Discover the magic of Europe's Christmas markets by rail this winter!

Festive fun by rail this year, discover Europe's Christmas markets - Prices start from £69 return!

• Lille - France

Festively French but with a Flemish touch!

Amble through the cinnamon-scented streets, finding children's theatre, tasty French delicacies, local arts and crafts - and on the last Saturday before Christmas, a real highlight when Father Christmas haphazardly descends the 262ft from the Chamber of Commerce tower to distribute sweets to an eager crowd of children.

• Dates: 20 November - 30 Decemeber 2013
• Journey time: From 1h25
• Price: From £69pp return*

• Liege - Belgium

Celebrating 25 years this year!

The festive fun includes an ice rink in Liege's pedestrian area, along with 200 wooden chalets offering various seasonal delights including Christmas gifts, handicrafts and regional souvenirs. Local gastronomic specialities including waffles and Belgian chocolates are also on offer for those with a sweet tooth!

• Dates: 29 November - 30 December
• Journey time: From 3h55
• Price: From £79pp return*

• Strasbourg - France

The oldest Christmas market in France!

Dating back to the 16th century, Strasbourg is the oldest Christmas market in France and one of the largest, with enchanting stalls selling handicrafts, mulled wine, traditional bridle cakes and other delights from the magical medieval square beneath the city's imposing pink sandstone Gothic cathedral.

• Dates 22 November - 31 December 2013
• Journey time: From 5h50
• Price: From £99pp return*

• Cologne - Germany

Home of Europe's only floating Christmas market!

This beautiful German city is home to no less than six Christmas markets, with some of the smaller ones taking place rather conveniently near the Lindt chocolate museum, and possibly Europe's only floating festive market on a boat on the Rhine. Watch artisans crafting unique gifts among its 160 wooden stalls, or head straight to sample a mug or two of the spiced "gluhwein".

• Dates 25 November - 23 December 2013
• Journey time: From 4h15
• Price: From £103pp return*

• Angers - France

The Soleil d'hiver market lights up Angers during the festive season

Step in to the magic of Christmas with a visit to the Soleil d'hiver market in Angers. Browse though the stalls offering festive gifts and local food. Sample the regional specialities on offer including the very chocolaty bûche "l'Angevine". Rumour has it that Father Christmas will make his entry on 30 November in the Jardin du Mail!

• Dates: 29 November - 29 December 2013
• Journey time: From 5h10
• Price: From £89pp return*