NEWSLETTER
Embark on an enchanting journey into winter wonderlands with a fun holiday train ride! From the snow-covered mountains of the Catskills to the sparkling shores of Long Island, climb aboard a real Polar Express™ train that brings Chris Van Allsburg's cherished tale to life. Warm up with hot cocoa, festive cookies and treats, and even meet Santa, elves, and reindeer! Discover the magic of the holidays firsthand in New York State.
Updated: 11/20/2025
Santa Express Train Ride (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
All aboard the Santa Express Train Ride on the New York & Lake Erie Railroad! Taking off from Gowanda Train Station, the whole family can delight in festive activities and fun, including a meet and greet and gifts with Santa! Gowanda; November 29-December 14, Saturdays-Sundays; $24/adult, $22/senior, $20/child, free/2 and under, $88/table for four.
Adirondack Scenic Railroad (Central New York)
Live the magic of the classic Polar Express™ Train Ride story with the Adirondack Railroad. Depart from Utica’s Union Station and travel north while sipping on hot cocoa, nibbling on cookies, and listening to a reading of Van Allsburg’s classic. Children (and parents) are encouraged to embrace the coziness and show up in pajamas. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa will board the train and visit with each family, giving the first gift of Christmas, the Silver Bell, just like in the book or movie! Utica; November 14-December 21; $47/adult (coach), $68/adult (first class*), $39/child (coach), $58/child (first class*), free/2 and under. First class* includes a souvenir ceramic mug and bag, and table seating.
Catskill Mountain Railroad (Catskills)
Set to the sounds of the motion picture, climb aboard the Catskill Mountain Railroad and relive the classic story as you are whisked away on The Polar Express™ for a magical trip from Kingston to the North Pole. A perfect replication of the movie, conductors punch tickets just as Tom Hanks' character did, while dancing chefs serve hot cocoa and cookies. Once at The North Pole, Santa and his elves board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. During the trip, characters on each car lead passengers in caroling and on board entertainment. Kingston; November 14-December 30; $47/adult (off peak), $56/adult (peak), $37/child (off peak), $46/child (peak).
North Fork Trolley Co. (Long Island)
Bring cozy pajamas and a camera when you board The Polar Express™ as it departs from Riverhead toward Santa's workshop. Hot cocoa, cookies, and characters from the movie are just a few of the magical things you'll find on board. When your train arrives at the North Pole, Santa Claus greets travelers and his elves will give kids their first present of the season! Calverton; November 28-December 23, Friday-Sunday; $64-$93 per person.
Medina Railroad Museum (Greater Niagara)
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Travel through time on an enchanted train where you'll visit with Saint Nick while enjoying sweets and treats. Plus, you'll gain special access to the Medina Railroad Museum! When the Polar Express arrives at the North Pole, dancing elves, holiday music, and a knowledgeable museum staff will take you through history on this magical journey. Medina; November 22-December 23, Saturday-Sunday and an extra day on December 23; $47.70/person (coach), $63.60/person (first class- includes a souvenir polar mug and more time with Santa).
Arcade & Attica Railroad (Greater Niagara)
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(Very limited availability) Rejoice in winter whimsy with a trek to the North Pole, and a visit with Santa and his reindeer aboard The Wonderland Express Train Ride. Hop on a heated, vintage train where you will enjoy a round-trip excursion to Curriers Station (the North Pole). Children receive a wish list from Santa’s elf to complete during their journey. Upon arrival at the North Pole, there are tons of activities for the whole family to partake in, including jumping on the lil’ elf sleigh, taking a family photo in Santa’s sleigh, mailing the wish list, visiting the Elf House, and much more! Souvenirs and food concessions (cocoa, cookies, chili, and more) are available for purchase at the Elf House and the Pavilion. On the way home, children will receive a gift from Santa and the railroad! Arcade; November 22-December 21, Friday-Sunday; $38/adult, $33/child, $36/senior, military and free/2 and under.
North Pole Express (NYC)
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No place does seasonal splendor quite like New York City! It’s the most wonderful time of the year to visit the city that never sleeps, so get your whole family on the nice list with a round trip double decker bus ticket to the city’s very own North Pole. Take in the sights of New York’s winter wonderland, hear thrilling Christmas stories from a cheerful resident elf, and enjoy chocolate treats, hot cocoa, a winter hat, blanket, and a special gift all on your way to see Saint Nick. Tell Santa your wishes and get a special good luck sleigh bell, all while making memories to cherish forever. Manhattan; November 8-January 4; $125/adult, $104/child.
Santa Trains to the North Pole (Finger Lakes)
All aboard the Santa Train Ride in Rochester! Enjoy festive holiday atmosphere with hot chocolate and cookies inside a restored 1909 train station before boarding the cozy vintage cabooses. This special trip will take you through forests and countryside toward the North Pole to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. At the North Pole, every child will get to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and get a candy cane from one of his elves. Rush; November 28-29, December 5, 12; $31.72/person.
Holiday Nostalgia Rides (NYC)
Be part of tradition with the New York Transit Museum this holiday season as you embark on a Holiday Nostalgia Ride aboard a vintage 1930s train car! Departing from the F line’s 2nd Avenue station in Lower Manhattan, the train will transport straphangers back in time every Sunday in December, for just the cost of a MetroCard swipe or OMNY tap ($2.90)! These vintage Independent Subway System (IND) cars feature rattan seats, paddle ceiling fans, incandescent light bulbs, roll signs, and period advertisements. They entered service on the Eighth Avenue line (today’s A/C/E) in 1932 and ran until 1977. Today, they are preserved as part of the New York Transit Museum’s collection. Manhattan; December 7-December 28, Sundays only; MetroCard swipe or OMNY Tap.
Santa Claus Express (Central NY)
Celebrate the holiday season with Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad aboard the Santa Claus Express! The Santa Claus Express takes you on an afternoon ride with Santa and his helpers on the beautifully decorated train showing off lights strung along the outside to the garland and ornaments on the inside. There will be holiday music, goodies, and refreshments for everyone’s enjoyment. Milford; November 29 - December 21, Saturday-Sunday; $32/adults, $27/children, seniors.
Santa's Silver Sleigh (Catskills)
Experience holiday magic with a joyful train ride on Santa's silver sleigh through a winter wonderland. During your journey, Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit each car to greet passengers and share holiday cheer. Every child will receive a special keepsake ornament from Santa to remember this festive ride. Arkville; November 28 - December 21, Saturday-Sunday; $30-$35/adults, $27-$32/seniors, $25-$30/children.
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