Vermont Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Last revised: September 10, 2026
By: Adam Burns
Vermont’s Christmas train is the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber Holiday Express from Chester Depot, December 19–20, about an hour, cocoa and Santa on Vermont Rail System cars. Licensed Polar Express in Vermont is the Vermont Children’s Trust weekend in Burlington, December 5–6 only—that ticket is on the Vermont Polar page.
The Okemo Valley Holiday Express, sponsored by the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and hosted by the Vermont Rail System. Chamber of Commerce photo.
On this page: At a glance · Christmas hosts · Planning tips
Vermont Christmas trains at a glance
| Host | City | 2026 product | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Okemo Valley Holiday Express | Chester | Dec. 19–20. Five departures each day: 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00, 3:00, and 5:00 p.m. ~1 hr from Chester Depot | Chamber site |
Schedules and fares change. Confirm on the chamber before you book. Information compiled September 10, 2026. This is a Christmas train—not a licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS™ event. Vermont Polar is Burlington, Dec. 5–6 only.
Christmas hosts
Okemo Valley Holiday Express
(Chester): 563 Depot Street. Chamber of Commerce ride on Vermont Rail System. Heated vintage cars, holiday music, cocoa, cookies, Santa and elves. About one hour out and back from the Chester Depot. Dress in layers; the platform is cold even when the cars are warm.
2026: Saturday and Sunday December 19–20. Five trains each day at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. Tickets at okemovalleychamber.simpletix.com. Confirm 2026 fares on that page—do not reuse last year’s $30/$25 as if they were posted for 2026.
Planning tips
- Burlington Polar Express is December 5–6 only, $40, lottery/donor tickets. That is Polar, not the Chester Holiday Express. Polar: Vermont Polar.
- Chester is south-central Vermont, not Burlington. GPS 563 Depot Street.
- Two December weekends, two products. Do not mix those calendars.
- Five departures sell. Book the time you can actually make in winter driving.
Related Reading on American-Rails.com
- Vermont Polar Express (Burlington)
- Christmas Train Ride Locations 2026
- THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Locations 2026
Always verify 2026 schedules, fares, and event names on the chamber’s official website before you travel. American-Rails.com does not sell tickets.
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