There is something magical about the holiday season in Europe From Christmas markets to sparkling decorations, the continent comes alive with festive cheer And what better way to experience it all than with a Christmas train tour? Traveling by train during the holiday season allows you to sit back, relax, and take in the wintery scenery as you journey through charming towns and cities Here are some of the best Christmas train tours in Europe that will immerse you in the spirit of the season.
1 Glacier Express, Switzerland
The Glacier Express is known as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps During the holiday season, this iconic train transforms into a winter wonderland, with cozy cabins decorated with festive lights and seasonal decorations Traveling from Zermatt to St Moritz, passengers can enjoy panoramic views of snow-covered mountains, quaint villages, and frozen lakes Along the way, stop at Christmas markets to shop for handmade gifts and warm up with mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.
2 Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe
Step back in time and experience the Golden Age of travel on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express This luxurious train takes passengers on a journey through Europe’s most iconic cities, including Venice, Paris, and Istanbul During the holiday season, the train is decked out in Christmas decorations, with festive meals and entertainment available on board Travelers can enjoy a magical Christmas experience as they watch the snowy landscapes pass by from the comfort of their elegant cabins.
3 Bergen Railway, Norway
For a truly unique Christmas train tour, hop on the Bergen Railway in Norway This scenic route takes passengers from Oslo to Bergen, crossing over snowy mountains and through picturesque fjords Traveling during the holiday season offers a chance to experience the beauty of Norway’s winter landscape, with snow-covered forests and frozen waterfalls visible from the train windows Along the way, stop at charming towns like Flam and Voss to explore Christmas markets and sample local delicacies like smoked salmon and reindeer stew.
4 christmas train tours in europe. The Polar Express, Lapland
For families looking to experience the magic of Christmas, a trip on the Polar Express in Lapland is a must This special train takes passengers on a journey to Santa’s hometown of Rovaniemi, where children can meet the man himself and enjoy festive activities like sleigh rides and gingerbread baking The train is decked out in Christmas decorations, with carol singers, elves, and hot cocoa available on board Travelers can also visit Santa Claus Village to shop for souvenirs and send postcards from the Arctic Circle.
5 The Belmond Royal Scotsman, Scotland
Travel through the rugged landscapes of Scotland on the Belmond Royal Scotsman, a luxury train that offers a memorable Christmas journey Passengers can enjoy traditional Scottish fare and whisky tastings in the elegant dining car, while exploring historic sites like Edinburgh Castle and Loch Ness During the holiday season, the train is adorned with festive decorations, with live music and entertainment on board Travelers can also participate in seasonal activities like tartan weaving and ceilidh dancing, making this Christmas train tour a truly unique experience.
6 Bernina Express, Italy and Switzerland
Cross the Swiss-Italian border on the Bernina Express, a scenic train journey that takes passengers from Chur to Tirano Traveling through the Swiss Alps and the Italian countryside, passengers can admire the snowy peaks and charming villages along the way During the holiday season, the train is transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights and seasonal decorations Stop at Christmas markets in towns like St Moritz and Pontresina to shop for handmade gifts and enjoy traditional Swiss and Italian treats.
Christmas train tours in Europe offer a magical way to experience the holiday season, combining the charm of train travel with the festive spirit of Christmas From luxurious journeys on iconic trains to family-friendly trips to Santa’s hometown, there is a Christmas train tour for every traveler So this holiday season, why not sit back, relax, and let the train take you on a magical journey through Europe’s winter wonderland?