Aachen Christmas Market Trains from Vilvoorde / Antwerp / Lier / Hasselt and Braine-le-Comte / Mons / Charleroi-Central / Namur on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December 2025

Heritage rail organisation PFT-TSP has confirmed that its Weihnachtsmarkt-Express will run again this winter, offering passengers a festive rail journey from Belgium to Aachen (Aken, Aix-la-Chapelle) in Germany on Saturday 13 December 2025. The special train, which will call Vilvoorde, Antwerp-Central, Lier and Hasselt, will provide a direct and comfortable connection to Aachen Hauptbahnhof – just twenty minutes on foot from one of Germany’s famous Christmas markets.

On Sunday 14 December 2025, TSP runs from Braine-le-Comte, Mons, Charleroi-Central and Namur to Aachen.

he full proceeds support the restoration of locomotive 5519, a one-of-a-kind diesel engine built in 1961.

The Christmas Market Train has become a seasonal highlight for railway enthusiasts and day-trippers alike, combining convenience, nostalgia and winter cheer in a single excursion. This year, travellers will once again be guaranteed a reserved seat on board I10 and I6 carriage “from the mid-20th century, recalling a time when European rail travel was defined by elegance and refinement”.

“Music is provided by DJ Bram Wouters, whose playlist – naturally – includes classics such as ‘Per Spoor (Kedeng Kedeng)‘. Every passenger is guaranteed a seat, and those wanting more privacy can book a private compartment for up to six people. Breakfast is also available on board.”

“The route itself is unusual, as the train serves Antwerp-Central directly despite international services to Germany normally running via Brussels-South. This means no connections, no missed transfers, and a smooth return journey – even when carrying bags full of Christmas shopping. Despite the detour, the journey is only about thirty minutes longer than a standard international train.”

Compartment for six

Those seeking extra privacy can reserve a compartment for up to six people, and breakfast can be added for passengers who want to start their festive day early.

The on-board experience is intended to be part of the attraction. PFT-TSP will attach a bar-disco coach, SR3, where a DJ sets the mood from departure onwards, transforming the journey itself into a Christmas outing.

On arrival in Aachen, passengers will be free to explore the historic streets, seasonal chalets, winter food stalls and glühwein stands that make the city’s market one of the most visited in Europe.

Eupen option

For those who prefer a calmer setting, the trip also includes the option to continue further to Eupen in East Belgium, home to a smaller but warmly traditional Christmas market.

“For those who find Aachen too busy, an optional onward trip to Eupen is available. Eupen’s Christmas market, considered by many to be the oldest in Belgium, is smaller and more traditional, with around eighty stalls in the historic centre. Music, festive lighting, church concerts and entertainment for all ages – including a carousel and a visit from Saint Nicholas – contribute to its charming, intimate atmosphere.”

Group bookings

The Weihnachtsmarkt-Express is an exclusive once-a-year service, and demand is expected to be high. Group bookings of twenty or more travellers qualify for a 6% discount and avoid administrative fees by contacting reseaunationaal@pfttsp.be.

Collaboration

PFT-TSP collaborates on this events with Railtraxx, Train Charter Services and NMBS / SNCB.

Timetable

The Flanders route departs from Vilvoorde at 8:30 AM, from Antwerp-Central at 9:30, from Lier at 9:50 and from Hasselt at 10:35. The train is expected to arrive at 12:00 noon in Aachen.

The return trip leaves at 18:10, calls at Hasselt at 19:35, at Lier at 20:20, at Antwerp-Central at 20:40 and terminates at Vilvoorde at 21:40.

The Wallonia route departs from Braine-le-Comte at 7:45 AM, from Mons at 8:45, Charleroi-Central at 9:20, Namur from 9:50 and arrives in North Rhine-Westphalia at 11:25.

The return trip leaves at 18:15, calls at Namur at 19:50, at Charleroi-Central at 20:20, at Mons at 20:53 and terminates at Namur at 21:35.

PFT-TSP

Tourisme en Spoorpatrimonium (TSP), also known as Patrimoine Ferroviaire et Tourisme (PFT), is an organisation dedicated to preserving, maintaining and keeping former Belgian railway rolling stock operational.

Their collection includes historic locomotives, carriages and special railway vehicles, all kept running thanks to around one hundred volunteers – many of them current or former NMBS / SNCB staff.

PFT-TSP also operates its own railway line, the Chemin de Fer du Bocq, which once connected Ciney with Yvoir.

To fund restoration projects and keep this rolling heritage alive, the organisation regularly runs special journeys and initiatives, with all proceeds directly supporting its preservation work.

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