Everyone aboard for some Christmas cheer: the festive atmosphere is a joy to behold at these stunning markets, from Bruges to Bath (and they’re all less than 6 hours away by train from London)

Travel

Charles Dickens was no Scrooge. He once said, ‘Christmas time! That man must indeed be a misanthrope, in whose breast nothing like a jovial feeling is excited—in whose mind some pleasant associations are not awakened—by the repetition of Christmas.”

So he would certainly have approved of the Christmas markets across Europe, which attract thousands of people every year, both to enjoy the cheerful atmosphere and to pick up unique gifts.

But instead of taking to the skies like Santa Claus, here’s our pick of the best markets you can reach by train – no Scrooges allowed.

BEAUTIFUL BRUGES

Here we collect Christmas markets that can be reached by train from London within six hours. The list also includes Bruges (photo), which has festive markets in two locations

Bruges has two fantastic Christmas markets: one on the Markt and one on the Simon Stevinplein. Expect stalls selling waffles, gingerbread houses, spiced gluhwein (hot wine), jenever (a juniper-based liqueur), local beers, moules frites (mussels and fries), pastries and hot chocolate – perfect for a festive feast. Arts and crafts are also offered.

Bruges is a beautiful setting with its winding streets, canals and cobbled streets, especially after a dusting of snow.

How to do that: Costs from €150 return with an ‘Any Belgian Station’ ticket (eurostar.com). Runs until January 7 (Visitbrugge.be).

Travel time: 3h 25m.

STREET ROOMS IN STRASBOURG

Strasbourg’s Christmas market, pictured, is one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to 1570

The market in Strasbourg dates back to 1570 and is one of the oldest in Europe. It is located in a charming spot in the old town, surrounded by medieval half-timbered houses that seem to lean towards each other.

More than 300 stalls sell breile (small Christmas cookies), mulled wine, tarte flambée (small pizzas without tomato base) and choucroute (sauerkraut with sausage). Every year there is also a decorated Christmas tree of 30 meters high, said to be the largest in Europe.

How to do that: From £290 return via Paris (eurostar.com). The market has already started and runs until December 24 (christmas.alsace).

Travel time: 4h 58m.

DIRECTLY ON ROTTERDAM

The Rotterdam Winter Fair takes place in Ahoy, in the photo, a conference location with more than 200 stalls

For serious shopping – homewares, clothing, vintage furniture, Christmas decorations and more – head to Rotterdam.

The Winter Fair takes place in Ahoy, a conference location with more than 200 stalls. Treat yourself to stroopwafels (sugar waffles) and oliebollen (delicious small donuts). Saturday markets are also planned at the Harvest Market on December 16 and 23.

How to do that: From €160 return (eurostar.com). Runs from December 14-17 (weekendsinrotterdam.com).

Travel time: 3h 13m.

BEAUTIFUL LILLE

Star billing: Lille’s market features a towering Christmas tree and a giant Ferris wheel

Just 82 minutes from London St Pancras, Place Rihour is home to more than 80 festive ‘chalets’ selling gingerbread, decorations and toys.

Christmas carol concerts, workshops for children and Christmas story readings are organised.

Visit after dark and see the Grote Markt illuminated, plus a giant Ferris wheel.

How to do that: Costs from €130 return (eurostar.com). The market ends on December 31 (lilletourism.com).

Travel time: 1h 22m.

COLOGNE IS A KORKER

Cologne’s Christmas Market takes place around the city’s beautiful towering cathedral

It is perhaps in the most beautiful setting of any Christmas market in Europe – close to the beautiful towering Cologne Cathedral.

The building was the tallest in the world when completed in 1880 – an incredible 632 years after construction began.

Expect bustling stalls selling handicrafts and delicacies. There is also plenty of mulled wine and local beer.

How to do that: From €225 return via Brussels (raileurope.com). Runs until December 23 (cologne-tourism.com).

Travel time: 4h 11m.

LIGHT SHOW IN LYON

With more than 100 stalls, Lyon’s market offers all kinds of trinkets and French culinary delights

Enjoy tartiflette (a delicious mixture of potatoes, cream and bacon), pork and herb sausages, saucisson and delicious cheeses, all washed down with mulled wine.

There are more than 100 chalets located on Place Carnot – surrounded by beautiful 19th-century buildings – offering regional cuisine and arts and crafts gifts.

A Festival of Lights will also be held in Lyon from December 7 to 10, with St. John’s Cathedral, St. Paul Station and other prominent landmarks illuminated.

How to do that: Travel from £270 return via Paris (trainline.com). The market runs from today until Christmas Eve (www.visiterlyon.com).

Travel time: 5h 25m.

Trains depart from and return to St Pancras, London. Mid-December rates shown.

SANTA’S HOME RUN – CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN THE UK

EDINBURGH

Considered one of Britain’s best Christmas markets, with 70 stalls in East Princes Street Gardens. There’s also a helter-skelter, a Ferris wheel and lots of family fun. The market runs from now until January 6 (edinburgh-christmas.com).

BATH

More than 200 stalls selling everything from artisan chocolates to candles, local cheeses and gin. There is also a great ice skating rink. The market runs until December 10 (bathchristmasmarket.co.uk).

MANCHESTER

Over 225 ski chalet style stalls and stalls in Piccadilly Gardens. Runs until December 21 (visitmanchester.com).

WINCHESTER

Right by the cathedral, with wooden toys and lots of mulled wine. Runs until December 21 (winchester-cathedral.org.uk).

YORK

More than 75 alpine-style stalls in Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square. Expect Christmas carols, twinkling lights and food stalls. Runs until December 22 (visityork.org/christmas).

CANTERBURY

Meet Santa Claus or enjoy a mulled wine in the Reindeer Bar at the lovely Canterbury market. Runs until December 24 (canter-burychristmasmarket.co.uk).