When decorating your home for the holidays, nothing ushers in the season quite like a train set wrapped around the Christmas tree. These festive locomotives vary from simple toy trains to functioning models complete with working lights and puffs of engine smoke.
Model trains are a massive category however, and finding the right Christmas tree train set can be a daunting task. While there are many factors to consider, the many features of the Lionel Polar Express Model Train Set make it the best pick.
Christmas train sets under the tree can range from affordable plastic toys to metal locomotives with realistic detailing.
Whichever type of Christmas train set you choose, make sure it’s durable enough to last multiple holiday seasons.
A Christmas tree train set could come with a wide variety of different train cars to enhance realism and make the train set educational and fun. Look for cars with added details to make the train feel more holiday oriented, like layers of snow or boxes of presents.
Think about where you plan to operate your Christmas train and make sure your set comes with all of the necessary track parts. Most track designs are meant to be shaped like an oval to wrap around a Christmas tree, but some users may want a straight track that runs along a wall or around a corner. Some complex train sets may even feature bridges, tunnels or a Y-shaped split track that lets you change direction.
Most electric Christmas train sets come with some kind of control function. This could be a simple knob that makes the train stop and start or a handheld remote control that can be used to adjust the speed or activate the lights.
Many train sets for under the Christmas tree have immersive features like a working whistle, holiday bells and a puffing smoke engine. Other advanced models have high tech features like Bluetooth compatibility so you can control the train from your smartphone.
To make the most of your Christmas train set, look for a product that includes fun accessories like pine trees, mini reindeer or festive figurines like Santa Claus.
The cost of a Christmas train set can vary depending on the materials and any included features. A simple toy train set can be purchased for around $30-$50, while a high tech model with all the bells and whistles can cost $100-$400.
A. For most train sets, you can mix and match parts as long as they’re produced by the same manufacturer.
A. While kids of any age can enjoy the festive look of a Christmas train set, most model train sets with tiny parts should only be assembled by children ages 8 and older.
Lionel Polar Express Model Train Set
What you need to know: Based on the train from the popular holiday film “The Polar Express,” this model train set is extremely detailed and loaded with immersive features.
What you’ll love: Manufactured by one of the most iconic brands in the model train industry, this Polar Express train comes with features like puffs of smoke, working lights and Bluetooth compatibility. The set also includes detailed figurines and an intuitive remote control.
What you should consider: This model is more expensive than most Christmas train sets.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
What you need to know: Fun and affordable, this electric Christmas train set is the perfect choice for young kids.
What you’ll love: This colorful train set has multiple track assembly methods for different tree sizes. It also includes fun features like a realistic whistle sound, odorless smoke and a locomotive headlight.
What you should consider: Some users questioned the overall durability and longevity of this product.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Blue Block Factory Christmas Tree Train Set
What you need to know: This versatile, 20-piece train set is a solid choice for preteens.
What you’ll love: With its colorful gold, red and silver locomotive, this whimsical Christmas train set looks great wrapped around an illuminated Christmas tree. The battery-powered train features headlights, realistic sounds and a puffing smoke function.
What you should consider: This train is more lightweight than other models, occasionally resulting in track derailment.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Patrick Farmer writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
