The 5 best UK Christmas markets you can get to by train | UK | Travel
If you’re looking to feel festive this winter, there’s no better way to kick off the season than at a Christmas market. However, if you want to take advantage of the delicious Glühwein on offer, you should opt for the train instead of driving.
Well, with that in mind, here are the top five UK Christmas market day trips by train. Each of these incredible cities hosts rail routes from across the country, making them the ideal winter getaway, whether you want to visit for the day or treat yourself to a weekend escape.
5. Edinburgh
The Scottish capital is an autumnal and winter favourite with its beautiful architecture, old-world vibe, and plethora of incredible restaurants. However, from mid-November to the start of January, Princes Street Gardens is transformed into a winter wonderland, full of stalls, mulled wine, and festive cheer.
In addition to all the traditional Christmas favourites, Edinburgh’s sprawling markets include an ice rink, a Polar Ice Bar with freezing cocktails, a huge wheel for views over the festivities, and plenty of funfair rides for the whole family.
The added bonus is that the Edinburgh Christmas Market continues into the New Year, so if you’re in the city for Hogmanay, you can still experience this festive favourite.
Christmas Market dates: November 15th, 2025, to January 4th, 2026
Main train station: Edinburgh Waverley Station
(Image: Getty Images)
4. York
If you’re looking for a Christmas market in a beautiful, historic setting, then head up to York.
Filled with cobblestone streets, cosy restaurants, and bars, the city is a popular day trip and weekend getaway, due to the direct rail links across the country.
Hosted on Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, York’s Christmas Market plays host to an exciting array of Alpine chalets, filled with local crafts, artisans, and tasty treats that keep the wintry chill at bay.
One of the coolest things about the York Christmas Market is that 80% of the vendors come from across Yorkshire, giving you plenty of opportunity to support local small businesses during the festive season.
Christmas Market dates: November 13th to December 21st, 2025
Main train station: York Station
(Image: Getty Images)
3. Birmingham
It’s impossible to talk about incredible UK Christmas Markets without mentioning Birmingham.
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is a firm festive favourite with Bavarian influences from the food and drink to German-inspired crafts and gifts.
In fact, Birmingham’s Christmas Market is the largest authentic German Christmas Market outside of Germany or Austria. So, if you want the quintessential European festive vibe, but don’t want to hop on a plane, jump on the train to Birmingham New Street instead – it’s easily reachable from stations all around the country.
Christmas Market dates: 1st November to 24th December 2025
Main train station: Birmingham New Street Station
(Image: Getty Images)
2. Bath
In its 25th year, the Bath Christmas Market brings a touch of Georgian flair and elegance to its winter festivities. Set among the stunning historic buildings and along cobblestone streets, the Bath Christmas Markets have been called the UK’s most charming Christmas Markets.
Set across the city centre, Bath’s Christmas Market encompasses over 250 traders in beautiful twinkling Alpine chalets, including delectable food vendors to keep you warm as you peruse the local wares.
This thoroughly walkable city needs to be on your winter day trip bucket list, and with direct rail routes from London, South Wales, Bristol, and beyond, it’s the perfect festive option.
Christmas Market dates: 27th November to 14th December 2025
Main train station: Bath Spa Station
(Image: Getty)
