When I was growing up, Christmas was a special time in our house because my father always pulled out his favorite toy. He had the best Christmas tree train set that never failed to thrill and entertain us kids throughout the holiday season. I was determined to find something similar for our family.
I wanted something that was quality, something that reminded me of the trains I grew up with and could hold up to lots of use from the kids and grandkids. I’m also a little particular with decorations, and I wanted something that looked attractive and that I would be proud to have in my home all season.
I’ve become a real fan of remotes (love my remote controlled fiber optic tree!), and I was hoping to find a remote option.
Finally, I wanted something that wasn’t terribly complicated to put together and take apart each year, and something that would store easily with the rest of my decor.
- Lionel Christmas Tree Train Set with Remote
- The Polar Express Lionel Christmas Tree Train Set
- Classic Christmas Tree Train Set with Oderless Smoke
- Disney Mickey Mouse Christmas Tree Train Set
- Thomas & Friends Simple Wood Train Set
If you were raised around model trains, you certainly are familiar with the Lionel name and brand. Although you can find sets for less, the quality is unmistakable and this is the set I eventually decided on.
This set has 4 cars, 24 curved and 8 straight plastic track pieces, and comes with a remote control. It also features a working headlight. You can create a 73.2" x 50" oval, a 47.75" circle, or a 53" x 53" rounded square. You can also purchase expansion packs of track if desired.
This one has all the bells and whistles...and I do mean that literally! The remote control moves the train forward and reverse, and sounds the whistle and rings the bell.
This does require 6 C batteries and 3 AAA batteries so you'll want to make sure you have those available.
All in all, we've been very pleased with the quality, but there are some other really wonderful options on our list with unique features so make sure to check them all out before making YOUR decision!
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Polar Express fans, this one's for you! If you have a child who just loves The Polar Express, you can't go wrong with this beautiful replica model train made by Lionel.
This set features the engine, a coal car, and two passenger cars where you can see the shadows of the children in the windows. It also features a working headlight, and uses a remote control to operate, which is so convenient.
Just like most Lionel sets, this one also has 24 curved and 8 straight plastic track pieces, and comes with a remote control. It also features a working headlight. You can create a 73.2" x 50" oval, a 47.75" circle, or a 53" x 53" rounded square. You can also purchase expansion packs of track if desired.
Three AAA and six C batteries are needed to operate, you'll want to have these on hand.
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If you're looking to spend a little less than our first option, we've got you covered with this set. It's a terrific quality option for under $40.
This classic train set comes with a steam engine (including a working headlight and realistic oderless smoke), a passenger coach, a cargo vehicle, and a coal car. There is enough track to make a 37" circle or a 37" x66" oval. Be aware that you cannot purchase extra track for this set. There is a dropper that is included which is used to put water into the steam engine and make the "smoke".
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We were looking enough to live about 5 minutes from Disney World when my kids (now grown) were in their teens, and from that moment on, they just can't get enough Disney. If there's a Disney option, that's the one they choose.
That's why I sent this Lionel train set featuring Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck to my kids for their trees and family's enjoyment.
This set is very similar to the other trains on our list, but it's just fabulously decked out for fans of Disney Christmas, and the remote, in addition to the normal buttons, has a button for special Disney announcements. It also has 4 cars, a working headlight, and the same amount of track as the other Lionel trains.
Don't forget the batteries! You'll need 3 AAA and 6 C to utilize all the features on this train.
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You're probably thinking, why is this on the list? It certainly doesn't go around a Christmas tree!
That is true. But you see, if you have a toddler who really likes to touch everything just like my daughter's son, you're going to want to consider doing what we did. Order the train that you look at and also the train that you can touch and play with! I promise this will save you much grief in the long run. 🙂
This is just the cutest Thomas & Friends wood train playset, which features Thomas and Bertie, a station, crossing gates, and a bridge. And most importantly, this has entertained our toddler for hours and hours and he knows it's "his train" while the other goes 'round the Christmas tree.
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