All Aboard These Holiday-Themed Train Rides to Winter!

As we anticipate the rush of the chilly winter weather, we naturally tend to embrace the comforts of holiday traditions - hot chocolate, warm cookies and cozy pajamas. Holiday classics like the iconic Polar Express make any holiday lover wish they could relive the magic of the story in real life! Railroads throughout New York State have dedicated the last month of each year to helping you capture your favorite memories of the season with holiday-themed train rides. These holiday excursions are the perfect way to celebrate the magic of the season with friends and family.

Image Courtesy of the Catskill Mountain Railroad

Catskill Mountain Railroad
(13.0 miles from the Rhinecliff Amtrak station)
Kingston welcomes back the fan favorite Polar Express Train Ride. Enjoy the motion picture soundtrack as you relax comfortably in your pajamas and are whisked away to the North Pole. Be sure to have your ticket in hand because the conductor will be coming around to check it as you are kept full and entertained by your dancing chefs. Enjoy a special sing along as Santa makes his way to greet you with a special gift…only if you “believe.”

Image Courtesy of Saratoga and
North Creek Railway

Saratoga and North Creek Railway
(0.0 miles from Saratoga Springs station)

Enjoy a magical train ride departing from the Saratoga Springs station bound for the "North Pole!" As a live narration of "The Polar Express" is being read, dancing chefs will deliver cookies and hot cocoa which you may enjoy from a limited edition souvenir mug. This festively decorated vintage train car will keep you fully entertained before arriving to meet Santa just outside of the North Pole Village. During the return trip, Santa will make his way to greet each child and present them with a special gift.




Adirondack Scenic Railroad
(66ft from the Utica Amtrak station)

Traveling northbound from the Utica Union Station, you will be accompanied by Santa’s elves while en route to the North Pole. While listening to Liam Neeson’s reading of The Polar Express by Chris van Allsburg, you will be left in a magical trance just before arriving to meet Santa. Both children and parents are encouraged to wear their pajamas.

Image Courtesy of Cooperstown and
Charlotte Valley Railroad

Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad
(46.5 miles from the Utica Amtrak station)
For three special weekends only you can experience the ever so popular Santa Express Trains. The trains are beautifully decorated from the inside out with lights, garland, and ornaments making for a truly magical experience. Parents are requested to provide a small personalized gift for Santa to present to their child. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be entertaining all of the passengers as you bond over holiday music, goodies, and refreshments.  

Medina Railroad Museum
(35.2 miles from the Buffalo Depew Amtrak station)

This one hour long train ride is filled with hot cocoa with whipped cream, warm cookies, and laughs with Santa. Plan to arrive early to pick up your tickets at Will Call…or you’ll be late to pick up Santa at the North Pole! All ticket purchases include admission to the Medina Railroad Museum.

Image Courtesy of Arcade and Attica Railroad

Arcade and Attica Railroad
(35.7 miles from the Buffalo Depew Amtrak station)

Presenting their last Santa Train on December 22^nd, this is one experience you don’t want to miss. Receive a free Elf hat as you board the train and spend the next magical hour and a half with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Santa’s helpers. Enjoy holiday treats and bring your camera to snap the perfect holiday picture with Santa and his live reindeer. Be sure to grab your Santa goody bag as you exit the train.