Hundreds of union members at three train operators are set to take part in strike action immediately after Christmas in a dispute over pay and conditions.
The Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) stressed the action will have a "severe impact" on services, especially in the Midlands and South West.
The union said strike action will begin on CrossCountry from 9pm on Boxing until 9pm on 27 December while members at both Great Western and West Midlands trains will walkout from midday on 28 December for 24 hours.
Organising Director at the TSSA Nadine Rae said "no-one wants to strike".
But she blamed the Government for leaving rail workers "with no other choice as a result of their anti-worker agenda blocking talks".
Ms Rae added: “Our members at CrossCountry, GWR and WMT are fed up with being taken for granted.
"The recent offer made by employers didn’t even cover huge numbers of workers at these - and other - train companies.
“The cost-of-living crisis is crippling household finances on top of years of pay freezes.
"We hope that the government makes a New Year’s Resolution to give employers a free hand to negotiate a deal which meets our aspirations and resolves this dispute.”
It comes as Brits have already been warned not to travel on Christmas Eve due to strikes by members of the RMT union working for Network Rail.
Earlier this month the union said its members - who maintain the tracks - will not work from 6pm on December 24 until 6am on December 27.
The RMT has been at the heart of a major dispute with the Government and has accused ministers of "blocking" a deal being reached.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “It’s hugely disappointing unions are once again choosing strike action and bringing further misery to millions.
“This dispute must end as soon as possible. Far from blocking talks, we've facilitated them, ensuring fair deals have been put on the table - we now urge the unions to play their part.”
