All Aboard for a Christmas Train this season in Texas. Don the jammies for a jolly time with the kids. Each holiday season, scenic trains get a glow-up for the season as they cover their cars in lights, tinsel and garland. A Christmas Train Ride in Texas is a perfect family outing or a grandparent getaway. Here are the best Texas Christmas Trains.
Texas Christmas Trains
Santa’s North Pole Express in Grapevine
Polar Express on the Texas State Railroad in Palestine
North Pole Flyer on the Austin Steam Train in Bertain
Polar Express in Galveston
Santa’s Railroad Wonderland in San Antonio
Christmas Train in Grapevine
All aboard for Santa’s North Pole Express, departing from the historic depot in Grapevine, Texas. Known as the Christmas Capital of Texas, Grapevine features a historic depot in the center of town.
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad includes Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves serving up cocoa and good cheer in this wildly popular annual event. The train travels through six towns before arriving in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards.
Departing from 707 S. Main St. Several classes of service onboard. Tickets go on sale in October and sell out.
Texas State Railroad
This historic railroad travels from Palestine to Rusk on a 25-mile-long heritage railroad in the East Texas Piney Woods. During November and December, this route becomes the Polar Express with a retelling of the classic Christmas tale.
The route is especially scenic as it ventures through the sparsely populated areas, covered in dense forest. Passengers feel transported during their holiday train excursion.
Departing from 789 Park Road 70, Palestine, Texas. Trains run from November 14 to December 28, 2025, on Tuesday to Sunday with several departures. Several classes to choose from, and reservations are a must.
Austin Steam Train
The annual North Pole Flyer chugs out of the station for a two and a half hour excursion on a real, vintage train. Passengers can visit with the big guy and Mrs. Claus, nibble on locally baked Christmas cookies and enjoy a holiday story as they pass the scenic Texas Hill Country.
Departing Bertram Depot, northwest of Austin, at 170 S. Gabriel St., Bertram. Trains run Saturdays and Sundays: November 29 and 30, December 6 and 7, and December 13 and 14. Each ride is two-and-a-half hours long and runs four times a day. Several classes to choose from, and reservations are a must.
Polar Express in Galveston
A family tradition for many, the Polar Express departs from the Galveston Railroad Museum with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Passengers will enjoy cookies and carols on a one-hour ride as they hear the classic tale in their PJs.
In addition to the annual Polar Express train, guests can see the locomotives and freight cars at the Galveston Railroad Museum, like a Pullman (sleeping) car, dining car and a Post Office car.
Departing from 2602 Santa Fe Plaza. The Polar Express runs from Friday, November 14, until Tuesday, December 23, 2025. November departures are Friday, Saturday and Sunday. December departures are Thursday through Sunday, along with the entire week before Christmas. Reservations are required, and each date offers several departure times with several classes of service.
Santa’s Railroad Wonderland in San Antonio
At the Texas Transportation Museum, guests will find vintage locomotives, rail cars and cabooses, plus classic cars and buses. This facility covers the history and evolution of transportation.
During December, the Texas Transportation Museum gets a glow-up from its historic depot, trains, garden railroad and model railroads.
Santa is available, and photos are welcome. Short train rides are included, and the train is decorated for the season.
Located at 11731 Wetmore Rd., San Antonio. The Santa’s Railroad Wonderland runs on weekends only: Dec 6 and 7, 13 and 14, 20 and 21, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Adults are $15, kids (4 to 12) are $12 and those 3 and younger are free.
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