These two Christmas-themed seasonal trains will take you straight to Europe’s most legendary Christmas – here’s what you need to know

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and we’re talking about the Christmas market season.

This December, Italy is turning Christmas market festivities into a celebration in itself, with two specially themed vintage trains that promise to make the act of arriving at a market as magical as the destination. Plus, the trip will cost just a fraction of the price of a luxury train ticket.

These festive services offer travelers the chance to experience Europe’s Christmas traditions while evoking the romance of classic train travel, with twinkling decorations, seasonal menus and the kind of slow-travel nostalgia everyone is looking for right now. However, these trains will operate on limited schedules and tickets will sell out quickly, so here’s what you need to know.

The Monaco espresso

The overnight Espresso Monaco is the most ambitious option, a 17-hour journey that leaves Rome Termini at 7:57 pm on just two weekends in December (December 5 and 12) and arrives in Munich at 1 pm the next day. Choose from single or double sleeping cabins, four or six berth berths or overnight seats for the more budget conscious. ​​Tickets start at 129 euros (around $150 USD) per adult for a six-bed mixed-use bunk, while tickets for children ages four to 14 are priced at 90 euros (around $105 USD). You can book tickets through the Italian train tourism site, Lane book.

The real star, however, is the Christmas Market-inspired dining car, where the celebration begins long before Munich. As the train travels through cypress-dotted hills and snow-capped alpine peaks, passengers can sing, dance and dine in cars decorated with retro details, such as red vinyl chairs and white tablecloths. Everyone receives a small gift upon boarding.

The train travels through the heart of Europe’s Christmas market corridor, with 11 stops between Rome and Munich, including Verona, Italy; Piazza Walther in Bolzano; Innsbruck, Austria; and Kufstein, Austria. Return trains will leave Munich at 1:40 p.m. on December 7 and 14.

The espresso of Assisi

For those who prefer to travel during the day, the Espresso Assisi runs every Sunday from November 30 to January 11, leaving Rome Termini at 8:30 am. Settle into blue velvet lounges or first-class compartments as you travel through seven Umbrian cities to reach Arezzo, home of the country’s largest city. Tyrolean-style Christmas market.

For only 62 euros ($68 USD) round trip, and available in the RailBook PlatformThe trip is the ultimate European holiday experience. During this time of year, Assisi is transformed into an open-air nativity scene with impressive light projections at the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. Similarly, Arezzo’s Piazza Grande is transformed into a Tyrolean festive paradise, with a grand, dazzling light show.

On board, the train has festive decorations, Christmas music, gifts for all passengers and bar service at all times. The return trip departs Arezzo at 5:30 pm and arrives in Rome at 10:42 pm, a perfect option for those who want a full day of markets and the chance to sleep in their own bed.

If you want to get on board, tickets at RailBook website will be released in increments to ensure travelers have multiple opportunities to snag a seat.