King of Sunshine and WPP Media Motion Entertainment are now in production on a new “train at Christmas” special, Austrian Train At Christmas, for Channel 4.
This time, the Christmas special follows the ÖBB Südbahn, on one of Europe’s most scenic railway routes. “Viewers will meet the staff and passengers who are fully embracing the magic of the festive season, alongside the locals who live and work along the dazzling route of the famous red train.”
Hugh Bonneville returns to narrate, inviting viewers aboard for the 207km journey between Graz and Vienna. Along the way, the train traverses some of Austria’s most breathtaking winter landscapes, from the peaks of the Austrian Alps to the snow-covered viaducts of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Semmering Pass, before arriving in Vienna, the country’s architecturally diverse capital.
This new special follows last year’s Nordic Train At Christmas, which attracted 2.9 million viewers in December 2025, and 2024’s Alpine Train At Christmas, which reached an aggregated audience of 3.03 million across the two years combined. Both specials will also return to Channel 4 this Christmas.
King of Sunshine Productions MD Sohail Shah says: “We’re delighted to be returning for a third festive instalment, this time travelling across spectacular Austria on The Südbahn railway. The route from Graz to Vienna is one of the most stunning in the world, and we’re thrilled to give Channel 4 viewers a special behind-the-scenes look at this festive journey.”
Channel 4’s Senior Commissioning Editor, Lifestyle Jayne Stanger adds: “There’s something so magical about exploring a country at Christmas time, and Austria provides a superb backdrop for our latest festive adventure. We’re delighted to be bringing viewers another opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy the journey on the iconic Südbahn. A huge thank you to King of Sunshine for once again bringing the magic to life.”
Austrian Train at Christmas is a 1 x 60’ special for Channel 4 from Salford-based indie King of Sunshine Productions with WPP Media Motion Entertainment. The special is executive produced by Sohail Shah, Managing Director of King of Sunshine Productions, and Series Producer is Mark Challender. Melanie Darlaston is Executive Producer for Motion Entertainment. The programme is commissioned by Channel 4’s Jayne Stanger, Senior Commissioning Editor, Lifestyle, and Jo Street, Director of Commissioning, Nations & Regions and Head of Lifestyle.
Jon Creamer
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