Christmas Train Ride Locations: A Complete Guide
Last revised: January 8, 2025
By: Adam Burns
While Christmas train rides have been around for quite some time, interest spiked after Warner Brothers Pictures released The Polar Express in November, 2004.
The movie is based from Chris Van Allsburg acclaimed children's book by the same name, originally published in 1985. Today, numerous organizations host officially licensed trips featuring his work and these usually sell out months in advance.
However, not all have chosen this route and instead offer their own Christmas-themed excursions. Many are also quite popular and some, too, sell out quite quickly! Featured below is a 2021 schedule of such events which are expected to operate.
It's a bitterly cold January 7, 1967 as Milwaukee Road's train #2, the southbound "Copper Country Limited," awaits departure from Soo Line's depot in Calumet, Michigan. Roger Puta photo.States
If you would like to learn more about officially licensed The Polar Express events please click here.
Please Note! While I have striven to make sure the information presented is accurate to the best of my knowledge, I cannot say-so with 100% certainty. Please contact each individual organization regarding available trains, specific dates, times, and ticket pricing.
Notable Events
All aboard for a magical holiday adventure! Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in a truly unique way by hopping aboard one of the best Christmas-themed train rides.
These enchanting journeys will transport you to a winter wonderland, filled with twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and memories that will last a lifetime. Get ready to experience the joy and wonder of Christmas as you traverse breathtaking landscapes and embrace the spirit of the season. Here are some of the top Christmas train rides in the country. More information about these experiences may be found in the above state listings.
The Polar Express (Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Colorado)
Inspired by the beloved children's book and film, The Polar Express train ride in Colorado promises an unforgettable journey. Settle into vintage coaches adorned with holiday decorations as you embark on a magical trip to the North Pole. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, sing along to Christmas carols, and listen to the story of The Polar Express brought to life. Be prepared for a surprise visit from Santa Claus himself, spreading joy to all passengers. It's an experience that captures the imagination of both young and old alike.
The Christmas City Express (Duluth, Minnesota)
Step into a storybook setting on the Christmas City Express in Duluth, Minnesota, hosted by the North Shore Scenic Railroad. Journey through snowy landscapes aboard beautifully restored vintage trains, adorned with festive lights and decorations. As you travel, take in stunning views of Lake Superior and the charming winter scenes along the route. Encounter Santa's helpers, enjoy live holiday music, and meet Santa Claus, who will be eager to hear your Christmas wishes. Don't forget to indulge in delicious holiday treats, making this journey a true delight for all.
Napa Valley Wine Train's Santa Express (Napa, California)
Combine the elegance of wine country with the magic of Christmas aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train Santa Express. This enchanting ride takes you through California's picturesque vineyards, offering panoramic views of rolling hills and wintry landscapes. As you savor a gourmet holiday meal, Santa and his merry elves will visit your table, spreading cheer and surprises. Children can participate in fun activities and receive special gifts. Raise a toast to the holiday season with a glass of local wine and make memories to cherish forever.
The North Pole Express (Strasburg Rail Road, Pennsylvania)
Take a nostalgic journey on the North Pole Express at Strasburg Rail Road in Pennsylvania. Climb aboard the beautifully restored vintage steam train and embark on a captivating expedition to the North Pole. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere as you enjoy storytelling, sing-alongs, and the company of holiday characters. Children will be thrilled to meet Santa Claus and share their Christmas wishes. Capture the enchantment of the season against the backdrop of Pennsylvania's picturesque countryside.
The Christmas Train (Heber Valley Railroad, Utah)
Experience the magic of The Christmas Train in Utah's Heber Valley. Settle into cozy, heated train cars adorned with holiday decorations, and embark on a scenic journey through snow-covered landscapes. Enjoy live entertainment and warm up with complimentary hot cocoa and fresh-baked cookies. Look out for Santa Claus and his helpers as they visit each carriage, spreading joy and giving gifts to children. This heartwarming experience will leave you with cherished memories and a renewed love for the holiday season.
The Santa Express (Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Ohio)
Celebrate the spirit of Christmas aboard the Santa Express in Ohio's Cuyahoga Valley. Enjoy a leisurely ride through the picturesque Cuyahoga Valley National Park, adorned in its winter glory. Delight in the festive ambiance as you listen to Christmas music, sip hot chocolate, and engage in onboard activities. Santa and his
Alaska
No events yet known.
Rio Grande F9A #5771 is ahead of the "Ski Train" at Winter Park, Colorado, circa 1984. Mike Bledsoe photo. American-Rails.com collection.Hawaii
No events known.
Idaho
No events known.
Kansas
No events known.
Louisiana
No events known.
Mississippi
No events known.
Nebraska
No events known.
North Dakota
No events yet known.
Oklahoma
No events known.
Vermont
No events known.
Wyoming
No events yet known.
Recent Articles
-
Pennsylvania ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 27, 26 12:05 PM
Wine tasting trains are a unique and enchanting way to explore the state’s burgeoning wine scene while enjoying a leisurely ride through picturesque landscapes. -
West Virginia's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 27, 26 11:57 AM
West Virginia, often celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, offers visitors a unique way to explore its rolling hills and picturesque vineyards: wine tasting trains. -
Iowa Valentine's Train Rides
Jan 27, 26 10:22 AM
While the Boone & Scenic Valley's calendar is packed with seasonal events, few are as popular—or as tailor-made for couples—as the Valentine Dinner Train. -
Texas Valentine's Train Rides
Jan 27, 26 09:44 AM
On Valentine's Day, the Grapevine Vintage Railroad has become one of the Dallas–Fort Worth area’s most charming "micro-adventures" - and, on Valentine’s Day, one of the region’s most memorable date ni… -
Missouri ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 26, 26 01:21 PM
Missouri, with its rich history and scenic landscapes, is home to one location hosting these unique excursion experiences. -
Washington's ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 26, 26 01:15 PM
This article delves into what makes murder mystery dinner train rides in Washington State such a captivating experience. -
Utah's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 26, 26 12:48 PM
Utah, a state widely celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty and dramatic landscapes, is also gaining recognition for an unexpected yet delightful experience: wine tasting trains. -
Vermont's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 26, 26 12:40 PM
Known for its stunning green mountains, charming small towns, and burgeoning wine industry, Vermont offers a unique experience that seamlessly blends all these elements: wine tasting train rides. -
Rhode Island's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 26, 26 12:36 PM
It may the smallest state but Rhode Island is home to a unique and upscale train excursion offering wide aboard their trips, the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad. -
Oregon's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 26, 26 12:25 PM
For those looking to explore this wine paradise in style and comfort, Oregon's wine tasting trains offer a unique and enjoyable way to experience the region's offerings. -
Virginia's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 26, 26 12:07 PM
Wine tasting trains in Virginia provide just that—a unique experience that marries the romance of rail travel with the sensory delights of wine exploration. -
Tennessee's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 26, 26 12:44 AM
One of the most unique and enjoyable ways to savor the flavors of Tennessee’s vineyards is by train aboard the Tennessee Central Railway Museum. -
Texas's Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 25, 26 01:41 PM
In the heart of Texas, where everything is said to be bigger and bolder, lies an event that captures the imagination of children and families alike - A Day Out With Thomas. -
New York's Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 25, 26 01:37 PM
These events, part of a national tour, are crafted for young Thomas fans and their families to enjoy an immersive experience filled with adventure, nostalgia, and sheer joy. -
Connecticut's Dinner Train Rides In Essex!
Jan 25, 26 01:34 PM
Connecticut's rail heritage can be traced back to the industry's earliest days and a few organizations preserve this rich history by offering train rides. The Essex Steam Train also hosts dinner-theme… -
Minnesota's Dinner Train Rides In Duluth!
Jan 25, 26 01:25 PM
One of the best ways to feel the region's history in motion today is aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad (NSSR), which operates out of Duluth’s historic depot. -
North Carolina's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 25, 26 01:18 PM
A noteworthy way to explore North Carolina's beauty is by hopping aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and sipping fine wine! -
Nevada's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 25, 26 01:13 PM
While it may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of wine, you can sip this delight by train in Nevada at the Nevada Northern Railway. -
New Hampshire's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 25, 26 01:02 PM
This article details New Hampshire's most enchanting wine tasting trains, where every sip is paired with breathtaking views and a touch of adventure. -
Front Range Passenger Rail [Fort Collins-Pueblo, CO]
Jan 25, 26 12:59 PM
Front Range Passenger Rail is a proposed project to link Fort Collins to Pueblo, Colorado by rail via Denver and Boulder. It hopes to be operational by the early 2030s. -
Indiana "Valentine's" Train Rides
Jan 24, 26 12:53 PM
If you’ve ever wished you could step into a time when passenger trains were a Saturday-night treat and a whistle echoing across farm fields meant “adventure,” the Nickel Plate Express delivers that fe… -
Ohio "Valentine's" Train Rides!
Jan 24, 26 12:46 PM
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway offers one of the region’s most atmospheric ways to experience the Hocking Hills area: from the rhythmic click of jointed rail to the glow of vintage coaches rolling… -
Arkansas "Dinner Train" Rides On The A&M!
Jan 24, 26 12:40 PM
If you want a railroad experience that feels equal parts “working short line” and “time machine,” the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad delivers in a way few modern operations can. -
North Carolina's Dinner Train Rides At NCTM!
Jan 24, 26 12:34 PM
Tucked into the Piedmont town of Spencer, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is the kind of place that feels less like a typical museum and more like a living rail yard that never quite stopped… -
Colorado's Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 24, 26 12:30 PM
One of the most picturesque locations to see the beloved Thomas the Tank Engine is Colorado at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden. -
Iowa's Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 24, 26 12:26 PM
This article explores the magical journey of spending a day with Thomas and what families can expect from this unforgettable experience in Iowa. -
New Jersey's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 24, 26 12:21 PM
If you're seeking a unique outing or a memorable way to celebrate a special occasion, wine tasting train rides in New Jersey offer an experience unlike any other. -
Missouri's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 24, 26 12:19 PM
The fusion of scenic vistas, historical charm, and exquisite wines is beautifully encapsulated in Missouri's wine tasting train experiences. -
Minnesota's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 24, 26 12:17 PM
This article takes you on a journey through Minnesota's wine tasting trains, offering a unique perspective on this novel adventure. -
Massachusetts's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 24, 26 12:17 PM
This article dives into some of the alluring aspects of wine by rail in Massachusetts, currently offered by the Cape Cod Central Railroad. -
Kentucky ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 24, 26 12:13 PM
In the realm of unique travel experiences, Kentucky offers an enchanting twist that entices both locals and tourists alike: murder mystery dinner train rides. -
Utah ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 24, 26 12:12 PM
This article highlights the murder mystery dinner trains currently avaliable in the state of Utah! -
North Carolina Scenic Train Rides At The GSMR!
Jan 23, 26 11:47 AM
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMR) has become one of the flagship heritage rail experiences in the Southeast. -
Ohio Scenic Train Rides In Nelsonville!
Jan 23, 26 11:42 AM
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway (HVSR) offers something rare in today’s world: the chance to experience a working slice of 19th- and 20th-century railroading on an historic right-of-way. -
Tennessee "Dinner Train Rides" At The TVRM!
Jan 23, 26 10:59 AM
Tucked into East Chattanooga, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is less a “museum you walk through” and more a railroad you step aboard. -
California "Dinner Train Rides" In Sacramento!
Jan 23, 26 10:36 AM
Just minutes from downtown Sacramento, the River Fox Train has carved out a niche that’s equal parts scenic railroad, social outing, and “pick-your-own-adventure” evening on the rails.
