The Christmas period is magical in itself, but traveling wrapped in this atmosphere is even more so. With the arrival of winter 2026 the Christmas Trains return, special itineraries that traverse some of Italy’s most evocative regions among villages, nativity scenes, and markets.
From the snow-covered mountain landscapes to the South Tyrolean markets, and even experiences with Santa Claus aboard, here are all the announced departures, with dates, destinations and booking information.
Christmas Market Train, from Sulmona to Roccaraso
Among the most evocative rail journeys of the Christmas season is the one on the Ferrovia dei Parchi, also known as Transiberiana d’Italia. The historic train departs from Sulmona and traverses the mountainous heart of Abruzzo, through forests, high plains, and landscapes that in winter can turn into white expanses.
What makes the experience special are the vintage carriages, including the Centoporte of the 1930s and the Corbellini of the 1950s. Along the route, passengers can discover places like Campo di Giove and Roccaraso, where Christmas festivities bring markets, gastronomic specialties, and opportunities to stroll through the lanes of the villages.
The 2026 schedule foresees departures on November 28 and 29 and on December 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 19 and 20. The runs then continue on December 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30, with itineraries and stops to be verified for each day.
From Milan toward the South Tyrolean markets
For those who dream of wooden cottages, artisanal decorations, and the characteristic scents of South Tyrol, Christmas 2026 offers several opportunities to depart from Lombardy aboard a historic train. The special connections allow reaching Bressanone and Merano, two of the most beloved destinations during Advent.
The four announced departures are November 29, 2026 from Milano Centrale to Bressanone, December 8 from Milano Centrale to Merano, December 13 again to Bressanone and December 20 to Merano. All connections include a round-trip journey.
Renon Christmas Train, two fairy-tale markets
In South Tyrol there is a Christmas market where the train is not only the means to arrive, but becomes an integral part of the experience. It is the Trenatale del Renon, which returns from November 27, 2026 to January 3, 2027 between Soprabolzano and Collalbo. Connecting the two towns on the plateau is the historic Renon Train, a railway that allows visitors to admire the mountain scenery and to move between two markets especially characteristic. The stalls, some of which echo the shape of railway carriages, host artisanal products, decorations, and regional gastronomic specialties.
The Trenatale is generally open Fridays from 14:00 to 18:00 and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 18:00, with extraordinary openings during some holidays. To reach it, from Bolzano you can take the cable car to Soprabolzano and continue by train to Collalbo. The combined cable-car-and-train ticket costs €20.50 for a round trip, while for the train alone the round-trip fare is €8.50.
Trenino Verde di Natale in Sardegna
You don’t need snowy mountains to experience the magic of Christmas; indeed, even in Sardinia, away from the seaside resorts that attract visitors in summer, winter offers landscapes and traditions to discover slowly. And what better way to do it than aboard a historic little train?
The Trenino Verde di Natale returns on December 8, 2026, on the occasion of the Immaculate Conception, with a special departure designed mainly for families. The trip is part of the autumn program of Sardinia’s Trenino Verde and includes Santa Claus on board, to accompany adults and children on an experience that blends the charm of the railway with festive atmospheres. The announced route leads to Laconi, in the heart of Sarcidano, with a surprise stop to follow.
Krampus Train, from Trieste to Tarvisio
There is also a Christmas with a more mysterious face, made of ancient Alpine legends, bells, and frightful-looking creatures. The historic Krampus Train tells the story, scheduled for December 5, 2026, from Trieste to Tarvisio, in Friuli Venezia Giulia.
The journey takes place aboard Centoporte carriages from the 1930s and crosses Friulian territory to reach the Giulian Alps. The occasion is the traditional Saint Nicholas’ Day celebration, during which Tarvisio comes alive with the evocative parade of the Krampus, folklore figures characterized by demoniacal masks, fur, and bells.
The departure is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, with connections from Trieste and intermediate stops planned at Monfalcone, Gorizia and Udine. The FS Treni Turistici Italiani timetable indicates the return from Tarvisio at 21:00.
Train of Nativity Scenes and Christmas Markets, from Gemona del Friuli to Sacile
On December 8, 2026 the Train of Nativity Scenes and Christmas Markets returns, a historic journey linking Gemona del Friuli to Sacile, with a stop dedicated to Poffabro, known for the initiative Presepe tra i Presepi. The carriage consists of Centoporte carriages from the 1930s and is hauled by a steam locomotive, allowing travelers to traverse a land where Advent traditions retain a particular charm.
Historic Train for the Trento Markets, from Milan and Brescia
The event is set for Sunday, December 6, 2026, when a trainset with an electric locomotive and carriages from the 1950s and 1960s will depart from Milano Centrale, making intermediate stops before reaching the Trentino capital. Once there, there will be time to explore the markets, stroll through the central squares, and sample Advent specialties, from spiced pastries to products of the Alpine tradition.
Christmas Express, from Rome to Arezzo for the Tyrolean Village
The destination of this journey is one of Tuscany’s most enchanting cities during the holidays. From November 14, 2026 to January 6, 2027, Arezzo hosts its City of Christmas, a large diffuse event that transforms the historic center with markets, light displays, and attractions for all ages.
The heart of the celebrations is Piazza Grande, where the Tyrolean Village takes shape, with wooden houses, artisanal products, and gastronomic specialties also coming from Austria and Germany. At the Fortezza Medicea, families can find a world dedicated to Santa Claus, with installations and activities for children.
The journey itself is designed to be part of the experience: aboard the Christmas Express there will be assistance staff, a dining car with snacks and drinks and a Christmas surprise. Departures are set for November 29 and December 6, 13, 20, and 27 in 2026, with departures from Roma Termini in the morning and returns in the evening. The standard round-trip fare is €79 for adults and €49 for children aged 6 to under 14. Children under 6 travel free without a seat.
