The festive atmosphere meets the charm of journeys from another era in Abruzzo, where the Christmas Market Train returns: the trip starts in Sulmona and proceeds toward Roccaraso and Campo di Giove, and is designed for those who wish to experience the holiday season while letting the landscape and the allure of vintage carriages accompany them, before alighting to stroll among the market stalls.
The centerpiece of the initiative is a historic train that preserves the charm of a bygone era with a diesel locomotive, 1930s Centoporte-type carriages, Corbellini carriages from the Fifties, and a baggage car.
Christmas Markets among Crafts, Flavors, and Decorations
Stops are one of the central moments of the experience. In the host towns, the markets energize the days with wooden stalls, lights, and entertainment. Wandering among the stands, visitors can discover artisanal products and local specialties, guided by the aromas of local cuisine and the period-specific gastronomic offerings, and experience the towns during one of the year’s most distinctive moments. The Christmas decorations and the activities recreate a festive atmosphere, while the train journey adds a touch of originality.
An perfect occasion for a day trip to share with children, family and friends, but also a way to carve out a break from routine and dedicate time to discovering the territory and its traditions.
All Dates of the Christmas Market Train 2026-2027
The departure schedule covers the period spanning from November 21, 2026 to January 6, 2027, with a series of weekend and holiday appointments. For several days two departures are planned, with different times and itineraries that alternate between Roccaraso and Campo di Giove.
The first runs are scheduled on Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22, followed by the sessions of November 28 and 29. In December, the service continues on December 5 and 6, 7 and 8 for the Immacolata weekend, December 12 and 13, and the weekend of December 19 and 20. Departures also continue during the Christmas holidays, with trips on December 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30, then resume on January 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
To view the full calendar and choose the desired journey, take a look at the official Ferrovia dei Parchi website, where the pages dedicated to reservations are available.
Timetables and Reservations for the Christmas Journey
For the listed appointments, the program provides two departure options from Sulmona: the first at 9:30, with the Sulmona-Roccaraso-Campo di Giove itinerary and return, and the second at 10:45, with the Sulmona-Campo di Giove-Roccaraso route and return.
Choosing between the two trips allows you to organize the day according to the planned route. Before booking, it is advisable to check the details of the specific date by consulting the information published on the official site.
Bookings are open through the pages dedicated to each departure. It is wise to check seat availability and travel conditions before purchasing the ticket, especially around weekends and holidays.
There is also an interesting option for those who love exploring the area on two wheels: you are allowed to bring your own bicycle free of charge, to be stored in the specially equipped baggage car. Thus, once you disembark from the historic train, you can pedal toward other destinations, expanding the experience according to your interests.
