There is a truly evocative way to experience the anticipation of Christmas, letting the journey become an integral part of the experience: for Christmas 2026, from Milan Central Station and Brescia you can depart for the South Tyrol Christmas Markets – Alto Adige aboard fascinating historic carriages, with a round trip in a single day.
The proposal allows reaching some of the most sought-after destinations during the Christmas season without dealing with highway traffic, queues, or searching for a parking space: instead of the car, you board a historic train and settle in for the Christmas atmospheres of Bolzano, Merano and Bressanone.
The initiative is organized by Pallenium Tourism, in collaboration with Fondazione FS Italiane and ARSMS – Associazione Rotabili Milano Smistamento.
Four dates to immerse yourself in the Christmas atmosphere
The calendar offers four special dates to reach the Südtirol markets starting from Milan Central, with the option to board also in Brescia.
The first date is Sunday, November 29, when the historic train will link Milan Central to Bressanone, with a outbound and return journey in the same day. The same destination will again take center stage on Sunday, December 13.
If you prefer to experience Christmas in Merano, the appointments are Tuesday, December 8 and Sunday, December 20, always with departure from Milan Central and a same-day return.
Bolzano, on the other hand, is available on all departures and offers an additional opportunity to spend a day among the Christmas atmospheres of South Tyrol.
A journey aboard historic carriages, blending comfort and atmosphere
What makes the offer special is also the way you reach it: the trip takes place aboard historic carriages, with the option to travel in first and second class and a bar service, designed to accompany the journey as the view from the carriage window moves toward the mountains of South Tyrol.
The program is conceived as a real day trip: you depart in the morning from Milan and, a few hours later, you find yourself in the heart of the South Tyrolean Christmas towns. Once arrived, time can be spent exploring the chosen markets, among wooden cottages, lights and scents that characterize the festive atmosphere.
How to book the historic train journey
Booking the departure is simple: reservations can be made online on the Italia in Treno site, choosing the date and preferred destination.
Once you have selected the journey, you can reserve your seat in a carriage and receive your travel ticket within a few minutes. On the day itself, you simply need to reach the scheduled departure station and board at Milan Central or Brescia.
The trip includes outward and return on the same day, the transport aboard the historic carriages and the bar service. The arrangement is thus designed for those who want to experience the Südtirol markets even starting from Milan, without arranging an overnight stay and without undertaking the journey by car.
For information and bookings you can contact Pallenium Tourism at 0864 950555 and 0872 222199, or write to [email protected].
Online reservations are available on the Italia in Treno site.
