Christmas markets have been brightening up the dark days of winter in Germany since 1434. It’s taken a little bit of time, but now every city and town in Europe wants in on the action and Christmas markets are dripping with fairly lights and gingerbread everywhere you go.

Escape winter's chill with Great Rail Journeys and explore captivating destinations in warmer weather. Your perfect winter escape begins here with us.

As part of an ongoing series, our content team share their favourite railway experiences in destinations across the world.

The annual Harbin Ice Festival is a stunning celebration of all things snow, that takes place in China's most northerly province, Heilongjiang.