Forget the Christmas markets and Christmas light shows. If you want a truly immersive experience, consider booking a ticket on a Christmas train.
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The US is home to hundreds of seasonal Christmas train experiences. You can probably name a few Polar Express-themed routes alone, from Branson to the Grand Canyon. You might also know about regional Christmas trains in your area.
But what about a snowy Christmas train ride?
Places like New England and the Rockies aren’t just home to scenic Christmas train rides—they’re home to railroads and routes that are prone to snowfall. That means one thing: If you’re lucky, you’ll be swept through a winter wonderland as you enjoy the ride.
Want to know where you can find these snow-prone Christmas train rides? Start with the nine options listed below. Most are Christmas-themed, but a few have a more general festive holiday theme.
Scenic Christmas train rides across the United States
North Pole Adventure Train (Montana)
Each year, Montana’s Dinner Train (also known as the Charlie Russell Chew Choo) transforms into the North Pole Adventure Train. The route traverses almost 60 miles across some of Montana’s most scenic ranchlands in the center of the state. Expect cookies, hot cocoa, and a surprise visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
(If you missed out on the North Pole Adventure Train this year, then check out other events on the Charlie Russell Chew Choo, including the Cinco De Mayo-themed event and Harry Potter-themed routes.)
Holiday Magic Train (California)
For the first time in 60 years, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is remaining open for the winter season as the Holiday Magic Train. This ride is aboard a steam train that includes plenty of twinkling lights, holiday carolers, and hot cocoa. Just know that it’s a shorter ride that lasts an hour. It traverses the Sierra National Forest, which usually gets two or three feet of snow each season.
Strasburg Rail Road (Pennsylvania)
The historic steam train operating on Strasburg Rail Road offers holiday magic each year. You can choose from different ticket tiers and experiences, including meals in a dinner car, first-class Santa Claus cars, caboose charters, and more. Just know that this train runs in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, which tends to get most of its snow in February.
The Holiday Train (Alaska)
Alaska isn’t short on gorgeous train routes—and its Christmas train rides are perfect for anyone hoping for snowy views. The two-and-a-half-hour ride comes with tons of holiday cheer, including live musical performances and crafts. There’s a coloring contest, magicians, and more. And given it traverses some of Alaska’s snowiest regions, you’re almost guaranteed to have fresh powder.
Santa Train (Wisconsin)
The Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad operates a seasonal two-hour Santa-themed ride. It comes bundled with a visit from Santa Claus and a personal pizza—a pretty sweet deal for Christmas-lovers of any age. Aside from the meal and a meet-and-greet with Mr. Kringle, you can also expect plenty of photo ops, including with the man of the hour. The train departs from Trego, Wisconsin, which usually receives some snowfall in December.
Santa’s Holiday Express (New Hampshire)
The Conway Scenic Railroad operates three different winter-themed routes—so, if you miss out on the Santa adventure, you can book others. This short train ride (60-80 minutes) includes guest appearances from Santa and his elves, who put on a grand performance. Best of all, this route cruises through North Conway, New Hampshire, which is in the White Mountains—and is one of the US’s snowiest regions.
Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (Colorado & New Mexico)
The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad operates two different Christmas-themed routes that almost guarantee snowy views: Santa’s Holiday Express from Chama, New Mexico, and Santa’s Holiday Express from Antonito, Colorado. Both are shorter hour-and-a-half trips that include tons of fanfare from Mr. Claus and his elves. Ticket prices also include hot cocoa, candy canes, and holiday cookies.
