Artistic rendering – Event may differ
Kerst Expres (Christmas Express)
Embark on a magical journey aboard the Christmas Express, a steam train offering a nostalgic holiday experience. Travel through the beautiful winter landscapes of South Limburg in a comfortably heated, vintage carriage, with steam gently decorating the windows. Explore the historic Station Simpelveld, transformed into a festive Christmas hub with traditional music and decorations, and discover the charm of a bygone era.
What to Expect
Nostalgic steam train journey through winter landscapes.
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
- Parking: Free parking is available at Station Simpelveld or other stations.
- Accessibility: The steam train has a carriage with a ramp for visitors with disabilities, operated by volunteers. Boarding is only possible at Station Simpelveld and Station Schin op Geul. Reservations are recommended. The railbus is not yet wheelchair accessible. Station Simpelveld has an accessible toilet and special parking spots.
- Pets: Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and cannot sit on the seats. Not allowed on culinary rides. Different rules may apply for Arriva trains.
Other Christmas Events Near Simpelveld
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, couples, history enthusiasts
Vibe
Nostalgic, festive, charming, relaxed
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Special Events & Promotions
- Christmas lunch on December 26th
- New Year's Eve brunch on December 31st
- Miljoenenlijn Arrangement (train ride, lunch, guided tour)
- Arrangements with Brand Bierbrouwerij, Discovery Museum, or Hotel Salden
Location
Event Details
Duration
Full day
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Simpelveld
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
De Miljoenenlijn
Food & Drink
Hot chocolate with Limburgse vlaai or soup available at Brasserie Perron 4. Food and drinks can be brought along, but not consumed in the restaurant or buffet carriage. Picnic area available at Station Simpelveld.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Book tickets online in advance for a discount and to ensure availability, especially for popular dates like Christmas and New Year's.
- Consider purchasing a 'Miljoenenlijn + Arriva Combikaart' to easily extend your exploration of South Limburg by train and bus to nearby attractions.
- Arrive at Station Simpelveld early to explore the historic station, enjoy the festive decorations, and perhaps grab a warm drink before boarding.
- Check the specific rijdagen and times for the Kerst Expres, as well as the railbus schedule, to plan your day and maximize your travel options.
- While dogs are welcome, be aware of the specific restrictions, especially regarding seating and consumption of food, and check Arriva's pet policy if using the combi-ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets can be purchased online as e-tickets (with a discount!) or at the ticket counter at Station Simpelveld. Tickets can also be bought from the conductor on the train at other stations, but only if the train is not fully booked. Printed tickets are also available at Visit Zuid-Limburg Shops.
What can I do with a day ticket?
All Miljoenenlijn train tickets are day tickets, allowing unlimited travel on steam trains and railbuses on all routes for the entire day. You can board and alight at any station, and use the timetable to plan your journeys.
Are the trains wheelchair accessible?
The steam train has one carriage with a ramp for visitors with disabilities, operated by volunteers. Boarding is only possible at Station Simpelveld and Station Schin op Geul; reservations are recommended. The railbus is not yet wheelchair accessible. Station Simpelveld has an accessible toilet and special parking.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. However, you cannot consume them in the restaurant facilities or the buffet carriage of the steam train. Consumption is allowed on the stations, platforms, and in the trains (except the buffet carriage).
Can I bring my dog on the train?
Dogs are welcome on the train if they are leashed and do not cause a nuisance. They are not allowed to sit on the train seats. Dogs are not permitted on culinary rides. Different rules apply for Arriva trains.
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.