8 Magical Polar Express Trains That Will Get Your Family In the Holiday Spirit

Start a new Christmas tradition this year by embarking on one of these magical train trips with Santa and his crew of helpers. We've rounded up the best Christmas train trips for families, many inspired by the classic 1985 book Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, as well as some unique adventures designed specifically for grown-ups

The Polar Express Train Ride | Cities Across America

 Operated by Rail Events, Inc. and Warner Bros., these hour-long rides brings scenes from the classic book (and subsequent Tom Hanks movie) to life. The adventures feature a Polar Express reading, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa. The train rides take place in more than 40 cities across the country, which means you can get in on all the Christmastime fun no matter where you live

North Pole Express | New Hope, Pennsylvania

 On the North Pole Express, operated by the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad, families can sing along to Christmas carols, sip hot cocoa, munch on holiday cookies, and share their holiday wishes with both Santa and Mrs. Claus while they venture through scenic Pennsylvania. Take note: There's an extra special trip planned for Christmas Eve.

The Elf Limited | Cass, West Virginia 

 On board the 60-minute train ride, operated through the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad, passengers will journey through the beautiful West Virginia mountainside and forests beside a crew of Santa's best helpers.
 The Polar Express | Burlington, Vermont

 Venture through the snow to the North Pole to see Santa during this 75-minute ride from the Vermont Children's Trust Foundation at Union Station. Conductors lead Christmas carols while chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies. And all passengers are asked to wear pajamas and bring a book to give to Santa, which will be donated to children through the Fletcher Free Library.

North Pole Flyer | Cedar Park, Texas 

 This two-hour excursion from the Austin Steam Train Association features an array of holiday festivities that will delight the kiddos, including a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and a special book reading by one of Santa's elves. And just like the original Polar Express, this train is pulled by a steam locomotive. Tickets start at $45 and include unlimited hot cocoa.
 Christmas Special Dinner Train | Chattanooga, Tennessee

 Beginning on November 25, guests can enjoy a delicious meal in vintage dining cars decorated for the holidays on the Tennessee Valley Railroad. With tables available for parties of just two or up to eight people, you make this a romantic date night to remember or a festive girls' night out.
 Train of Lights | Sunol, California

 If you love seeing homes ablaze with Christmas lights during the holidays, then this is the train adventure for you. The Niles Canyon Railway train leaves the station while it's still light enough to take in scenic views of the San Francisco Bay area, and on the journey back it will be dark enough to enjoy the glowing lights covering the interior and exterior of the train.
 Holiday Express | Across the South and Midwest

Every holiday season, Rudy, the grinning car at the front of the Kansas City Southern's Polar Express train, leads a group of decorated carriages through parts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Kansas, Missouri, and a few other states. At each of the 27 stops, passengers can hop on to tour the cars, which are decorated to look like a gingerbread house, an elves' workshop, a reindeer stable, and more of Santa's favorite hangouts.