33 Reasons to Plan a Eurail Christmas Market Trip in 2019

Europe is both the birthplace of many of the world's most cherished holiday traditions (Christmas carols, gingerbread and Christmas trees for starters) and the home of wintry scenes straight out of a snowglobe, making it the hands-down best place to go to get into the holiday spirit. 

And each year, the most festive place to be on the continent is at a Christmas market. Come late November, these markets spring up in squares and courtyards across the continent and are filled with chalets selling seasonal gifts, the sounds of seasonal cheer and the smell of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts & cinnamon.

Since nothing can top the romance of taking the train in Europe and so many of the Christmas markets are located in city centers—right near train stations—there's no better way to experience the markets than with a Eurail pass. 

The following are thirty-three other great reasons why.