Immersing yourself in the Christmas spirit is difficult when you spend too much time in traffic or commuting home. However, a viable alternative for this season is to travel on rails to some of the country’s main festive attractions, such as the Historic Christmas Steam Train, running from December 13 to January 4, 2026.
After announcing the return of the Vouga Historical Train – Christmas Edition, CP – Comboios de Portugal confirms the rail initiative that will take you directly from Porto to Ermesinde (in the municipality of Valongo) to see Portugal’s “Biggest Christmas Tree” up close.
What to expect from the Christmas Steam Train?
Departing from São Bento Station (one of the most beautiful in the world), the Historic Christmas Steam Train runs again at weekends with its iconic CP 0186 steam locomotive and five historic carriages.
The train’s whistle and the steam coming out of the chimney make this a journey worthy of a black and white movie. However, the experience promises to be anything but devoid of color.
On board the train travel luminous elves and goblins whose mission is to spread magic to the passengers of the steam locomotive and the appropriately decorated wooden carriages.
When you arrive, you can visit the Christmas Village and what is considered the “Largest Christmas Tree in the Country”, over 50 meters high, in the Ermesinde Urban Park, just a few minutes’ walk from the train station.
When can you see the “Biggest Christmas Tree”?
Between December 13 and January 4, 2026, the initiative has exclusive weekend trips, including four routes on each day: two between Porto São Bento and Ermesinde and two between Ermesinde and Porto São Bento.
Specific dates and prices
The Historical Christmas Steam Train will run on Saturdays (December 13, 20 and 27 and January 3) and Sundays (December 14, 21 and 28 and January 4).
Tickets are available at physical points and online and cost €6.50 for children (aged 4 to 12 inclusive) and €13 for adults.
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