The 6 Best American Train Rides to Take This Christmas Season

1. The North Pole Express, Grapevine, Texas

The great state of Texas self-proclaimed Grapevine as its Christmas Capital. During the holiday season, the city offers families the North Pole Express train excursion. Guests board a vintage 1920s locomotive that is completely decorated for the holidays. People aboard the train will experience an unforgettable trip each November and December.

Families will sing traditional Christmas songs and have special interactions with different Christmas characters. Guests will get a memory mug with Santa’s chocolate snow milk with his favorite cookie. Children will also experience a special visit with Santa, complete with a photo and the first gift of Christmas, a “We Believe in Christmas” bell.

2. Branson Scenic Railway Polar Express, Branson, Missouri

The Scenic Railway Polar Express in Branson, Missouri, has a train ride to see and pick up Santa multiple times throughout November and December. During this trip, guests receive milk and cookies while they listen to a retelling of The Polar Express. Once Santa Claus arrives, each guest will receive the first gift of Christmas, a bell.

Both children and adults are encouraged to wear their pajamas on the trip, just like the children did in the book. The train ride lasts one hour and 15 minutes. Other special guests are also aboard the train to interact with the passengers. Everyone will also get to see some Christmas carolers and the train hobo.

3. Strasburg Railroad Christmas Train, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

For over six decades, the Strasburg Railroad has offered train excursions during Christmas. Located in Lancaster County, America’s oldest operating railroad offers not just one but four different options. Guests can choose from The Christmas Tree Train, Santa’s Paradise Express, Santa Clause Limited, or the Night Before Christmas Train.

Depending on which train ride you choose, guests will receive a special Christmas experience. Everyone will get to see Santa and get a photo with him. Some will get milk and cookies, while others experience the classic retelling of Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem, “The Night Before Christmas.” There is even one train where you can pick out your own Christmas tree to take home.

For an added cost, guests also have the opportunity to have breakfast and dinner with Mrs. Claus. You may choose from a hearty breakfast or a traditional Christmas dinner. Mrs. Claus will greet your family and be with you during your dining experience. Breakfast starts at 8:30 in the morning on Saturdays and Sundays. Dinner is served at 6:00 in the evenings on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

4. Grand Canyon Railway Polar Express, Flagstaff, Arizona

Every winter, the Grand Canyon Railway turns into the Polar Express. Children and parents are whisked away from Williams, Arizona, as they take a magical train ride to the North Pole. Hot cocoa and chocolate chip cookies are served to everyone as they listen to the story of The Polar Express. On the ride back, Santa joins and gives everyone a magic Christmas bell.

There is also an option for those who want the ultimate polar express experience. Guests can travel in their own private, first-class historic train car. Like in the book, a private chef comes to your car with cocoa and cookies. They also lead you to some Christmas carols. When Santa comes on board, he joins you in your private train car and gives you the signature Polar Express bell. He then spends the rest of the trip back from the North Pole with you to ring in the season.

The Polar Express package is also available for those wanting to make this an overnight trip. Guests can stay at the Railway Hotel, including tickets on the Polar Express and dinner and breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant.

5. 1880 Train: Holiday Express, Hill City, South Dakota

The Holiday Express train has been heading to the North Pole for at least a decade. Families can board the train for a one-hour, round-trip journey from Hill City to the North Pole. Santa will board the train and ride back to Hill City, taking time to visit with each child on the way. All the children will receive a special Christmas bell from Santa, and everyone on board can enjoy some cocoa and cookies.

Guests have a few different choices regarding their tickets on the Holiday Express. There’s the classic, the first class, and the spiked! There is also a Winter Express after Christmas that offers the same experience as the classic, minus the visit from Santa since he will be on vacation. Differences include keepsake mugs, adult beverages, visiting Santa and Mrs. Clause, and even a dedicated elf.

6. Colorado Railroad Museum Polar Express, Golden Colorado

The Polar Express Train Ride is a must-do for anyone living in Colorado. Opening night started on November 10th and will run through December 23rd. This entire experience lasts approximately two hours, but it’s far from just a train ride. The guests’ journey begins in the Polar Express Pavillion. There, travelers will enjoy a cabaret-style preshow filled with entertainment and Christmas music.

Guests are then ushered into the main show area where a rendition of “Hot Chocolate” and a dramatic performance from The Polar Express book will occur. Watch and listen as you grab a cookie and sip hot cocoa. Once that finishes, everyone waits trackside for the grand arrival of the Polar Express train. An authentic, coal-fired steam locomotive arrives at the station, and the conductor gets everyone on board. There, you’ll get to watch elves sing and dance and visit with Santa as he gives out the first gift of Christmas, a silver bell.

Guests can purchase a standard seating ticket or a first-class ticket. First-class riders receive everything the standard ticket offers. Guests will get four commemorative Polar Express cocoa mugs, a copy of The Polar Express illustrated hardbound book, and two special, added gifts.