All Aboard Italy’s Christmas Express: Rome to Arezzo 🎄🚂

A Christmas Train Through Tuscany

Running every Sunday from November 30 to December 28, 2025, the L’Espresso Natale departs Rome’s Termini Station at 8:30 a.m. and rolls north through the rolling hills of Umbria before reaching Arezzo just after noon.

This is not your ordinary train ride. The carriages are decked out for the holidays, Christmas music fills the air, and every passenger receives a small gift. There is even a dining car serving espresso, hot chocolate, and snacks, because in Italy, food is always part of the celebration.

Tickets start at €58 (about $63) for second class and €78 (about $85) for first class, with half-off fares for children ages 3 to 11. The return trip to Rome leaves Arezzo at 5:30 p.m., getting you back to Termini just before 11 p.m., tired but happy and full of Christmas cheer.

Discovering Arezzo’s Christmas Magic

Once you step off the train, Arezzo’s festive charm begins just a short walk from the station. Set among Renaissance buildings and Tuscan hills, this small city turns into a winter wonderland each December.

In Piazza Grande, the Tyrolean Christmas Market takes over the square with wooden stalls selling handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and traditional Tyrolean dishes like pretzels, raclette, and roasted ham.

This year, Arezzo debuts a Santa Claus House inside the Medici Fortress, a 10,000-square-foot holiday space filled with workshops, games, and even a planetarium. Families can also visit the Brick House, a LEGO exhibition featuring more than 40 festive creations, and stay for the Big Lights Show, which illuminates the buildings in Piazza Grande every evening from 5 to 9 p.m.

Tuscany’s Best-Kept Secret

While Florence and Siena attract most of the crowds, Arezzo remains beautifully local. It is a city of artists, home to Renaissance master Giorgio Vasari and poet Francesco Petrarch, and its cobblestone streets still hum with everyday Tuscan life.

You can find trattorias serving pici pasta and local wine, antique shops filled with hidden treasures, and sunny piazzas perfect for an afternoon espresso. Film fans might also recognize Arezzo’s famous square from Life is Beautiful, which filmed several scenes here.

The Perfect Day Trip from Rome

For around €30 round trip (about $32), you can step into a storybook Christmas village without the stress of driving or parking. The L’Espresso Natale delivers you straight into Tuscany’s festive heart, complete with scenic views, delicious food, and holiday charm in every direction.

Whether you are traveling as a couple, a family, or a solo adventurer, Arezzo offers a peaceful and authentic Italian Christmas experience that feels both magical and refreshingly real. Skip the Florence crowds this year and explore Tuscany’s quieter side. Arezzo’s Christmas lights, food, and small-town warmth will remind you why Italy does the holidays better than anyone.

Booking Tickets

Train Dates: Every Sunday, November 30 to December 28, 2025


Departure: Rome Termini 8:30 a.m. → Arrives Arezzo 12:10 p.m.


Return: Arezzo 5:30 p.m. → Arrives Rome Termini 10:42 p.m.


Book:

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FAQ: Rome to Arezzo Christmas Train

What is the L’Espresso Natale train?


L’Espresso Natale, also known as the Christmas Express, is a special holiday train that runs from Rome to Arezzo. The train features festive decorations, Christmas music, and small gifts for passengers, making it a cozy way to travel through Tuscany in winter.

When does the Christmas train run?


The Christmas Express runs every Sunday from November 30 to December 28, 2025. It departs from Rome Termini at 8:30 a.m., arrives in Arezzo around 12:10 p.m., and returns to Rome the same evening.

How much do tickets cost?


Tickets start at about €58 (around $63) for second class and €78 (around $85) for first class. Children ages 3 to 11 receive a 50 percent discount.

Where can I buy tickets for the Christmas Express?


Tickets can be purchased directly on the official Ferrovia dei Parchi website. Seats are limited, so booking early is recommended.

What can I expect on board?


The train is decorated for Christmas, with background music and a dining car serving drinks and snacks. Passengers enjoy scenic countryside views and a festive atmosphere throughout the trip.

What is there to do in Arezzo at Christmas?


Arezzo’s Christmas market in Piazza Grande features handmade crafts, local food, and holiday entertainment. Highlights include Santa’s House, a LEGO Brick House exhibition, and the Big Lights Show each evening.

How far is the market from the station?


Piazza Grande is only a 10-minute walk from Arezzo’s train station, making it an easy day trip for visitors.

Is the Christmas Express family-friendly?
Yes. Families love this trip for its fun on-board experience and the many kid-friendly activities in Arezzo, from Santa’s House to Christmas light shows.

Can I visit Arezzo as a day trip from Rome?
Yes. The train schedule is designed for a full day in Arezzo, allowing plenty of time to explore the market and enjoy lunch before returning to Rome.

Why visit Arezzo instead of Florence?
Arezzo offers a quieter, more local Christmas experience with fewer crowds and just as much charm. It is ideal for travelers who want to experience authentic Tuscany during the holidays.