Christmas Trains Spark Joy and Debate Across Silesia

The Silesian Railway Association is bringing holiday magic to the tracks with festive trains. While families and enthusiasts celebrate, critics claim, "It's not our tradition."

The holiday season is here, and it's not just limited to markets and decorations—it’s on the rails, too. The Silesian Railway Association has launched special festive train services, sparking joy among passengers while also attracting some criticism. "This isn’t our tradition," lament some.

Festive Vibes on the Rails

Christmas cheer isn’t confined to markets or malls this year. The Silesian Railway Association has rolled out holiday-themed trains across the Silesia region of the Czech Republic, bringing pre-Christmas joy to families, railway enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique seasonal experience. These specially decorated trains have garnered significant attention and praise, with tickets quickly selling out. To meet demand, the association continuously added new routes and schedules.

More Trains, More Joy

The festivities began on Wednesday, December 4, in Ostrava, the heart of Silesia. The train operated between Ostrava-střed and Vratimov, covering a 10-kilometer route. Departures were scheduled every hour from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with each ride lasting about 30 minutes. Passengers enjoyed light refreshments on board, caroling, and train staff dressed as elves to add to the holiday spirit.

Due to high demand, weekend services were added on December 7 and 8. This time, the train ran between Frýdek-Místek and the nearby village of Dobrá u Frýdku-Místku, with hourly departures from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The journey, including the return trip, lasted about 30 minutes. Accordion players serenaded passengers with Christmas carols, enhancing the festive ambiance.

Critics Chime In: "This Isn’t Our Tradition"

As is often the case, not everyone was thrilled. Comments surfaced online, with one person complaining, "We’ve truly become a desperate little country, unable to preserve our own traditions." Others praised the effort: "The train is beautiful, an amazing idea. It’s just a shame it only ran for two days," lamented another. Some found joy in the experience: "Wonderful idea! The magic of an accordion-playing Santa Claus, festive decorations, and jingling drinks—it’s perfect," wrote another passenger. But the critique didn’t stop: "This is just another ‘Made in USA’ gimmick," someone claimed.

On Saturday, December 14, the festive train ran between the historic Karviná-město station and Petrovice u Karviné, using a track that hasn’t seen regular passenger service since 1962. Four rides were offered that day, with departures every hour from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. On Sunday, December 15, the train operated on the Český Těšín–Třinec route, with hourly trips from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Passengers enjoyed refreshments and carols, creating a cozy holiday atmosphere.

Not Just Christmas: St. Nicholas Train Adds a Twist

The festivities extended beyond Christmas with a special St. Nicholas-themed train. Running on a circular route through Ostrava, this train stopped at Ostrava-střed, Kunčice, Vítkovice, Svinov, the main station, and Stodolní, before returning to Ostrava-střed. Passengers were treated to a visit from St. Nicholas, an angel, and a devil. Children who recited a poem or sang a song received small gifts, making the ride extra special.

The Mission of the Silesian Railway Association

Founded in 2016, the Silesian Railway Association aims to promote the history and appeal of railways among the public. In addition to organizing festive events like these, they also offer custom train services for special occasions such as birthdays. While their operations are mainly in Silesia, they can accommodate routes to other regions, making them a go-to for unique celebrations.

Source: slezskyzeleznicnispolek.cz