Buying a Christmas Train Set

O Scale is one of the most popular train scales for Christmas trains -- especially in the United States, where most people tend to think of Lionel Christmas trains this time of year. Lionel produces many different christmas train sets in O Scale: the Lionel North Pole Central train set; the Lionel Disney Christmas train set; the Lionel Christmas Trolley train set; and the Lionel Polar Express train set (pictured here) among others.

Lionel O scale is a good size for under the tree, as it can fit easily under a Christmas tree without you having to trim too many branches. Also, O scale trains can turn in a smaller radius than G scale trains, in situations where space is a limiting factor. Additionally, Lionel O Scale Christmas Trolleys and Trains use the same Lionel train track -- Lionel Fastrack or Fast Track -- that all other Lionel layouts use, so it is possible to use the same track for your other fun Lionel train sets. Many times, Lionel Christmas train sets are able to use the same power supply and controller that your other Lionel trains use -- however, if you are running an older train, be sure to check with your local train store to be sure of the correct power supply to use.

* * To check out a great selection of Lionel Christmas Trains, please visit: Lionel Christmas Trains * *

When it comes to Christmas Trains, a lot of folks like to have the largest scale of electric trains commercially available: G scale Christmas Trains. Often, G scale trains can also be used for outdoor use (check with the manufacturer if you aren't sure), and some G scale trains can also use snow plows to keep their G scale track free from snow. The most common manufacturers of G scale trains are: Aristo-Craft Trains, Bachmann Trains, LGB Trains and Lionel Trains.

Made in the United States, Aristo-Craft Trains produce many Christmas-themed cars and sets. Some fun items include the Aristo-Craft Christmas Train Set.

Also made in the U.S., Bachmann Trains also produce G scale trains. Fun items include the Bachmann Northern Lights Christmas Train Set and the Bachmann Night Before Christmas Train Set (shown above).

German made LGB Trains also produce many Christmas products, including LGB Christmas Train Set and the LGB Christmas North Pole Train Set.

American made Lionel Trains also produces several different G-Scale Lionel Christmas train sets. Some of these run on batteries, instead of from an electric plug, which can be convenient if you do not need any more wires to deal with near your Christmas tree. The Lionel G Gauge Holiday Special Train Set is a popular set.