Flemish enthusiasts at Steam Center Maldegem, a heritage center in northern Belgium, recently spent a cold day cutting spare boiler screws for their stable, which includes a Polish-built steam engine, the "General Maczek, " named for the Polish general who helped liberate Belgium in World War II.

WSJ: Belgian Train Museum Had a Hard Time Getting on Track

Today tourist steam trains still use the line, but in the late 19th century cutting-edge technology operated on this line.

BBC: Giant's Causeway's long history of attracting tourists

Electronic gift certificates from online vendors such as Steam, GamersGate and GOG.com also make unique stocking stuffers, letting fans sample cutting-edge indie releases, revisit treasured classics or browse obscure European imports.

CNN: Holiday gift guide: Video games