Image: MomJunction Design Team
Fill your Christmas with joy and excitement with our list of the best Christmas tree train sets that are not only great gifts for children but can also double as holiday decorations. With the train blowing its horn, the smoke from the engine, the sound of the train riding over the track, decorative lights, Santa Claus on sled, gifts, and Christmas carols make the ambiance delightful and happy.
Children enjoy playing with Christmas train sets since they are easy to assemble and build excitement. They also help increase your child’s focus and expand their imagination. If you’ve been looking for one, our tried-and-tested list of Christmas-themed trains offers various designs and features to help you pick the right set.
Top Picks
11 Best Christmas Tree Train Sets
1. Best With Lights: Atlasonix Christmas Train Set
The Atlasonix set is a great option to add seasonal cheer to your home. The time-tested model train set includes a steam engine, train cars, and a hand-operated rail car with two of Santa’s elves. The light-up train has flashlights with real steam and emits authentic train sounds, making it a delight to the senses. Further, the tracks can be customized to create three different shapes.
Pros
- Available in two color options
- Made of non-toxic, child-safe materials
- Three shape options for the train track
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Tracks may be slightly flimsy
- Steam may have a smoky odor
"This train set's lights, sounds, and swift motion add a lively appeal to our Christmas tree. I initially struggled to set it up on our carpet, but assembling it on the floor worked. My children find the elves operating the handpump exciting."
2. Best With Bright Colors: Boley Christmas Train Set
This child-friendly and safe train set comprises one battery-powered locomotive train with sound and light, 12 tracks (eight curved and four straight), four train cars with trailer hooks, two reindeer figures, and three winter trees. The vintage Christmas train’s attractive design, rich colors, and fine detailing can add a nostalgic charm to your Christmas decor and keep your child engaged for hours at a stretch during the holiday season.
Pros
- Round and oval track construction
- Serves as a collectible for train enthusiasts
- Easy to construct
- Meets ASTM safety standards
Cons
- Size may be smaller than expected
- Might not be sturdy enough
"The unconventional Christmas-themed bogeys featuring mini trees, reindeer, and Santa’s sleigh fascinate my little one. Despite the plastic being a bit flimsy for my liking, the set has survived an entire Christmas season. Plus, I like how the sound effects add a realistic feel to the train."
Quick tip3. Best High-Quality Plastic: Pusiti Classic Christmas Train Set
Manufactured from high-quality plastic, this Christmas toy train has lights and authentic train sounds and comes with one locomotive engine, one coach, one cargo, and one coal car, along with ten pieces of railway tracks. There are six curved and four straight track pieces that will help you make three unique track combinations: circle, parallelogram, and oval. It runs on two AA batteries, and the entire train is made from environment-friendly materials.
Pros
- No small parts for optimal safety
- Comes with instructions for assembly
- Meets ASTM safety standards
- Non-toxic
Cons
- May drain the batteries quickly
- May not suit uneven surfaces
"Considering the compact dimensions of the train set, it complements our one-foot-tall Christmas tree pretty well. Setting it up hardly took me time, and the festive sound effects are warm. I recommend this train set for its artistic design and ease of use."
4. Best Battery-Powered: Bachmann Trains Night Before Christmas
The ready-to-run electric model train set from Bachmann Trains can help bring Christmas magic and cheer to your home. The set includes a festive train, a rolling cart, an E-Z track, a terminal with wire, and a speed controller. The exquisite set also includes a decorated gondola car, bobber caboose, and a Santa figure to bring the Christmas cheer. It is made of steel alloy and other sturdy materials and is an ideal toy to help teach your children about old-school locomotive machines.
Pros
- Has an operating headlight
- Produces speed-synchronized sound
- Powered by a single 9V battery
- Easy to assemble
- Ideal for gifting
Cons
- May not be durable
- Track may bend with time
"I recommend this toy locomotive for its performance and dimensions. The perfect blend of red, green, and white Christmasy colors and the detailed sculpting make it an ideal decorative set."
5. Best Detailed Steam Engine: Hornby Santa’s Express Christmas Toy Train Set
Weighing 2.6lb, this Christmas toy train set is made from high-quality plastic and metal. It includes tracks, a highly detailed steam engine, and a wagon full of gifts. The tracks are circular and can easily fit under a Christmas tree, as per testers’ experiences. The festive train set is lightweight, and you can use the easy-to-understand instructions to install the set. The track measures 17x13x4in. Check out this YouTuber’s review of the whimsical train model if you require more details.
Pros
- Brightly colored
- Includes a US transformer that plugs into the wall
- Can be paired with additional Hornby tracks
- Safely made for beginners
Cons
- May require frequent restarting of engine
- Engine may generate drag
"My child loves this train set for its colorful design and locomotive feature, while I love its durability. I had to employ a special power adaptor to accommodate its plug, but it is worth the effort for the joy it brings to my child and the beauty it adds to our Christmas decor."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 68 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
6. Best Realistic Sounds: Joyin Christmas Train Set
The Joyin Christmas train set includes detailed pieces–a steam locomotive, a passenger coach, a coal car, straight and curved tracks, an oil can train, snowmen and Christmas trees, and a few other pieces–to set up a joyful Christmas scene. The set runs on six AA battery batteries. The realistic steam, decorative lights, and sounds, along with the Christmas carols it plays, makes the train elegant and brings it to life.
Pros
- Encourages imaginative play
- Has an operating headlight
- Child-safe and non-toxic
- Improves hand-eye coordination
- Attractively decorated, making it a perfect gifting option
- Doubles as holiday decoration
Cons
- Tracks may be a bit flimsy
- Does not include batteries
"I finally found a Christmas train that does not derail when moving around the tree. The fine detailing and smoke feature make it a delight for my children. I feel that more than a toy, it serves its purpose better as a realistic Christmas decoration."
7. Best For Imaginative Play: CubicFun LED Christmas Train Set
CubicFun’s musical Christmas train set is made from high-quality plastic and shows real effects of lights, music, and smoke. It has a 3D design and the set includes three train cars, caboose, gifts, bells, Santa, elves, tracks, and reindeer. The model train set features a unique ‘real-smoke’ like effect made from cotton so that your child can play with it indoors safely.
Famous melodies like ‘Jingle Bells’ will play along when the train hits the track. It runs on three AAA batteries and the colorful LED will add to the decoration. According to reviewers, the small parts on the sled are movable to enable your child to interact closely with the set and it also helps boost their imagination.
Pros
- Lights up in seven colors when used
- Suitable as holiday decorations
- Comes with a Christmas card for writing your wishes
- Comes with easy-to-follow instructions
- Can be used as a table centerpiece
- Safer and lighter than plastic, metal and wood
- Made with a non-toxic finish under quality control
Cons
- Small parts may lead to choking hazards
- Batteries not included
"My children had a gala time putting together this 3D model train set. Once built, the unique set only amplified the wintery charm of our Christmas tree. Storing the model post celebrations was a bit challenging. However, this does not diminish its utility as a toy and decorative item."
8. Best Environment-Friendly Material: Fenfa Christmas Train Set Toys
The safety-tested product includes two little Christmas trees, 12 pieces of curved black tracks, one locomotive engine connected with a cargo car, and one passenger compartment. The tracks, when laid on the ground, make a circular track and there are realistic lights and sound. It is made from non-toxic and environmentally friendly material, certified by the CPSIA and ASTM. It runs on two AA batteries and you can also lay the tracks in any manner. The model train set is recommended for children aged three and above.
Pros
- Odorless
- Moderate size suitable for most Christmas trees
- Can be disassembled and carried around easily
- Playing helps improve vision cognition
Cons
- Some may find the toy to be loud
- May not stay stable on the tracks
"My kids enjoy watching the festive train set circling the Christmas tree, thanks to its vibrant hues and commendable speed. The intricate detailing and easy assembly caught my attention too."
9. Best Wood Craftsmanship: Tiny Land Wooden Train Set
Made from polished beech wood, the Tiny Land Wooden Train Set reflects premium wood craftsmanship. It is sturdier than pine and comes with hand-sanded edges that can help keep children safe while they play with the model train set. They are BPA- and lead-free and versatile enough to be compatible with many popular train brands like Thomas, Brio, and Melissa and Doug. The model railway set comes with expandable track designs and is apt for promoting healthy play amongst young children. The train set also comes with multiple connections that can come in handy for expanding up to three different modes.
Pros
- ASTM- and CPSIA-certified
- Easy to assemble
- Comes with a gift and storage box
- Encourages children’s imagination
Cons
- Train wheels may be smaller than expected
- May not suit battery-operated trains
10. Best For Team Play: Kipipol Train Set
Bring home this train set to promote your child’s motor and logical thinking skills and encourage imagination and creativity. This model train set consists of 31 wooden track sets and three magnetic trains, along with add-ons such as a helicopter and an airport playset, to help kindle your child’s fascination for and love of vehicles and different modes of transport. If you are looking for gift ideas for Christmas, this toy set has got you covered. The thoughtful model railway set has been carefully made to comply with safety requirements set by ASTM F963 and CPSIA and is free of BPA and lead and non-toxic.
Pros
- Improves child’s hand-eye coordination
- Encourages children to play as a team
- Compatible with major train brands
- Available in two sizes
Cons
- Screws may require frequent tightening
- Tracks may wobble
11. Best Remote-Controlled: Cute Stone Remote ControlTrain Set
Made from high-quality plastic, this train set from the Cute Stone store is recommended for children aged two and above. To get a realistic effect, you can add water to the locomotive and the smoke will generate from the chimney. The set features authentic train sounds and lights that can be turned off. The high-quality tracks make a circular layout, are easy to install, and won’t derail easily. This tried-and-tested set runs on eight AA batteries and weighs 4.02lb.
Pros
- Can make clanging sounds like a real steam train
- Remote controller included
- Long-lasting
- Track can stop the train
- Has an operating headlight
Cons
- Tracks cannot be assembled into a circle
- May not have weighted base to keep them in place
"The immense happiness it offers my kids with its backward motion and spacious cargo bogey makes it a worthwhile investment. My children find it easy to operate the train independently."
TriviaHow To Choose The Right Christmas Tree Train Set?
Consider the following features before buying a Christmas tree train set.
1. Size: The bigger the tree, the larger the train model you should pick to complement it. A variety of sizes are available in the market for you to choose the one that suits your needs.
2. Power supply: Some trains are electric-powered and have to be plugged into the adapter, while others are battery-powered and need to be changed regularly. You can choose the one you find more feasible.
3. Safety: Since Christmas toy trains are used by children, they should adhere to all the American Safety Standards. The entire model train set should be made from eco-friendly, non-toxic materials.
How We Selected The Best Christmas Train Tree Sets
With Christmas around the corner, we have compiled an exclusive list of the best Christmas tree train sets that you can give as gifts and decorate your home. These model railway sets come with various features and designs to suit your requirements. We have explored the features, accessories, quality, and operating methods to provide you a curated list. This list also includes a buying guide to help you choose the right product.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do people place trains under Christmas trees?
Toy trains under or around the Christmas tree evoke emotions and memories related to holidays, childhood, and the olden days when life was simpler. Plus, train models also double up as an animated ornament for the tree.
2. What is the best train set size for a Christmas village?
Most Christmas tree train sets offer a minimum of 75×75 cm round train track. Some provide a maximum of 125 cm long oval train tracks.
3. What scale are Christmas trains?
Most Christmas train sets have a locomotive engine, a coal car, a coach or a sleigh, and a cargo car, each approximately measuring 13 to 19 cm in length, 3 to 5 cm in width, and 5 to 9 cm in height. Since the dimensions are likely to change as per the brand, going through the product details can provide a precise assessment.
Make this Christmas extra special with a fantastic functioning Christmas tree train set for your children. Your children no longer need to engage in pretend play with these real train sets with cool features. If your child loves trains and always seems to be playing games related to trains and travel, this will be the perfect memorable gift for them. The smiles on their faces when they wake up and see a moving toy train going around the tree will be worth the investment.
Infographic: Things To Remember When Selecting Christmas Tree Train Set
Christmas is about spending time with family, decorating the house, baking Christmas sweets, and having a good time making memories. Like the classic Christmas decorations, such as Christmas trees, stars, socks, and Santa, the Christmas tree train set can be a modern addition to your home. Look through the infographic below for points to remember when purchasing these sets.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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