Arts & Crafts
Learn more
Reading & Writing
Learn more
Math & Logic
Learn more
Sports & Active
Learn more
Music & Dance
Learn more
Social & Community
Learn more
Mindful & Reflective
Learn more
Outdoor & Nature
Learn more
FOR AGES 12 MONTHS TO 10 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Christmas is a truly magical time of year, and there's no better way to get the magic flowing than with a train under a Christmas tree speeding past piles of presents.
If you're not too familiar with the concept, Christmas tree train sets are designed typically with a round, twisted, or oval-shaped track to run around the tree - usually battery or electrically operated. They're a great way to add to the festive atmosphere, a lovely decorative piece, and plenty of fun for both kids and adults to admire (or play with - but that's up to you).
There are plenty of different train track options out there ranging in price, style, and quality - and they vary from a simple classic train set to much more detailed ones. With so many gorgeous Christmas trains out there to choose from, it can be hard to narrow it down and make a good choice - but have no fear, we're here to help you get the festivities started. Kidadl has rounded up 10 of the top Christmas toy train sets to go under the tree that look like they've come straight out of a movie!
If you like these recommendations and are searching for more, check out our top 10 Christmas Eve boxes for toddlers and kids, and our 10 Paw Patrol gifts that kids will love!
The classic Lionel Polar Express train set is one that you don't want to miss out on - and is a real joy to have under the Christmas tree. The battery-powered set includes 32 track pieces and a remote control, and has plenty of authentic features such as a train bell and whistle, working train headlights, and even the iconic 'all aboard the Polar Express' catchphrase. The train set itself is adorned with 'Polar Express' and has stunning details such as the shadows of children drinking hot chocolate in the windows, creating a lovely warm glow around the tree. The track can be set up in either a circle, oval, or rectangle and the remote allows you to move the train forward, backward, and play the different sound effects. Great quality and well worth the price - it's no wonder it's so popular!
This traditional steam engine Santa Express train set is sure to bring plenty of Christmas cheer to you and your family this holiday season. The set includes the locomotive, and two carriages in gorgeous festive colours to pull along - a wagon full of presents and a very important carriage transporting Santa's sleigh. A remote control is included with simple forward and backward functions, along with speed control which is great for imaginative play or simply leaving it as a decorative piece. The oval-shaped track can also be extended with pieces from other Hornby sets if you'd like to make your train's journey even longer!
The Seasonal Aisle's small train sets are great for lining the bottom of a tree and provide plenty of Christmas magic for the festive season. This set, in particular, includes a locomotive steam engine train, three carriages, and a fully adjustable 7m long track for you to design at your will. The colourful red, green, white, and gold carriages carry among them a heap of presents, a large snowman, and even a 'Happy Holidays' banner. The set also plays your favourite Christmas songs to sing along to and lights up as it chugs along the track. A great touch to your decorations!
If you're looking for something a little different than the traditional railway set, then this Disney Frozen holiday train set is a great choice that the kids will be sure to love. Easy to put together, durable, and ready to play from the get-go - all you have to do is assemble the track around the tree and use the simple remote to move forwards, backwards, and to hear authentic sounds and voices from the film itself. The train is decorated in the film's iconic blue, purple, and white colours (perfect for winter) and is covered with images of Ana and Else. The train itself comes with three extra carriages to pull along, has puffing smoke, working headlights, and Olaf even spins around on the ice as it moves! Great for playing and great for watching, you'll love having this under your tree.
Perfect for those who love to build Lego, this festive Christmas tree train set is ideal both for playing and simply admiring. The set itself includes a whopping 734 pieces and is a great activity for the whole family to get involved in building. You'll also be able to set up the 16 piece track around your tree and place your beautifully built locomotive, coal tender, and goods brake van atop. The set also includes five Lego figures (including a train driver and conductor), toys and gifts to place on the carriages, a flat trolley, a Christmas tree, a platform, and a lamp post. Whilst the basic set is a simple push-along, you may be pleased to know that the train can be motorised with an additional purchase of a battery pack to move electronically. An extra special touch to the festive set is that the Christmas tree spins around whilst the train moves - super special to watch!
A fantastic budget Xmas train set, you won't be able to go wrong with this one. The traditional steam engine train chugs along the track pulling behind it three carriages beautifully decorated in festive colours of gold, red, and green - and even features realistic train sounds and a headlight to illuminate the bottom of your tree. The track itself can reach up to 3.3m long, so is perfect whether it's placed around your tree or even along a hallway. Fill up the carriages with little chocolates and leave the train running for as long as you'd like - it's sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Lionel trains are incredibly popular for a reason, having started creating train sets all the way back in 1900 - so it's no wonder that this North Pole Central holiday train set made the list. Beautifully decorated in festive red and green, the classic steam train pulls along 3 carriages behind it including a wood tender carriage and a cargo carriage. The train itself has plenty of authentic sounds such as a life-like bell, whistle, steam engine sounds, and even Christmas carols. A remote control also comes included with easy controls for moving forward and backwards, and for playing sounds. Ready to play straight from the box, the track can be set up in either a circle, rectangle, or oval shape - ideal for under the tree or for general play. Help Santa transport his goods and feel the Christmas magic all around you!
Operated with an on and off push button, this super-simple to use circular North Pole Railway set is perfect for the base of a tree. Pulled along by a little steam train locomotive (driven by Santa himself), the entire set is stunningly designed with festive Christmas colours and patterns, and extra special touches. The set comprises of three additional carriages; a Santa's sleigh full of presents, a passenger carriage with people inside, and the last being a gorgeous snow globe with a Christmas tree inside that actually spins when moving. The train set also has a functioning headlight and is fitted with Christmassy sounds including Santa Claus' voice, and bells and whistles of the train. It's the perfect simple addition to your decorations!
A fantastic unique and exclusive Christmas tree train set, not only is this great for collectors - but also for families of all ages. You'll feel like you're watching a real-life Coca Cola Christmas advert as you watch and listen to the set chugging along the tracks, lead by the locomotive and three subsequent carriages. The realistic train set itself features the iconic red and white branding, and also a picture of the jolly old Father Christmas with a warm smile and a bottle of Cola. Easy and fun to put together, there'll be nothing better than waking up on Christmas morning to see this set around the tree - creating family memories for years to come.
Whilst most of the festive Christmas train sets on this list have been created to be placed around the bottom of the Christmas tree, this unique set was actually made to chug around the middle of your tree (though it can also be run on the floor if you wish). It doesn't get much cooler than that, right? The set is made to fit most natural and artificial trees and is super easy to set up with provided clamp. It looks great surrounded by the usual decorations of tinsel, lights, and baubles - and watching it chug around the track floating in the middle of the tree will look like something straight out of a Christmas film. A great tradition to start for each year, the set includes lights and makes authentic train sounds - and is also decorated in festive colours of red, green, and gold. One of the carriages even features Santa being pulled along on his sleigh. If it's a showstopper that you're after, this is the set for you!
Kidadl Best Buys selects a number of top-rated products available across the web for families of all ages and sizes. If you enjoyed our Christmas train set recommendations and are looking for some gift inspiration, why not take a look at our top 15 Christmas presents for boys, or our best 15 Christmas presents for girls?
<p>Growing up in Switzerland, Rachel developed a love for exploring new places and trying new foods. She has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. She currently resides in Northwest London and enjoys discovering trendy spots around the city. Rachel is also passionate about planning fun activities for her family, particularly her little cousins. When she has some downtime, she can be found indulging in hobbies such as attending concerts, baking, or visiting her family in Essex. Her love for travel takes her beyond the UK, where she meticulously plans and researches each adventure before setting off to explore new places across Europe and beyond.</p>
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.
