Rediscover the magic of Christmas with the Transiberiana d'Italia

When does the Transiberiana d’Italia depart for Christmas 2025?

The Christmas season for the historic trains of the Ferrovia dei Parchi is scheduled from November 22, 2025, to January 6, 2026, with departures concentrated on weekends and public holidays. It is the perfect time for those who love the festive atmosphere, the scents of mountain kitchens, and the lights that color the villages of Abruzzo. During these weeks, the “Christmas Train” will depart from Sulmona – the city of confetti – and return on the same day, allowing travelers to experience a complete journey without needing to stay overnight. For the most requested days, two daily trips are also planned, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, to offer flexibility and greater availability of seats.

What is the schedule of routes and itineraries for the Ferrovia dei Parchi?

The program is divided into two main periods: Until mid-December, the routes focus on Sulmona, Campo di Giove, and Roccaraso, the most scenic and rich in Christmas markets. From December 26 to Epiphany, extensions to Castel di Sangro are added, offering an even more panoramic route. Since seats are limited and demand is high, it is advisable to book well in advance through the official website of the Ferrovia dei Parchi.

What kind of experience is there on board the Transiberiana d’Italia?

Getting on one of these trains means taking a leap back in time. The vintage carriages are authentic, carefully restored: wooden seats, retro lamps, and windows framing the snowy landscape. Every sound of the tracks accompanies the journey like music from another era. During the journey, which crosses the Majella and the Abruzzo National Park, the train stops at some stations transformed for the occasion into small Christmas theaters. In Campo di Giove, Palena, and Roccaraso, the squares fill with craft stands, living nativity scenes, Christmas choirs, and local products: cheeses, honey, local wines, almond sweets, and mostaccioli.

What can you do during the stops of the Christmas Train?

The stops are not just simple breaks, but real moments of celebration. In Campo di Giove, travelers find characteristic markets and the opportunity to take a short walk in the snow to the historic center. In Roccaraso, you can visit the ski resort or enjoy a hot chocolate in a lodge. Each stop lasts long enough to explore, photograph, and savor the magic of the place. The train thus becomes a traveling stage, where passengers are not just travelers but also spectators of a story that crosses mountains, valleys, and decorated villages.

How much does a ticket for the Christmas Transiberiana d’Italia cost?

The round-trip ticket starts at around 55 euros per person, with discounts for children and families. Prices may vary based on the date and itinerary chosen. There are also “train + accommodation” packages available, which include one or two nights in locations such as Sulmona, Rivisondoli, Campo di Giove, Scanno, or Caramanico Terme. The official ticket sales and booking management are handled directly by Ferrovia dei Parchi on the dedicated website for the Transiberiana d’Italia.

Why is it called the Transiberiana d’Italia?

The nickname “Transiberiana d’Italia” comes from the landscape the train crosses: snowy mountains, solitary plateaus, and woods that remind, on a smaller scale, of the scenarios of the Siberian railway. In reality, the official name is Ferrovia Sulmona–Carpinone, an engineering work inaugurated in 1897 and considered one of the highest and most scenic railway lines in Italy. Today it is a tourist railway managed with care and passion, dedicated to slow travel, tourists who want to discover authentic Abruzzo, and nostalgic travelers of the trains of the past.

Which locations are encountered along the Christmas route?

The route touches some of the most beautiful villages in Abruzzo: Sulmona, the starting point, with its historic center, medieval arches, and confetti shops. Pettorano sul Gizio, nestled between mountains and streams, ideal for panoramic photographs. Campo di Giove, a gem at the foot of the Majella, with its Christmas market among the cobbled streets. Palena, where the railway climbs in spectacular curves. Roccaraso, the queen of winter holidays, famous for its ski slopes and alpine village atmosphere. Each stop is a small journey within the journey, an opportunity to taste local products and learn about ancient traditions.

How to prepare for the journey on the Ferrovia dei Parchi?

The advice is to dress warmly and comfortably, wearing shoes suitable for snow. Temperatures, especially between December and January, can be low, and the stations are often at high altitudes. It is also useful to book in advance any lunches or tastings in the villages visited by the train, as during the Christmas weekends the turnout is very high. Those traveling with children will find activities and entertainment on board designed for families, often with costumed performers, small shows, or visits to “Santa Claus” during the stops.

Why is the journey on the Transiberiana d’Italia unique for tourists?

For Italian and foreign tourists, the journey on the Transiberiana d’Italia represents one of the most authentic experiences of the Abruzzo winter. It is not just about moving from one location to another, but about living an immersive story: a train that crosses natural parks, snowy landscapes, and medieval villages, all at the slow pace of a bygone era. Along the line, visitors discover the gastronomy of Abruzzo, made of arrosticini, cured meats, cheeses, wines like Montepulciano, and Christmas sweets. The markets become opportunities to meet local artisans and purchase unique products, from carved wood to traditional fabrics.

How does the Transiberiana d’Italia fit into the panorama of Italian historic trains?

The Transiberiana d’Italia is one of the most beloved experiences of Italian railway tourism, but it is not the only one. Throughout the Peninsula, there are historic lines enhanced with vintage trains: The Treno Natura in Tuscany, between Siena and the Val d’Orcia. The Assisi Express, which combines culture and spirituality. The Lario Express from Milan to Como and Lecco, with views of the lake. All these initiatives share the same philosophy: to promote sustainable, slow, and cultural mobility, capable of uniting travel, territory, and memory.

Why choose a Christmas trip in Abruzzo?

Abruzzo, with its mountains, snowy villages, and genuine cuisine, is one of the Italian regions that best embodies the spirit of Christmas. The Transiberiana d’Italia is the perfect synthesis of this: a slow, romantic journey, suitable for couples, families, and nature lovers. Traveling on the Ferrovia dei Parchi between November and January means immersing yourself in an enchanted landscape, where time seems to stand still and every station tells a different story. It is the most beautiful way to discover the heart of Abruzzo, just as winter dresses it in magic.