There’s something undeniably magical about Europe in December - cities glowing in the soft amber light of fairy-tale markets, cobblestone lanes fragrant with mulled wine, and snowflakes swirling past cathedral spires. But perhaps the most magical way to experience this winter wonderland is aboard a luxury train - where festive markets, fine dining, and slow travel come together in perfect harmony.
Luxury train journeys at Christmas aren’t simply a way to get from one market to another - they are celebrations in motion, where old-world glamour meets the heart-warming spirit of the holidays. From Central Europe’s glittering town squares to Britain’s historic winter fairs and Lapland’s snow-clad wilderness, here are five extraordinary trains that bring the enchantment of Christmas to life.
Golden Eagle: Christmas Markets of Central Europe
The Golden Eagle’s Christmas Markets of Central Europe journey is a masterpiece of festive elegance. Over eight unforgettable days, this rail voyage meanders through Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Dresden, and Berlin - cities whose Christmas markets are legendary for their history, craftsmanship, and seasonal cheer.
Guests begin their adventure in Budapest, soaking in the holiday spirit along the Danube before the train winds towards Vienna, home to the world-famous Christkindlmarkt. In Prague, the Old Town Square glows under garlands and Gothic towers, while Dresden’s Striezelmarkt - Germany’s oldest Christmas market - tempts with spiced stollen and wooden toys.
Between stops, the Golden Eagle offers refined luxury at its best: elegantly appointed cabins, gourmet dining, and convivial evenings of live piano and fine wine. This is slow travel at its most festive - a journey that captures the heart of Europe’s Yuletide charm in vintage style.
Route highlights: Budapest → Vienna → Salzburg → Munich
Duration: 8 days
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Northern Belle: Historic York Christmas Markets
Evoking the golden age of British rail travel, the Northern Belle offers a collection of festive journeys steeped in nostalgia and indulgence. Its Historic York Christmas Markets day trip is a seasonal favourite, combining heritage, comfort, and Christmas cheer.
Guests board the train in London, Birmingham, or Manchester, welcomed with a glass of champagne and a delicious brunch as the train glides through the frost-tipped countryside. On arrival, York’s St Nicholas Fair awaits - one of England’s finest Christmas markets, where cobbled streets brim with artisan gifts, spiced ciders, and traditional Yorkshire fare.
Returning to the Northern Belle, travellers are treated to a five-course dinner with fine wines, entertainment, and candlelit warmth that echoes the splendour of vintage rail glamour.
Route highlight: London / Manchester → York → Return
Duration: Full-day return journey
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Belmond British Pullman: A Festive Journey Through Time
Few trains in the world capture Christmas nostalgia like the Belmond British Pullman. A true icon of luxury rail travel, this beautifully restored train - with its polished marquetry, Art Deco interiors, and storied carriages - turns into a festive dream each December.
Guests can choose from Festive Lunches, Christmas Carols journeys, or London-to-Bath excursions, all designed to immerse travellers in Britain’s most joyful season. Inside, every detail reflects old-world glamour - from silver service dining to champagne toasts and carol singers serenading guests as the countryside glides by.
It’s a journey that feels suspended in time, where each moment celebrates craftsmanship, companionship, and the simple pleasures of Christmas done exquisitely well.
Route highlight: London Victoria → Various festive destinations → Return
Duration: Half-day or full-day return experiences
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The Britannic Explorer: From London’s Festivities to Coastal Charm
For those wishing to extend the festive spirit into a longer adventure, The Britannic Explorer offers an exceptional three-night journey through Britain’s scenic landscapes. Operated by Belmond, this journey beautifully bridges London’s winter magic with the wild beauty of Wales or Cornwall.
Begin with London’s glittering markets - Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Covent Garden’s twinkling arcades, and the riverside festivities of the Southbank Christmas Market. Then step aboard the Britannic Explorer to embark on a luxury expedition through snow-dusted countryside, ancient castles, and coastal villages aglow with festive lights.
Whether visiting Cardiff Castle, sipping local wines in the Wye Valley, or walking through Cornwall’s charming harbour towns, each day unfolds like a chapter from a winter storybook - intimate, indulgent, and timeless.
Route highlights:
London to Wales Expedition – London → Bath → Cardiff → Return
Cornwall Expedition – London → Exeter → Fowey → Plymouth → Return
Duration: Starts with 3 nights
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Santa Claus Express: Journey to the Arctic Circle
If there’s one train that truly embodies the spirit of Christmas, it’s Finland’s Santa Claus Express. This iconic overnight sleeper connects Helsinki to Rovaniemi, whisking travellers directly to the official hometown of Santa Claus - deep in the Arctic Circle.
The double-decker train features cozy cabins, scenic lounges, and a restaurant car serving Finnish specialties. As it winds north through snow-laden forests and frozen lakes, passengers watch the Nordic landscape unfold in cinematic beauty.
Upon arrival, Rovaniemi brims with magic - from husky and reindeer safaris to the Santa Claus Village and, if you’re lucky, a glimpse of the Northern Lights. It’s an unforgettable journey that combines Scandinavian design, comfort, and childlike wonder - a fitting finale to any festive European itinerary.
Route highlight: Helsinki → Rovaniemi
Duration: Overnight (approx. 12 hours)
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The Joy Beyond the Rails: Europe’s Most Magical Christmas Markets
Even beyond these storied train journeys, Europe’s Christmas markets themselves are works of art - centuries-old traditions woven into the fabric of European life. Between the journeys, travellers can linger in these cities, exploring cobblestoned streets lined with festive stalls, sipping on spiced mulled wine, and soaking in the music of the season.
Each market tells a different story - of craftsmanship, heritage, and the human warmth that defines winter in Europe. Whether you’re watching choirs sing beneath the twinkling spires of Prague, shopping for ornaments beneath Strasbourg’s half-timbered houses, or tasting gingerbread in Nuremberg, these markets invite you to slow down and savour the simple pleasures of the season.
Here are a few to add to your festive wish list:
Vienna, Austria
At the Christkindlmarkt outside Vienna’s Rathaus, the city shimmers with old-world grandeur. Sip hot punch as horse-drawn carriages pass, sample warm roasted chestnuts, and admire hundreds of hand-carved ornaments. The air hums with classical music, turning every stroll into a waltz through winter’s charm.
Strasbourg, France
Often called the Capital of Christmas, Strasbourg hosts one of Europe’s oldest markets. Its half-timbered houses glow under golden lights, while Alsatian specialties like bredele biscuits and spiced wine tempt from every stall. The entire old town transforms into a living advent calendar - festive, fragrant, and full of joy.
Nuremberg, Germany
The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg is Germany’s most famous - a centuries-old celebration of craftsmanship and Christmas tradition. Wooden stalls spill over with gingerbread hearts, carved nutcrackers, and toys, while Christkind herself opens the market each year in a poetic ceremony.
Prague, Czech Republic
Set against the Gothic backdrop of the Church of Our Lady before Týn, Prague’s Old Town Market feels like a scene from a fairy tale. Here, the scent of cinnamon pastries mingles with roasted ham as choirs sing carols beside a towering Christmas tree. Every corner of the square gleams with magic.
London, England
From Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park to the Southbank’s riverside market, London is pure festive theatre. Shop for handcrafted gifts, ride the Ferris wheel above the sparkling skyline, and end your evening with hot chocolate at Covent Garden surrounded by glittering baubles and street performers.
Festive Journeys to Remember
Luxury train travel and the festive season share the same essence - they are both timeless, indulgent, and deeply personal. Whether you’re gliding through Central Europe on the Golden Eagle, raising a champagne toast aboard the British Pullman, exploring York’s markets on the Northern Belle, or chasing the Northern Lights on the Santa Claus Express, every journey invites you to rediscover the simple joy of wonder.
This Christmas, let the rhythm of the rails be your guide. Step aboard, slow down, and watch as Europe unfolds in all its festive splendour - one glittering city, one steaming mug of mulled wine, and one unforgettable moment at a time.
Discover the World’s Most Magical Winter Journeys with Luxury Trains