11 Best U.S. Destinations for Holiday Train Rides
Hop aboard some of the most festive holiday train rides across the U.S. this season, where magical journeys await. From classic Polar Express experiences to scenic trips through snowy landscapes and twinkling light displays, these train rides offer a perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or loved ones, these train rides provide unforgettable memories and seasonal charm, all set to bring the magic of the holidays to life.
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Grand Canyon Railway – Williams, Arizona
The Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, Arizona, offers an enchanting holiday experience with its Polar Express train ride. During the holiday season, the train is transformed into a magical journey to the North Pole, where families can experience the magic of the holiday season. The ride begins with passengers boarding the restored historic 1929 Pullman cars, which add a sense of nostalgia and charm. Throughout the trip, passengers are treated to hot chocolate and cookies, while Christmas music fills the air, creating a warm, festive atmosphere. As the train moves through the winter landscape, a visit from Santa himself adds a special touch, and each child receives a bell, just like in the beloved Christmas story.
The Polar Express train ride lasts about 90 minutes, making it a perfect evening getaway. Departing in the early evening, passengers enjoy the magic of twinkling lights and festive decorations as the sun sets and the train journeys toward the North Pole. The town of Williams itself exudes a cozy, small-town charm that enhances the entire experience. For those looking to extend their trip, the nearby Grand Canyon offers its own scenic beauty, making this a truly unforgettable holiday adventure.
Niles Canyon Railway – California (Fremont / Sunol)
The Niles Canyon Railway’s Train of Lights is a must-see holiday attraction in California. This festive train ride is a 1.5-hour round trip through the picturesque Niles Canyon, and it’s one of the best places to experience a train decorated with thousands of twinkling holiday lights. Each of the 16 railcars is uniquely decorated, creating a visually stunning display of colors and holiday cheer. As passengers settle in, they’re treated to festive music that sets the tone for the ride. The entire experience is designed to transport guests into a holiday wonderland, complete with seasonal treats and the opportunity to take in the holiday atmosphere.
What makes the Niles Canyon Railway ride so special is not just the elaborate light displays, but the journey itself through the canyon. As the train winds through the historic route, riders can marvel at the natural beauty of the landscape, which adds an extra layer of charm to the holiday theme. The ride is offered in the evening, making the lights and decorations all the more magical. For families, it’s the perfect way to experience the holiday spirit in a peaceful and scenic setting.
Amtrak’s Empire Builder – Chicago, Illinois
Amtrak’s Empire Builder train offers a comfortable way to experience the holiday season while traveling between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest. For those looking for a holiday getaway that includes classic Christmas markets and festive shows, this train provides the perfect access to many city-center attractions. As the train glides through snowy landscapes, passengers can enjoy spacious and comfortable seating, festive treats, and the cozy ambiance created by seasonal decorations. In Chicago, travelers can step off the train and immediately immerse themselves in the city’s well-known holiday atmosphere, with Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and seasonal window displays just a short walk away.
The Empire Builder offers a unique way to experience holiday charm as it travels through picturesque small towns and bustling cities. With stops in places like Minneapolis and St. Paul, passengers can enjoy both scenic beauty and a cultural immersion into holiday traditions across the region. For those who prefer a more relaxed journey, the Empire Builder provides a perfect combination of comfort and holiday cheer, all while showcasing the best of winter landscapes and seasonal festivities.
The Alaska Railroad – Anchorage to Fairbanks, Alaska
The Alaska Railroad offers a stunning holiday train ride that traverses some of the most beautiful winter landscapes in the United States. During the holiday season, the train departs from Anchorage and makes its way north to Fairbanks, where the spectacular northern lights add a touch of magic to the journey. The train cars are decorated with holiday lights, and passengers are treated to a festive atmosphere as they enjoy the snowy terrain, complete with views of the Alaska Range, frozen rivers, and snow-covered forests.
The Alaska Railroad offers a unique holiday experience because of its remote, breathtaking landscapes. The train ride provides the perfect way to see the beauty of Alaska in winter, with the possibility of seeing the northern lights if conditions are right. This train journey is ideal for those who want to experience the holiday season in a truly extraordinary way, surrounded by majestic nature and festive holiday cheer.
Strasburg Rail Road – Strasburg, Pennsylvania
Strasburg Rail Road in Pennsylvania is one of the oldest and most famous holiday train rides in the United States. The Christmas train rides here feature the famous “Santa’s Christmas Trolley,” which takes families on a journey through the scenic Amish countryside. Along the way, guests can enjoy the sights and sounds of the season as they pass through rolling hills and picturesque farmland. The train is decorated with festive lights, and passengers can meet Santa and his helpers during the ride. Children receive a special gift from Santa, and there are opportunities for photos with the jolly man himself.
What sets Strasburg Rail Road apart is its historic charm. The train is a vintage steam-powered locomotive, giving the entire ride a nostalgic feel that appeals to people of all ages. The holiday-themed rides are designed to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, with Christmas music, seasonal treats, and plenty of holiday cheer. For those visiting the area, Strasburg also offers other attractions, including the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, making it a great destination for family holiday trips.
The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad – New Hope, Pennsylvania
Located in the charming town of New Hope, Pennsylvania, the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad offers a beautiful holiday train ride that’s perfect for families and train enthusiasts alike. Known for its “North Pole Express,” this festive journey takes passengers through a winter wonderland complete with holiday music, carolers, and a visit from Santa. The ride departs from the historic station in New Hope, a town that already boasts a charming, old-world feel, making the entire experience feel like stepping back in time.
The ride is filled with twinkling lights and seasonal decorations, creating a cozy atmosphere that’s ideal for families looking to celebrate the holidays memorably. As the train chugs along its scenic route, families can enjoy the winter landscape and holiday-themed entertainment. Santa makes a special appearance on board, handing out holiday treats and spreading Christmas cheer. For those who want to add to the magic, the town of New Hope also offers quaint shops, festive dining, and holiday attractions, making it a perfect destination for a holiday outing.
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway – Blue Ridge, Georgia
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers a unique holiday experience in Georgia, where families can enjoy a winter journey through the beautiful Appalachian foothills. The ride takes passengers on a two-hour round-trip adventure along the Toccoa River, with stops in the charming town of McCaysville, which becomes a winter wonderland during the holidays. Passengers can enjoy hot chocolate, holiday treats, and live entertainment on board, with the entire train decorated in festive lights.
One of the highlights of the ride is the “Polar Express” experience, where children can visit with Santa and receive a keepsake bell. The train is designed to create a nostalgic, magical atmosphere, and the journey through the mountainous landscape adds a special touch to the holiday season. For families looking for a quieter, scenic experience away from the crowds, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers a charming and relaxed holiday train ride that showcases the beauty of the South during winter.
The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad – Bryson City, North Carolina
Located in Bryson City, North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad offers a festive “Polar Express” experience during the holiday season. This iconic ride is a beloved tradition for families, with the train carriages decked out in holiday decor and the entire ride designed to recreate the magic of the classic Christmas story. Passengers are treated to Christmas music, a reading of the book, and a special visit from Santa, who greets children and hands out gifts.
The railroad offers a unique experience in that it is set against the stunning backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains, which are often covered in a blanket of snow during the winter months. The train journey provides a scenic and peaceful ride through the forested hills, allowing families to immerse themselves in the magic of the season. For those seeking a quiet, scenic escape, the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad provides an unforgettable holiday adventure.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – Durango, Colorado
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of Colorado’s most scenic train rides, and it takes on a particularly magical atmosphere during the holiday season. The “Polar Express” train ride in Durango offers a magical journey through snow-covered mountains, complete with Christmas carols, warm drinks, and a visit from Santa. The historic train is decorated for the holidays, creating a festive and nostalgic atmosphere that’s perfect for families.
The ride lasts approximately one hour and is designed to create a cozy, intimate holiday experience. Along the way, passengers enjoy breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains, which are blanketed in snow during the winter months. For those who want to extend their visit, the town of Durango offers a variety of other winter activities, including ice skating and holiday shopping, making it a wonderful destination for a winter getaway.
The Polar Express – Rusk, Texas
In Rusk, Texas, the Texas State Railroad offers a “Polar Express” ride that brings the magic of Christmas to life. The ride begins in the historic town of Rusk, where passengers board a vintage train for a journey to the North Pole. The experience includes hot chocolate, cookies, and Christmas carols, along with a reading of “The Polar Express” story. Santa makes a special appearance to greet children and hand out a gift, making the journey even more memorable for young passengers.
The train ride lasts about 45 minutes and is designed to create a cozy, intimate holiday experience for families. As passengers travel through the East Texas Piney Woods, the winter landscape provides a beautiful backdrop for the Christmas-themed journey. The entire train is decorated for the holidays, and the cheerful atmosphere creates a magical environment that transports guests into the heart of the holiday season.
The Ohio Railway Museum – Worthington, Ohio
The Ohio Railway Museum offers a festive holiday train experience that combines vintage charm with holiday cheer. The museum features “Santa Train” rides that take passengers on a short, scenic ride through the surrounding woods. Along the way, families can enjoy holiday decorations, seasonal music, and meet Santa, who will greet children and hand out small gifts. The museum itself is home to a variety of historic trains, providing an educational backdrop for the holiday festivities.
What makes the Ohio Railway Museum special is its commitment to preserving the history of rail travel while offering a fun and festive experience for all ages. The Santa Train ride is perfect for families looking to enjoy a relaxing holiday outing that is both educational and filled with seasonal magic. For train lovers and those new to the holiday train experience, this ride offers a wonderful combination of history, education, and Christmas cheer.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.