While sleighs are all fine and well, nothing quite ushers in the holiday season like a trip on a train. All across the country, you can hop aboard some special locomotives and pretend you’ve landed on the pages of the classic book The Polar Express, to enjoy Santa, hot chocolate, and plenty of carols.

Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad — Durango Colorado

Operating out of its original 1882 depot in Durango, Colorado, the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is frequently on train aficionados’ bucket lists. The 1880s train winds through breathtaking canyons and the remote wilderness of the San Juan National Forest. Not only can you experience the excitement of traveling by coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive, but you can also experience a number of holiday-themed train rides during the winter season. The railroad runs its Polar Express train ride from late November to early January. All passengers sip on hot chocolate while Santa pays a visit and carols reverberate throughout the cars. The round trip ride takes just over an hour and all kids go home with a special gift from Santa.

In addition to the Polar Express, the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad also offers its Christmas Tree Train. Aboard the regular Cascade Canyon Train, passengers get out in the San Juan National Forest and cut down their own Christmas tree. It is then hauled back to Durango on the steam train.

Polar Express — Burlington Vermont

After watching the holiday classic film White Christmas, you may have the urge to hop a train to Vermont and pretend Bing Crosby is singing somewhere on board. You can feel a bit like Bing by buying a ticket for the Burlington Polar Express train ride. Offered for two days in December with eight trains daily, the ride begins in Burlington, Vermont. The train heads for the “North Pole,” or in this case Union Station. The round trip ride takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes and includes hot chocolate, cookies, and Christmas carols. The classic Christmas book The Polar Express is also read aloud upon reaching the North Pole. Riders can also mingle with elves and even receive a bell from Santa’s sleigh. All proceeds benefit the Vermont Children’s Trust.

Leavenworth Snow Train — Washington State

If Germany is too far away for your holiday travels, you can find a taste of Bavaria in Washington by hopping aboard the Leavenworth Snow Train. With three different train rides throughout the month of December, the snow train takes passengers from Seattle through the Cascade Mountains and on to the very Bavarian looking town of Leavenworth. Riders can enjoy a continental breakfast on board, carolers, magicians, and even an appearance by Santa. The holiday cheer doesn’t end with the ride. You can then roam the town upon arrival as horse-drawn carriages and carolers fill the streets. Riders can experience the town’s annual Lighting Festival before boarding the train for dinner and hot chocolate.

Niles Canyon Railway — Fremont, California

The Niles Canyon Railway in the Bay Area of California truly turns on the lights for the holiday season. The railway’s Train of Lights consists of a train completely lit up with holiday lights. The Bay Area tradition makes a 13-mile round trip journey through the Niles Canyon under the cover of darkness. Passengers board antique coaches and enjoy refreshments, music, and plenty of holiday cheer. You can select to board the Train of Lights either from Niles at dusk or from Sunol after dark.

Grand Canyon Railway — Williams, Arizona

Beginning in Williams, Arizona, the Grand Canyon Railway Polar Express is easily one of the train rides that remains truest to the book The Polar Express. The journey takes passengers from Williams to Santa’s Depot. What makes this holiday train ride even more special is that the entire journey is held at night. You ride through the moonlit wilderness while sipping hot cocoa and munching on cookies. The 90-minute journey is complemented by a visit from Santa before returning to the historic Williams Depot (built in 1908).

Steam Railroading Institute — Owosso, Michigan

Owosso, Michigan, is the starting point for the North Pole Express, where passengers get onboard the steam locomotive Pete Marquette 1225. Built in 1941, the train was used as a model for the one featured in the film The Polar Express. The four-hour adventure takes passengers to Ashley, Michigan, where they can explore the Village of Ashley’s Country Christmas. You’ll have two hours in Ashley for horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, and even the chance to see a reindeer or two.

North Pole Limited — Chattanooga, Tennessee

The Tennessee Valley Railroad’s North Pole Limited has been spreading Southern holiday cheer since the early 1990s. Departing from Chattanooga, Tennessee, this festive ride on a vintage train car is steeped in tradition and nostalgia. The 75-minute journey winds through the winter woods as passengers are treated to storytelling, treats, and a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Along the way, guests sip hot cocoa, enjoy holiday music, and connect with characters from the North Pole. Children receive a keepsake gift, and the entire experience is designed to capture the spirit of a classic Southern Christmas. The train’s lights and decor give the impression of stepping into a holiday snow globe — without the snow.

Santa’s Paradise Express — Strasburg, Pennsylvania

Set against the pastoral backdrop of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the Strasburg Rail Road offers one of the most heartwarming holiday train experiences in the country. Established in the 1830s, it’s the oldest continuously operating railroad in the United States, and it leans into that history with style. Aboard Santa’s Paradise Express, antique steam locomotives pull restored passenger cars decorated with garlands and lights. Departing from Strasburg, passengers enjoy traditional caroling, cookies, and hot chocolate on the short ride through Pennsylvania‘s scenic Amish farmland. Santa and his helpers walk through the train, delivering greetings and small gifts to delighted children. Operating throughout late November and December, the ride is both timeless and deeply rooted in the region’s holiday traditions.

North Pole Express — Grapevine, Texas

Nicknamed the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” Grapevine lives up to the hype with its North Pole Express — a regional favorite that transforms the town’s historic railroad into a holiday wonderland. Families depart from the Grapevine Vintage Railroad and hop aboard a festively decorated train that takes them on a magical Texas-based journey through to the North Pole. During the one-hour round trip ride, children are entertained by Christmas-themed performances featuring elves, classic songs, and a visit from Mrs. Claus. Upon arrival at the North Pole, guests enter a snowy winter village where Santa awaits. Each child receives a silver Santa bell, and guests enjoy complimentary hot cocoa in a souvenir mug. With light displays, photo ops, and a nightly Christmas tree lighting in town, Grapevine offers one of the most immersive holiday train experiences in the South.

FAQs: 

Q: How early should I book tickets for holiday train rides?
A: It’s best to book tickets as early as possible—many popular trains sell out weeks or even months in advance, especially for weekend dates. Some lines open sales as early as August or September.

Q: What should I wear for a holiday train ride?
A: Dress in layers for comfort and warmth. Even if the train is heated, boarding areas can be chilly. Pajamas are encouraged on Polar Express-style rides, especially for kids!

Q: Are holiday train rides suitable for infants or toddlers?
A: Yes, most rides are family-friendly and cater to young children. Many railways offer lap infant pricing or free admission for babies under one or two years old. Check individual policies when booking.

Q: Do trains run in bad weather?
A: Most holiday train rides run rain or snow, but extreme weather may delay or cancel service. Be sure to check the railway’s website or social media for updates shortly before your trip.

Q: Is food available on board holiday trains?
A: Many rides offer snacks like cookies and hot chocolate, but full meals are rare. Some longer excursions may include onboard dining or ticket options with meals—check in advance if food is important.

Q: Are trains accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?
A: Accessibility varies by rail line. Some historic trains have limited wheelchair access, while others offer accommodations and storage for strollers. Contact the railway directly to confirm what’s available.

Q: Can adults go without kids?
A: Absolutely! While many rides are geared toward families, adults are welcome to join in the holiday fun—with or without young passengers. Some even offer adults-only evenings with seasonal cocktails and quiet ambiance.

Did we leave off your favorite holiday train experience? Tell us about it in the comments below!