All Aboard the Most Festive Holiday Train Rides in the U.S.

Live out your Polar Express dreams on these holiday train rides across the country.

Thanks to Chris Van Allsburg ’s iconicThe Polar Express , a classic nestling ’s story as ineluctably omnipresent as Mariah Carey come November , vintagetrainshave become inextricably linked with the legerdemain of Christmas . Or , in the eccentric of the Tom Hanks film version , the uncanny horror of Christmas naive realism . Either way , there ’s something rightfully transportive about chugging along a snow - swept train caterpillar track , while sip hot cocoa and dangle brass Bell . Over the years , numerous historical steam locomotive have interpreted their own versions of the timeless custom .

Unsurprisingly , many of these Christmas - themed ride are centre on kidskin and families , with a few bellwether through - line , like requisite Santa appearance , story - telling , and sweets . Some rides , however , skew more adult - orient , with multi - course meals and cocoa spike with Schnapps — naughty list be beshrew .

Whether you ’re take care for a festive family outing , with bangle and kickshaw , or an elaborate evening liaison with boozy libations , holiday brightness express , and a post - ride feast , there ’s guaranteed to be a jury-rigged Polar Express out there for you this vacation time of year . Don your coziest pair of pajamas , come hungry for cookies , and climb aboard one of these jolly trains that are sure to thawing even the Grinchiest of hearts .

Napa Wine Train

Napa Wine Train

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Polar Express

November 22 - January 4Durango , ColoradoAhistoric Rocky Mountain trainthat first carry miners during the Gold Rush is now mining merry memories come up Christmastime . Rather than simply recite lines from the story , or dole out cocoa and cookies , the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad ’s interpretation of The Polar Express is next - level , offer an immersive theatrical recreation of the classical narration . As the train chugs along from downtown Durango , up into the snowy wilds of the forested mountains , chefs hand out hot drinking chocolate and sweet delicacy , as the book is read aloud . Upon arrival at the “ North Pole , ” guests are treat to a dazzling holiday lights show , prepare to music , and Santa gameboard the train for the return leg — gifts in towage . price : just the ticket start at $ 39 per person ( $ 29 for kids).How to book : leverage ticketsonline .

Napa Valley Wine Train Jolly Journeys

November 29 - December 23Napa , CaliforniaHop onto a century - one-time train machine for a 1.5 - hr drive from business district Napa to Yountville and back , rife with stunning views of Napa Valley . While theWine Train ’s usual longer routeincludes stops at a series of vinery and winery , the line ’s holiday excursion are all about the journeying . Indian file into the Cookie Car for a seraphic delicacy and quick beverage , or enjoy a three - course kid - friendly repast aboard the Gourmet Holiday Express . Those who pick out the latter spread inside a dining car dating to the other 1900s , while Very Merry Vista Dome passengers will consume on the 2d story of a windowed railway car , an incredible vantage dot from which to find out the surrounding countryside take flight by . And the Jingle on the Rails experience invites passenger to hang with Santa in a decorated Pullman lounge elevator car before digging into a holiday dinner thoroughgoing with a cookie and hot cocoa . No matter which tag you Koran , you ’ll have the choice to take a photo with Santa , take in caroling performances at the train station , and munch on cookies with hot cocoa . Cost : Santa ’s Cookie Car tickets run away $ 100 per somebody ( $ 80 for kids ) . Gourmet Holiday Express tickets run $ 160 per soul ( $ 100 for kids ) . Very Merry Vista Dome tickets run $ 200 per person ( $ 100 for child ) . Jingle on the Rails slate take to the woods $ 160 per person ( $ 100 for kids).How to playscript : leverage tickets online .

1880 Train Holiday Express

November 29 - December 29Hill City , South DakotaChoose between standard , first course of study , or spiked rides on the Black Hills 1880 Train Holiday Express . The beautify - out train with a vintage diesel railway locomotive runs from Hill City to the North Pole ( well , sort of ) , where Santa will board the train for the restoration journey back to the station . The intact head trip takes an time of day , and every ride includes a sugar cookie and mug of red-hot cocoa , in add-on to a sojourn with ol’ St. Nick .

If you opt for a spiked journey , you ’ll be seat in an adults - only railroad car and your hot chocolate will arrive fortified with the surd stuff . First stratum passengers can spread out thanks to more spacious seats , give ear with Mrs. Claus and an elf in addition to the jolly man himself , and down as many cups of drinking chocolate as they ’d wish . Pajamas are boost , and if you ca n’t climb aboard before December 25 , select post - Christmas runs continue until the end of the twelvemonth . Cost : Holiday Express ticket get going at $ 49 per person ( $ 29 for kids ) . Holiday Express Spiked Tickets feed $ 69 per person ( 21 + only ) , and first form tickets are $ 79 per mortal ( $ 56 for kids).How to book : leverage ticketsonline .

Strasburg Railroad Christmas Trains

November 16 - December 24Strasburg , PennsylvaniaMore than 60 years of tradition bolster Strasburg ’s Christmas trains . The line ’s original ride , the Santa ’s Paradise Express , is a 45 - minute of arc weekend escapade with a Santa sojourn and carolers , plus cookies and cocoa for first class passenger , a repast for dining car passengers , small natural endowment for children 11 and jr. , and a Christmas marketplace for all . young additions include the weekday Santa Claus Limited with Santa on instrument panel , a Night Before Christmas drive that feature a performance of the titular poem , Santa ’s Paradise Express Brunch , and an in - post event where Mrs. Claus conjoin client for a traditional Christmas dinner inside Lefever Hall , sodding with meatloaf , baked ham , and sugar pudding . Cost : Santa ’s Paradise Express tickets start at $ 39 per person ( $ 29 for child ) . Santa Claus Limited tickets start at $ 32 per person ( $ 25 for minor ) . Night Before Christmas ticket start at $ 39 per person ( $ 29 for tiddler ) . Santa ’s Paradise Express Brunch is $ 60 per somebody ( $ 45 for kid ) . Dinner with Mrs. Claus , which includes a pre - dinner string drive , starts at $ 79 per someone ( $ 59 for kids).How to playscript : Purchase tickets online .

Sky RailwayPablo’s Holiday Express

November 29 - December 24Lamy , New MexicoIf you ’re familiar with the Sky Railway , you ’ll know that just about anything goes inside this psychedelic immersive experience on rails , from margarita - themed ride to spoof — and this vacation - themed adventure is no exception . Climb aboard the trippy Dragon Train , say hello to Mrs. Claus , and sip some chocolate while you study all about how Santa helped small Pablito the Dragon save New Mexico ’s Christmas while hurtling toward a wintertime elf village stashed in the middle of the desert . Yes , you read that aright . Tickets admit a hot drinking chocolate , holiday sing - a - longs , and extra snacks and drink for purchase on control board . After the hour - long trek , Santa will be waiting back at the station for photo ops . This yr , they ’re partnering with The Food Depot and UNM Children ’s Hospital to host afood and plaything driving force , severally . toll : Pablo ’s Holiday Express tickets run $ 64 per person ( $ 34 for kids).How to Scripture : Purchase ticketsonline .

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad North Pole Adventure

November 8 - December 21Independence , OhioFive different seating choice — including a scenic domed car — beckon riders aboard this 26 - Roman mile , 90 - minute junket from the Akron Northside Station to the North Pole , past a Christmas Tree Forest and Candy Cane Farm . The gearing add up chock full of extremely low frequency , Santa sojourn , caroling , cookie , and cocoa , plus souvenir mugs and totes for those booking table , seats in the lounge car , or a first class drive beneath the glass dome . Pajamas are encouraged , and nipper will have the opportunity to publish letters to Santa , and pass on them directly to the North Pole Postmaster . Cost : North Pole Adventure slate start at $ 50 per person . How to reserve : Purchase ticket online .

Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad Holiday Trains

November 16 - December 22Trego , WisconsinCookies and chocolate may be the distinctive seasonal combination , but is there ever really a wrong time for pizza ? The Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad ’s darling Santa Train wo n’t require you to dally favorites , because you ’ll find both on board . Each mathematical group rides in their own secret dining compartment outfit up to six people , and tickets let in a personal pizza , beverage , and holiday sweets . Watch the fields and forests of northerly Wisconsin fly by through the windowpane as you eat , then make the trip to Santa ’s private car for some photos and good cheer . monetary value : Santa Train tickets run $ 50 per someone ( $ 40 for kids ) . Holiday Wine Train tickets run $ 75 per person ( booths sit two people).How to Holy Writ : Purchase just the ticket online .

Hoosac Berkshire Valley Christmas Trains

November 29 - December 21Adams , MassachusettsThese gearing rides through the stunning hills of Western Massachusetts come courtesy of the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum , which operates two type of vacation railway excursions throughout November and December . The Tinseliner Santa trains are the standard , with carols , Santa visits , and diminished natural endowment for children . But it ’s the Mrs. Claus Cookie Express train that really reach that fresh spot . offer on December 21st only , with two trips , the train sport cookies from the First Lady of the North Pole herself , and optional first - year tables that seat up to four . Cost : Tinseliner ticket run $ 25 per person ( $ 18 for kidskin ) . Mrs. Claus Cookie Express ticket run $ 25 per person ( $ 18 for kids).How to book : leverage tickets online .

Allstate CTA Holiday Train

Late November - Late DecemberChicago , IllinoisThe first - ever CTA Holiday Train took to the elevated rails in 1992 , return solid food to charities around Chicago . Today , the lionize seasonal El train is a family - favorable means to get up your day-by-day commute , sodding with Santa “ driving ” the power train from his rod atop an open - air flatbed . The whole gang is there , include a sleigh , reindeer , and Christmas trees , and you’re able to cross the trains advance via the CTA Train Tracker app . This year , Santa is once again opening up a desired spot on his sled to photograph - assay kiddos . Costing just a single Ventra swipe , this is one of the most wallet - friendly holiday gear out there . Cost : admission price to the Allstate CTA Holiday Train is let in in the stock CTA transportation . How to reserve : ass are first come , first served . View full route and schedulehere .

Naugatuck Railroad Holiday Trains

November 24 - December 28Thomaston , ConnecticutRide the geartrain dear known as “ the Naugy ” on one of its two Christmas - theme expedition this time of year . The rides are standardised , but the kid - centric Santa Express ( now with an autism - friendly reading ) runs during the daytime , while the Northern Lights Limited is the one to take in if you want to see the power train ’s vivacious lights shine through the wilderness . Snuggle into the 1920s - era passenger vehicle on either trip to enjoy elf - lead caroling , a Santa sojourn , and small gifts for baby , or snag a seat in a lounge cable car for long Santa visits and some hot cocoa .

To really make the most out of the journey , reserve a spot on one of the Naugy ’s two premium machine : The Naugatuck Lounge comes with better goodies ( a.k.a . a gift bag , exclusive boldness bell shape , and cooky ) , along with onboard bar table service . The more intimate Santa ’s Lounge extend all the above plus an notice area . You ca n’t go wrong with any of them , but note that the Santa ’s Lounge car is the only one with in - car restrooms . monetary value : Santa Express tickets start at $ 25 per person . Northern Lights Limited tickets start at $ 35 per person . How to reserve : leverage tickets online .

santa and mrs claus kissing on christmas train