All aboard for some Christmas Cheer with a side of stunning scenery. A Christmas train ride is a marvelous way to spend time with family, and passengers might even get a cup of cocoa and a cookie. During the holiday season, scenic train routes transform with garland and twinkling lights. Santa and Mrs. Claus usually make an appearance too. Here are the Christmas Trains in National Parks.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
This scenic travels from north to south entirely in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, south of Columbus. Santa and Mrs. Claus join passengers on the North Pole Adventure as they ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
Each train car features a different Christmas theme, like Santa’s Workshop and Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen. Kids write letters to Santa while on board, and the North Pole Postmaster delivers them. Santa then comes through the coaches for a gift for each child.
The North Pole Adventure departs from the Rockside Station at 7900 Old Rockside Rd, Independence. Trains run at 5 and 7:55 p.m. from Friday, November 14, to Monday, December 22, 2025. Advance reservations required and there are several different levels of service.
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Grand Canyon Railroad
Celebrating its 25th year, the Grand Canyon Railroad is running its Polar Express Train. Traveling through the starlit wilderness, passengers take a 90-minute ride and read the classic Holiday book by Chris Van Allsburg.
Santa greets the train at the North Pole with his reindeer. Then boards the train for the return trip and gifts each kid a special bell. Cookies and hot chocolate are also served.
Departing from 233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams, AZ. Trains run at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. from Friday, November 7, to Tuesday, December 30. Advance reservations required and there are several different levels of service. Hotel packages are also available.
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Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Passengers see the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Nantahala National Forest, Fontana Lake and the surrounding areas on the North Carolina side of the national park. The Polar Express train includes hot chocolate and sweet treats as it chugs to the North Pole.
Santa boards the train in the North Pole and visits each of the historic train cars. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad returns to Bryce City, North Carolina.
Departing from 45 Mitchell St., Bryce City. It runs from November 6, to December 31, 2025, at 5, 6:40 and 8:20 p.m. daily with weekend daytime departures at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Reservations required and several classes of service available.
Mt. Hood Railroad
Families in Oregon can relive a child’s Christmas Eve journey to the North Pole in The Polar Express™. Dressed in pjs, passengers get hot chocolate and cookies.
Then Santa and the elves will board the train to greet each kid. Each are presented with a special bell from Santa’s sleigh.
Departing from 113 Portway Ave., Hood River. Weekends only in November, then more dates in December. Reservations required and there are several classes of service.
Skunk Train
Along US 101 in Northern California, the Skunk Train travels from Willits to the tallest living Christmas tree, at over 222 feet as of the latest measurement in 2022. Traveling through the Mendocino National Forest, passengers see an old-growth forest with towering giants like Coastal Redwoods.
On the holiday special, Mr. Skunk and the Giant Christmas Tree, passengers get off at Mr. Skunk’s Holiday workshop. Treats are served on the 2-hour round-trip journey.
Departing from 299 East Commercial St., Willits. Starting in November 22, 2025 weekends only until Winter Break, then daily departures until New Years. Reservations required and standard seats and VIP service available.
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St. Louis Train
Steps from the St. Louis Arch, or the Gateway Arch National Park, the historic Union Station hosts a holiday tradition. Young and old board the Polar Express for a reading of the Christmas classic, cookies and more.
Departing from 1820 Market St, starting Friday, November 14, until Tuesday, December 30. Reservations are required and several classes of service are offered.
Virginia Scenic Railway
The Santa Express travels through the Shenandoah Valley for an evening ride on festively decorated train cars, next to the national park. With holiday lights on the exterior too, the Virginia Scenic Railway is particularly festive.
There’s even an adults-only version with Holiday Spirits. There are several different levels of service and seating configurations on the Santa Express.
The Santa Express departs from two stations: Staunton and Louisa, Virginia, from Saturday, November 29 to Sunday, December 28. The Staunton trains depart from 415 Bridge St., the Louisa trains depart from 103 Church Ave. Trains run Tuesday to Sunday with several departures, including daytime excursions.
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad will remain open this winter to unveil a brand-new experience, the Holiday Magic Train, running November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026. The one-hour open-air journey invites guests to step into the holiday season, filled with hot cocoa, holiday carols, and a spectacular display of lights.
Located just minutes from the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park, the Holiday Magic Train will offer several departures.
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