These four European night trains are set to be launched for tourists in 2026
Night trains are returning to Europe with three new routes and one restored service launching in 2026. Travellers can enjoy efficient overnight journeys between major cities. A Paris to Berlin route is back, and new services will connect Brussels ...
By ET Online | Updated:
Agencies
European sleeper trains are making a comeback, with three new routes and one restored service set to start in 2026. The resurgence of night trains offers travellers efficient overnight connections between major European cities while reducing the need for short-haul flights.
According to a Forbes report, the Paris–Berlin route, initially scheduled to end on December 13, 2025, will be reinstated by European Sleeper on March 26, 2026. The train, which accommodates 600 to 700 passengers, was a key symbol of the night train revival and had faced cancellation after the French Ministry of Transport withdrew subsidies for SNCF, the state-owned operator. Tickets for the restored service will go on sale in December 2025.
European Sleeper is also working on two new routes from Brussels: one to Barcelona, stopping in Avignon, Montpellier, Narbonne, and Girona, and another to Milan. While exact start dates and timetables are yet to be confirmed, both services are expected to launch by late 2026.
Europe’s best Christmas markets to visit in 2025
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Europe’s Christmas markets are returning in full festive spirit this winter, bringing centuries-old traditions, handmade crafts, and the aroma of mulled wine to city squares across the continent. From Germany’s historic Christkindlesmarkt to Croatia’s citywide Advent celebrations, these markets capture the cultural essence of Europe’s winter season. Whether it’s the Alpine charm of Trento, the riverside glow of Budapest, or the medieval beauty of Antwerp, each destination offers its own version of Europe’s enduring Christmas magic.
Europe’s Christmas markets are returning in full festive spirit this winter, bringing centuries-old traditions, handmade crafts, and the aroma of mulled wine to city squares across the continent. Fro..
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Dates: 5 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Antwerp’s Grote Markt transforms into a “Magical Winter Forest,” creating one of Belgium’s most photogenic Christmas scenes. Wooden chalets fill the medieval square, offering chocolates, mulled wine, and crafts from local artisans. A large skating rink stretches across the Steenplein, and visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the Ferris wheel near the Scheldt River. Light shows, music performances, and festive installations extend through the city centre, blending historic charm with modern sparkle.
Dates: 5 December 2025 – 4 January 2026Antwerp’s Grote Markt transforms into a “Magical Winter Forest,” creating one of Belgium’s most photogenic Christmas scenes. Wooden chalets fill the medieval sq..
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Dates: 28 November – 24 December 2025
Germany’s Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt remains one of Europe’s most famous and oldest Christmas markets, tracing its roots to the 16th century. The opening ceremony, led by the traditional “Christkind,” marks the start of Advent celebrations. Visitors can find hand-carved wooden toys, glass ornaments, and the city’s signature Lebkuchen gingerbread. The scent of roasted almonds and spiced wine fills the air, while choirs perform in the square, preserving Nuremberg’s festive heritage.
Dates: 28 November – 24 December 2025Germany’s Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt remains one of Europe’s most famous and oldest Christmas markets, tracing its roots to the 16th century. The opening ceremo..
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Dates: 15 November – 26 December 2025
Vienna’s City Hall Square hosts the “Dream Christmas Market,” one of Europe’s grandest holiday gatherings. Over 150 stalls offer handcrafted gifts, baked goods, and hot punch, while the nearby Rathauspark glows with lanterns and light sculptures. Families stroll through themed villages, and carolers perform beneath twinkling trees. The market’s long tradition and elegant setting reflect Vienna’s deep connection with art, music, and celebration.
Dates: 15 November – 26 December 2025Vienna’s City Hall Square hosts the “Dream Christmas Market,” one of Europe’s grandest holiday gatherings. Over 150 stalls offer handcrafted gifts, baked goods, a..
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Dates: 30 November 2025 – 6 January 2026
Prague’s Christmas market turns its historic squares into a glowing festive corridor stretching from Wenceslas Square to the Old Town. The city’s Gothic towers overlook wooden stalls serving trdelník (chimney cake), roasted ham, and spiced wine. A giant Christmas tree, illuminated nightly, stands at the centre of the Old Town Square. Choirs sing carols through the evening, adding to the capital’s timeless winter atmosphere.
Dates: 30 November 2025 – 6 January 2026Prague’s Christmas market turns its historic squares into a glowing festive corridor stretching from Wenceslas Square to the Old Town. The city’s Gothic towers..
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Dates: 26 November – 24 December 2025
Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik is widely recognised as France’s oldest and one of Europe’s most traditional Christmas markets. Founded in 1570, it spreads across several squares, with the main market located at Place Broglie. Visitors can enjoy Alsatian specialities like bredele cookies, mulled wine, and pretzels. The city’s historic quarter, lit by thousands of lights, earns Strasbourg its title as the “Capital of Christmas.”
Dates: 26 November – 24 December 2025Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik is widely recognised as France’s oldest and one of Europe’s most traditional Christmas markets. Founded in 1570, it spreads across..
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Dates: 30 November – 22 December 2025
At Helsinki’s Senate Square, the Christmas Market presents a Nordic approach to festive celebration. Wooden stalls sell locally made crafts, woollen products, and traditional foods such as salmon soup and cinnamon pastries. The scent of warm glögi fills the air, and families gather around the merry-go-round at the market’s centre. With its focus on sustainability and minimalism, Helsinki’s market reflects Finland’s balance between modern living and cultural tradition.
Dates: 30 November – 22 December 2025At Helsinki’s Senate Square, the Christmas Market presents a Nordic approach to festive celebration. Wooden stalls sell locally made crafts, woollen products, and..
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Dates: 24 November 2025 – 1 January 2026
Budapest’s Advent Fair at St. Stephen’s Basilica is one of Central Europe’s most atmospheric winter events. Visitors are greeted by a 3D light show projected on the basilica façade, while stalls line the square with Hungarian dishes such as goulash and kürtőskalács (chimney cake). Folk music, craft demonstrations, and skating rinks make the market a highlight of the city’s holiday season, lasting through New Year’s Day.
Dates: 24 November 2025 – 1 January 2026Budapest’s Advent Fair at St. Stephen’s Basilica is one of Central Europe’s most atmospheric winter events. Visitors are greeted by a 3D light show projected o..
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Dates: 23 November 2025 – 6 January 2026
Set in the Italian Alps, Trento’s “Christmas Town” captures a mountain winter ambience surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The market fills Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare Battisti with Alpine food, handmade decorations, and wooden toys. Visitors can try local specialities like strudel and vin brulé, while choirs perform under the soft glow of festive lights. The setting combines Italy’s warmth with the charm of a classic Alpine Christmas.
Dates: 23 November 2025 – 6 January 2026Set in the Italian Alps, Trento’s “Christmas Town” captures a mountain winter ambience surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The market fills Piazza Fiera and Piazz..
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Dates: 22 November 2025 – 5 January 2026
Gdańsk’s Christmas Market stretches through the city’s Old Town, where cobblestone streets lead to over a hundred decorated stalls. The “Angel’s Mill,” a moving wooden sculpture, stands as a central attraction alongside carousels and light tunnels. Visitors can enjoy pierogi, smoked cheese, and Polish sweets while browsing local crafts and amber jewellery. The market continues into the New Year, making it one of Poland’s most popular winter events.
Dates: 22 November 2025 – 5 January 2026Gdańsk’s Christmas Market stretches through the city’s Old Town, where cobblestone streets lead to over a hundred decorated stalls. The “Angel’s Mill,” a movin..
In addition, a new night train will operate from Basel, Switzerland, to Malmö, Sweden, via Copenhagen starting April 15, 2026. This 16-hour journey, managed by Swiss Federal Railways in partnership with Germany’s RDC, will stop at key German cities including Karlsruhe, Mannheim, Frankfurt, and Hamburg, as well as Odense and Copenhagen Airport. The train, accommodating 350 passengers, will offer both beds and seats, with tickets already available.
The revival of sleeper trains combines modern convenience with the charm of overnight rail travel, offering a sustainable and comfortable alternative for exploring Europe’s capitals.
