Best Christmas and Holiday Train Rides in the Eastern United States 2026

Published: July 12, 2026

The holiday season brings a special magic to train travel. Across the Eastern United States, heritage railroads and scenic routes transform into festive experiences complete with visits from Santa, caroling, hot cocoa, and dazzling lights or winter scenery.

Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly Polar Express adventure, a steam-powered holiday excursion, or a relaxed scenic ride with seasonal flair, the East offers some of the most beloved holiday train rides in the country. Here are standout options for 2026, with practical details to help you book the perfect trip.

Festive holiday train ride with passengers enjoying Christmas lights and seasonal scenery on an Eastern U.S. heritage railroad.

Strasburg Railroad 2-10-0 #90 leads an excursion in the snow during the Christmas season of 2025.

1. The Polar Express Train Ride (Various Eastern Locations)

The trademarked Polar Express experience, inspired by the beloved book and film, remains one of the most popular holiday train rides. Short, immersive journeys take families to the “North Pole” for hot cocoa, storytelling, caroling, and a visit from Santa, who often presents each child with a silver sleigh bell.

Popular Eastern stops include the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (Bryson City, NC), Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (Cumberland, MD), and B&O Railroad Museum (Baltimore, MD). These rides typically run from late November through Christmas Eve.

What to Expect in 2026

Duration: Usually 1–2 hours.
Dates: Vary by location; many begin mid-to-late November.
Tickets: Book early — popular dates sell out quickly.
Extras: Pajama nights, premium cars, and souvenir options are common.

Children meeting Santa on The Polar Express train ride during a festive holiday excursion.

Santa Trains & Holiday Expresses on Heritage Railroads

Many Eastern railroads offer dedicated Santa Trains or Holiday Express rides featuring visits with Santa, gift-giving for kids, live music, and scenic winter or late-fall views.

Notable options include the Walkersville Southern Railroad (Maryland), East Broad Top Railroad (Pennsylvania), and various lines in Georgia and the Carolinas. These are often shorter, family-oriented trips perfect for creating traditions.

3. Other Festive Scenic Options

Themed dinner or wine trains with holiday menus.
Steam excursions with lights or special holiday cars.
Amtrak routes with seasonal ambiance (check for any festive promotions).

Historic steam train decorated for the holidays carrying passengers through scenic Eastern landscapes

Canadian Pacific 4-6-2s #1246 and #1278 work upgrade with an excursion out of Rutland at East Clarendon, Vermont on the Green Mountain Railroad in December, 1974. Ronald Johnson photo.

Planning Tips for Holiday Train Rides 2026

Book early, especially for weekends and Polar Express dates. Check for age-appropriate experiences and any COVID or capacity policies. Many railroads offer tiered ticket levels (standard, premium, or caboose). Combine with nearby holiday events or overnight stays for a full weekend getaway.

These rides deliver not just transportation, but memorable experiences that capture the spirit of the season.

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Best Christmas and Holiday Train Rides in the Eastern United States 2026

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1. The Polar Express Train Ride (Various Eastern Locations)

Santa Trains & Holiday Expresses on Heritage Railroads

3. Other Festive Scenic Options

Planning Tips for Holiday Train Rides 2026