Best Christmas Train Sets

A model train chugging around tracks under a Christmas tree, what a cheerful sight that lots of folks look forward to each year. Whether starting a new family holiday tradition or bringing out old classics as an annual decorating display, kids and adults are attracted to the appeal of miniature trains. From starter sets to larger-scale operations, the anticipation begins with unpacking boxes and continues after the locomotive is successfully pulling its trail of cars.

Toy trains have been on children's wish lists for generations, and will continue to be on lists form many years to come. The earliest model train sets were crude, but with advances in technology, they naturally evolved into sleek, highly detailed models complete with bursts of steam, lights and action. In 1906, Lionel trains appeared on the scene with their larger standard gauge and O gauge sets. These early sets were expensive, making them the ideal Christmas gift from Santa. As their popularity grew, it became a family affair to build elaborate displays during the holidays. Beginning at Thanksgiving, entire rooms could turn into railway stations, miniature villages and expansive countryside. Sadly, due to their size, sets were packed away after the holidays.

Along with Lionel, American Flyer was a popular brand through the 1950s and 1960s. The O gauge and the S gauge models soon evolved into smaller offerings such as the HO gauge, which became popular with serious hobbyists who wanted a track setup to enjoy all year long.

During the holidays, however, it is often the larger G and O scale trains that remain in demand. They add beautiful visuals from across the room or closeup, and they are easy for younger children to handle. Favorite sets featured below are decorative, and they can be educational. Kids can learn about transportation and how engines work while increasing their hand-eye coordination skills. Imaginations will soar with stories and playtime revolving around locomotion.

The Lionel Polar Express Train Set - G-Gauge - is based on the popular book and movie, Lionel's larger G-Gauge Polar Express train set runs on standard C and AA batteries or rechargeables. With a remote controller, kids can develop their engineering skills from a distance. An oval track that is also expandable allows for plenty of room for presents under trees as the Berkshire locomotive spouts steam and pulls three cars.

Trackmaster Thomas' Christmas Delivery

Thomas the Train: Trackmaster Thomas' Christmas Delivery is a great Christmas decoration for your home. Sodor Island is decked out and ready for Thomas to ride around under the tree. This Christmas Delivery Trackmaster set includes snow-covered rails, motorized cars, and decorated destination accessories. Even the youngest conductors will love spending time tootling around with Thomas on visits to a toy shop and an ice skating rink.

Trains are fun any time of the year, but especially at Christmas time. Keep your old traditions and make new ones as time goes by, and you can start by getting out the old train set or getting a new one.

Are You Setting Up Trains This Christmas?

Lionel A Christmas Story O-Gauge Train Set is a wonderful decorating choice for your house this year. The movie "A Christmas Story" is as much a tradition as trains and with Ralphie on board, this set is all about hilarity. Die-cast pieces with graphics and memorable character quotes add colorful detail. This collectible ensemble includes a locomotive with headlight, steam and sound that will send adults into their second childhood but is just as much fun for kids to operate.

Ring in the holidays with dreams of a Bachmann White Christmas Express Electric Train Set. A larger G scale setup is impressive in both size and detail. Listen as the locomotive with coach, combine car and tender steams around an oval track that extends just over eight feet. This train set comes with a Bach Man instruction booklet and an instructional DVD.

The LEGO Make & Create Holiday Train for Christmas! Everyone can hop on board building the LEGO Train. With 965 pieces to assemble, this massive project is amazingly easy and the results are colorful for yuletide decorating. Add-ons include track, a motor and controller for rolling automation. Each year will bring new experiences in train building and operation.

LEGO Make & Create Holiday Train: 965 pcs

Trains humming along under the tree or set up as an entire village have a way of bringing busy families back together around a central activity. Simple or elaborate in scale, they add an air of nostalgia for some while creating a host of new memories for younger generations. Train sets make wonderful gifts that will be a continued source of joy, decked out in seasonal colors or as miniaturized setups all year long.