You can get a train to the top European Christmas markets for just £29 this winter

EUROPEAN Christmas markets can be reached for just £29 this winter.

Both Eurostar and Thalys are offering rail tickets at low fares – from £29 and 29 euros one way – for travel across their networks, with the promotion live until November 10.

With travel dates between the November 28 and February 2 inclusive, this offers the perfect opportunity to discover some of Europe’s most iconic destinations in Christmas colours.

Direct Eurostar journeys between London St. Pancras and Paris, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels and Lille are available from £29 one way, with onward connections via Thalys in Brussels to destinations such as Cologne from an additional 29 euros one way.

This promotion is the first joint commercial action since the legal merger between Eurostar and Thalys last May.

Francois Le Doze, Chief Commercial Officer, Eurostar said: “We are pleased to launch our first joint promotion, to enable our customers to experience the best of both services at low fares.

“Passengers can enjoy exploring destinations further into Europe, with a simple connection in Brussels, and get a taste of what is to come in 2023 as we continue to bring our two businesses together.

“With prices starting at just £29 one way there is no better time to book a winter escape.”

Christmas in Cologne

With its 150 chalets, a carousel and towering festive tree, the Cologne Christmas market is one of the most popular in Europe.

Visitors can see the 50,000 twinkling lights and world-renowned cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Travel from London to Brussels by Eurostar in just over 2 hours is available from £29 one way, and then on to Cologne by Thalys in just 1 hour 47 minutes from 29 euros one way.

Lille for lunch

Lille’s Christmas market is perfect for a festive day trip – at only 1 hour 20 minutes from London it’s the ideal spot for a Christmas lunch with family and friends.

Travellers can browse the city’s famous markets while getting some Christmas shopping ticked off the list.

With no shortage of cafes, bars and restaurants all situated around the Grand Place, there are plenty of places to relax, re-charge and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Travellers can go direct from London to Lille by Eurostar.

Brussels, Amsterdam and Paris

Plaisirs d’Hiver in Brussels is the perfect setting for festivities with friends in Brussels this winter.

The famous Grand Place has an incredible sound and light show and a huge ice rink alongside one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe.

For the festive season, Paris is dressed in its finest attire.

Whether visiting the illuminated Champs Elysées, or wandering through the Christmas village at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, the city offers an unforgettable show for young and old alike.

Amsterdam’s annual Festival of Light provides the perfect backdrop for a colourful walk.

Those who prefer to see the light installations from a different perspective can enjoy a magical canal cruise, and finish the evening in style with ice skating on Amsterdam’s iconic Museumplein. 

Travel to Brussels (1hr 53), Amsterdam (3hrs 52) and Paris (2hrs 16) are all available direct with Eurostar from London St. Pancras.

Meanwhile, there are more Christmas market deals available this winter across Europe.

And this is the exact date in which you can no longer visit Disneyland directly from London on the Eurostar.