Christmas & Polar Express Train Rides Near NYC
Here's your guide to Polar Express train rides for families in NYC and nearby. All aboard for a magical Christmas train ride that will remind your kids of one of the best loved holiday books!
If your crew has gone on any holiday train rides around New York and the surrounding areas, please like and review your picks to help fellow parents looking to try a fun Christmas tradition.
The most popular Polar Express trains book up early, and it might be necessary to plan far in advance to avoid a sellout!
Strasburg Rail Road - Christmas Trains
Pennsylvania's Strasburg Rail Road has a variety of Christmas-themed train events. Choose from Santa's Paradise Express, The Night Before Christmas, or The Santa Claus Limited. Any of the Christmas Train experiences would make a memorable family Christmas tradition!
Whippany, NJ - The Polar Express Train Ride
Hop aboard this train and experience the classic Chris Van Allsburg book, The Polar Express. Enjoy a reading of the book, hot chocolate, and a treat. Riders will also receive a silver sleigh bell gift after Santa boards the train and meets the kids.
Tri-State Railway Historical Society - Santa Train
Tri-State Railway Historical Society Santa Train is a fun-filled, hour-long holiday themed train ride in which every child gets to meet with Santa!
New Jersey Museum of Transportation - The Christmas Express with Santa Claus
The Santa Express is a 15 to 20-minute train ride where Santa walks through the train and talks to everyone on board, Christmas key chains are also given out! The train and surrounding displays are decorated for Christmas and Santa is typically available for pictures after the train ride.
North Pole Express by TopView
Take in the sights of New York’s winter wonderland, hear thrilling Christmas stories the resident elf, and enjoy chocolate treats and hot cocoa on your way to see Saint Nick. Tell Santa your deepest wishes and get a special good luck sleigh bell - all for a holiday experience you’ll cherish forever.
Catskill Mountain Railroad - The Polar Express
Experience the magic of The Polar Express as you hop aboard the train on a journey to the North Pole. Children will enjoy a reading of the book by Chris Van Allsburg, and caroling as they sip on hot chocolate and munch on cookies. Santa greets the children at the North Pole and distributes silver sleigh bells to all the passengers.
Railroad Museum of New England - Northern Lights Limited & Santa Express
The holiday train offerings from the Railroad Museum of New England give families the experience of a scenic train ride, a great place to visit with Santa and his elves, Christmas carol sing-alongs, and a special gift from Santa. First class tickets offer an upgraded experience with longer visits with Santa, hot chocolate service, and a goodie bag. The Santa Express rides take place during the day. Northern Lights Limited rides happen at night.
North Fork Trolley - The Polar Express Trolley Ride
Mix the magic of The Polar Express with the magic of a trolley ride. North Fork Trolley invites kids to wear their pajamas and take a ride on a trolley! The conductor on board will work their way through the trolley and punch golden tickets before hot chocolate and delicious cookies are served at the North Pole. Once families arrive at The North Pole, Santa and his helpers board the trolley and each child will receive the first gift of Christmas.
Essex Steam Train - North Pole Express
Board this locomotive-powered sleigh for a magical nighttime journey to the North Pole. Every coach becomes a stage for a live musical performance of “The Night Before Christmas.” Celebrate the spirit of the season with Santa and Mrs. Claus, festive sing-a-longs, hot chocolate, and sugar cookies. Each child will receive a small gift from Santa. Children are invited to wear their favorite pajamas! Make sure those PJs are warm and cozy…it’s cold up at the North Pole!
Primary photo: TopView Sightseeing®
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