There is something so magical about a holiday train ride during the Christmas season. From storybook-inspired Polar Express adventures with hot chocolate and Santa to vintage steam trains, festive trolleys, and tunnels filled with twinkling Christmas lights, the New York area has so many ways to make the holidays extra special.
Whether you’re planning a family outing with little ones, looking for a new holiday tradition, or simply want to get into the Christmas spirit, these holiday train rides near NYC are worth adding to your seasonal bucket list. We’ve rounded up the best experiences across New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, and nearby Pennsylvania, including classic Polar Express rides, Santa trains, and magical holiday light experiences. Popular holiday train rides often sell out in advance, so it’s worth checking ticket availability early.
1. Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden
Location: Bronx, NY
Season: November 14, 2026, through January 10, 2027
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is one of New York City’s most beloved holiday traditions. Set inside the beautiful Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, this enchanting exhibit features miniature trains winding through an incredible collection of New York landmarks recreated using natural materials, including bark, leaves, and twigs.
The combination of intricate craftsmanship, lush botanical displays, and miniature railways makes this a wonderful holiday outing for families. It is also a great option for anyone looking for a festive experience without leaving the five boroughs.
For tickets and additional details, visit the New York Botanical Garden.
2. The Polar Express Train Ride at North Fork Trolley
Location: Calverton, Long Island, NY
Season: Check the 2026 ticket calendar for confirmed dates.
All aboard for a festive adventure inspired by the beloved Christmas story! North Fork Trolley offers a Polar Express experience that brings the magic of the classic tale to life with a decorated vintage trolley, holiday entertainment, hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit from Santa.
Children can wear their favorite Christmas pajamas and enjoy the excitement of a holiday ride complete with the iconic silver sleigh bell. It’s a fun way to kick off the Christmas season and create a special memory with the family.
Check the North Fork Trolley website for the latest dates and ticket availability.
3. Port Jefferson Polar Express Experience
Location: Port Jefferson area, Long Island, NY
Season: 2026 dates to be confirmed.
Families looking for another holiday experience on Long Island can also keep an eye out for the Port Jefferson-area Polar Express event. Past experiences have included a decorated railcar, Christmas movie screenings, hot chocolate, cookies, and popcorn.
Get tickets here.
Holiday Train Rides in New Jersey
4. The Polar Express at Morristown & Erie Railway
Location: Whippany, NJ
Season: Check the official 2026 schedule.
One of the area’s best-known holiday train experiences, the Polar Express at Morristown & Erie Railway brings the magic of the classic Christmas story to life. Families board a festive train for a theatrical journey featuring holiday characters, hot chocolate, Christmas entertainment, and a visit from Santa, who presents the First Gift of Christmas.
Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas, making this a particularly fun outing for younger Polar Express fans. The Whippany location is also a convenient option for families traveling from New York City and northern New Jersey.
Visit the Whippany Polar Express website for the latest schedule and ticket information.
5. Santa Express at Black River & Western Railroad
Location: Flemington and Ringoes, NJ
Season: Check the 2026 calendar for operating dates.
For a classic Christmas train ride through the New Jersey countryside, the Santa Express at Black River & Western Railroad is a wonderful choice. This vintage railway experience combines a festive train journey with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Families can enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, holiday photo opportunities, and model train displays at Ringoes Station. Children also receive a souvenir golden ticket and sleigh bell, making the outing feel like a real-life Christmas story.
It’s a charming option for families who want a traditional holiday experience with plenty of opportunities for festive photos.
For tickets and details, visit the Black River & Western Railroad.
6. The Polar Express at Delaware River Railroad Excursions
Location: Phillipsburg, NJ
Season: Check the 2026 calendar for confirmed departures.
Make your way to Phillipsburg for another magical Polar Express adventure along the Delaware River. Inspired by the beloved holiday book and movie, this experience features a festive train ride, a reading of the story, hot chocolate, cookies, Christmas music, and a visit from Santa.
Each child receives a silver sleigh bell, just like in the story, adding an extra-special touch to the experience. It’s a great choice for families willing to venture a little farther from NYC for a memorable Christmas outing.
Visit Delaware River Railroad Excursions for the latest ticket information.
7. Santa Train with Tri-State Railway Historical Society
Location: Wayne, NJ
Season: December 5, 2026, subject to confirmation.
Railway enthusiasts and families alike can enjoy the annual Santa Train organized by the Tri-State Railway Historical Society. This festive excursion features a round-trip ride aboard a historic passenger train, with musicians, costumed characters, Mrs. Claus, and a special visit from Santa.
Children receive a small gift, and the experience offers a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas while supporting railway preservation. Multiple departure times have been listed, but it’s important to check the official website for the latest schedule and availability.
For details, visit the Tri-State Railway Historical Society.
8. Santa Express at the Seashore Lines
Location: Richland and Tuckahoe, South Jersey
Season: Thanksgiving through Christmas, with exact 2026 dates to be confirmed.
If you’re looking for a holiday train ride in South Jersey, the Seashore Lines Santa Express is another festive option. This seasonal tradition features historic passenger trains, Christmas decorations, and a visit from Santa aboard the train.
Coach and First Class seating options make it possible to choose the experience that works best for your family. With its traditional railway atmosphere and holiday charm, the Santa Express is a lovely way to celebrate the season.
Check the Seashore Lines website for the current operating calendar and ticket details.
Holiday Train Rides in Connecticut
9. North Pole Express at Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
Location: Essex, CT
Season: November and December 2026; check the official calendar for exact dates.
The North Pole Express at Essex Steam Train & Riverboat is one of Connecticut’s signature holiday experiences. Families climb aboard a beautifully decorated steam train for an immersive Christmas adventure through the Connecticut River Valley.
The journey features holiday characters, festive music, and plenty of Christmas magic. With its historic train cars and enchanting atmosphere, it’s an especially memorable outing for families who love traditional Christmas experiences.
Because this event is popular, booking ahead is highly recommended.
For tickets and schedules, visit Essex Steam Train & Riverboat.
10. Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights
Location: East Windsor, CT
Season: Late November and December; check for the 2026 schedule.
For a holiday experience that combines historic rail travel with spectacular Christmas lights, head to the Connecticut Trolley Museum for Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights.
Visitors can ride historic trolleys through a tunnel filled with colorful holiday lights, creating a festive experience that feels especially magical after dark. The museum also features seasonal decorations and model train displays, giving families plenty to explore before or after their ride.
This is a great option for anyone who loves Christmas light displays and wants something a little different from a traditional Santa train.
Visit the Connecticut Trolley Museum for updates on the season.
11. Santa Express at the Railroad Museum of New England
Location: Thomaston, CT
Season: 2026 dates to be announced.
The Railroad Museum of New England is another destination to watch for a festive holiday train ride. Its Santa Express experience typically centers on a scenic vintage train journey, with Christmas decorations, a visit from Santa, and seasonal treats or gifts for children.
The ride is a wonderful way to experience Connecticut’s historic railways while enjoying the excitement of the holiday season. Families planning a day trip from the New York area should check the museum’s official calendar as the 2026 holiday schedule becomes available.
For updates, visit the Railroad Museum of New England.
Holiday Train Rides Worth the Road Trip
If you’re willing to travel a little farther from New York City, several nearby Pennsylvania railways offer memorable Christmas experiences worth considering.
12. Santa’s North Pole Express at New Hope Railroad
Location: New Hope, PA
Season: November and December 2026; check the official calendar for operating dates.
The New Hope Railroad’s Santa’s North Pole Express is a festive holiday adventure through scenic Bucks County. Families can enjoy a vintage train ride filled with Christmas music, hot chocolate, cookies, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Children can share their Christmas wishes and enjoy the special atmosphere of a historic railway dressed up for the holidays. It’s an especially lovely choice for families looking to turn their train ride into a full day trip, with the charming shops and restaurants of New Hope nearby.
Visit the New Hope Railroad for tickets and the latest schedule.
13. Santa’s Paradise Express at Strasburg Rail Road
Location: Ronks, PA
Season: Check the official 2026 Christmas calendar.
For a classic steam-train Christmas experience, Strasburg Rail Road in Pennsylvania is well worth adding to your list. The railway’s Santa’s Paradise Express combines a ride aboard a historic steam train with festive decorations and a visit from Santa.
The surrounding Lancaster County countryside makes the journey feel like stepping into a Christmas postcard. Strasburg also offers other seasonal railway experiences, so be sure to explore the holiday calendar when planning your visit.
For tickets and additional information, visit Strasburg Rail Road.
14. Santa’s Express at West Chester Railroad
Location: West Chester, PA
Season: November and December 2026; check the official calendar.
West Chester Railroad’s Santa’s Express offers a festive round-trip journey through the Chester Creek Valley aboard a historic passenger train. The approximately 75-minute experience features Santa, holiday entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.
It’s a wonderful option for families who love vintage railways and want to combine a scenic ride with a visit from Santa. The surrounding West Chester area also offers seasonal shopping and dining, making it easy to turn the experience into a full holiday outing.
For the latest departure dates and ticket information, visit the West Chester Railroad.
More Holiday Train Experiences to Explore
If you’re still looking for the perfect Christmas outing, consider checking these additional railways for seasonal events and newly announced dates.
Adirondack Railroad in Utica, NY: The Adirondack Railroad is worth watching for seasonal excursions and special holiday programming. Check the official website for its current calendar.
Medina Railroad Museum in Medina, NY: This western New York museum has offered Polar Express-themed holiday experiences in the past. It’s better suited to a dedicated trip than a quick outing from NYC, so check the museum website for current offerings.
Additional New Jersey Santa trains: Smaller heritage railways and preservation societies sometimes announce special Santa excursions closer to the holidays. Checking local railway calendars can uncover additional seasonal events.
Tips for Planning Your Holiday Train Ride
A little preparation can make your holiday train outing much easier, especially if you’re bringing young children.
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Book early. Popular Polar Express rides and Santa trains often sell out well in advance.
- Check the exact dates. Some railways operate only on selected weekends, while others offer weekday departures.
- Know what’s included. Hot chocolate, cookies, gifts, photos, and visits with Santa vary by operator and ticket type.
- Arrive early. Allow time for parking, check-in, and holiday crowds.
- Dress for the weather. Even heated train cars may require time outdoors at the station, and trolley rides can be chilly.
- Review seating and accessibility. Historic railcars may have steps, narrow aisles, or limited onboard facilities.
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Check cancellation policies. Many seasonal tickets are nonrefundable or have limited transfer options.
Holiday schedules can change, and some dates have not yet been confirmed. Verify dates, ticket availability, and experience details directly with each railway before making plans.
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