Fancy a real European Christmas this year? Europe is a diverse continent with a list of activities over the festive season as long as Santa's to-do list. Here are some great suggestions.
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Traditional German Christmas markets
Germany’s Christmas 
markets are the perfect reason to include Germany on a European winter rail trip. Markets start popping up all over the country around the end of November and run up until Christmas Eve.
The beauty of these markets is that the products on sale are mostly handcrafted. Some of the best markets can be found in Munich, Nuremburg and Berlin.
Not only can you buy unique and creative gifts, but the market is a cosy place to enjoy a warm glass of glühwein (mulled wine) and nibble on Christmas favourites like hot-chestnuts, gingerbread or marzipan.
To travel in Germany you can choose a Global Pass, Select Pass or Regional Pass. The German Rail Pass gives you unlimited train travel solely in Germany.
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Swiss mountain festivities
Switzerland is the ideal place for a Christmas wrapped up in perfect Christmas-card scenery! Grindelwald in the Bernese Alps becomes a snow-covered wonderland at Christmas.
Spice up the festivities with an exhilarating descent down one of the 40 miles of toboggan runs.
Alternatively, hit the Swiss Alps for a range of ski runs to suit all abilities. You'll be spoilt for choice with top resorts, such as Verbier, St Moritz and Davos, offering unparalleled wintersport opportunities as well as delightful apres-ski – especially lively over Christmas and New Year.
Whatever you decide to do, you'll be blown away by the scenery.
Take a ride on the Bernina Express narrow-gauge scenic train route and get a discount with a Global Pass. The views are out of this world with snow-capped mountains in every which way. Frozen waterfalls, deep ravines and impressive viaducts – you won't be able to peel your eyes away.
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Lapland magic
For a unique Christm
as experience, take a train up to Lapland in Scandinavia’s far north.
During December the area has just a few hours of sunlight and in January it is rained in total darkness. Experience living in these bizarre conditions, where the snow is the main provider of light, thanks to its ability to reflect.
While there, gaze up at the natural performance of the Northern Lights (aurora borealis), go sledding with huskies and visit a real reindeer farm.
If you visit the Finnish part of Lapland, you can even pay a visit to Santa Claus! There are a number of budget hostels available in the area as well as hotels.
Rovaniemi is considered the capital of Lapland and makes a good base from which to explore the surrounding areas. It can be reached by train with a Global Pass, Select Pass or Regional Pass and takes approximately 10 hours from Helsinki. The train station is located just outside the town centre.
Christmas travel tips:
- If you’re taking your Eurail train trip during the Christmas holidays, check if trains will be running in the country you expect to be in on 24/25/26 December. In many countries there will be no service or a limited service running. It’s best to spend those days in one place and savour the Christmas spirit.
- Book accommodation and tours well in advance to avoid disappointment.
