties such as Christmas Stollen (German Christmas cake), Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Gluehwein (hot spiced wine).

Travelers can begin their journey in Dresden, home to one of the most well-known Christmas Markets in the world. Then, travel by train to Weimar, a city known for its history and architecture. During the month of December, the city’s Gothic town hall on the market square is transformed into a life sized Advent Calendar, where three children open a new window each day for Father Christmas to greet them with a small gift. From Weimar, travelers head to the medieval streets of Erfurt, then travel back in time to Eisenach to see the market nestled within Wartburg Castle’s walls. One of the best kept medieval castles in Germany, the Wartburg boasts a medieval marketplace with Christmas concerts and artists, craftsmen and knights and colorful booths decked with boughs of holly. The trip concludes in Frankfurt, a buzzing financial metropolis that houses one of the oldest and most elaborate markets in Germany, attracting more than three million international visitors each year. Over 200 stalls offer arts and crafts, festive cuisine and a varied program of Advent concerts and trumpets playing from the balcony of St. Nicholas’ Church.

Travelers to Germany can visit these Christmas markets from $899 per person. This includes a rail pass and hotel nights. (Airfare is not included.) To purchase a German Rail pass, visit www.raileurope.com/rail-tickets-passes/german-pass/discounts-and-pricing.html. To book hotels, visit www.raileurope.com/us/hotel/hotel_search.htm.