Christmas trains across the country leave the station dozens of times each November and December to give passengers a train ride to a unique and festive destination, while others keep the festivities on board the train. Pick from trains that allow passengers to tell Santa what they want under the tree to trains that make stops especially for Christmas present shopping. Whichever Christmas train you choose, be sure to enjoy it with family and friends this holiday season. Step out of the hustle and bustle and into a magical train ride the whole family will enjoy.
Home for the Holidays. The Home for the Holidays Christmas train ride only operates on Saturdays, but there are several departure times each day. Departing from Grand Junction in Chattanooga, Tenn., passengers will embark on a magical 1 1/2 hour long journey during the daylight hours. Passengers will enjoy one stop made along the tracks as they encounter “Holiday Journey” and receive cookies, hot chocolate and a visit from Saint Nick himself. Tickets are a general admission of around $25 per person for ages 3 and up. For more information, call 423-894-8028.
Whitewater Valley Railroad. During November and December, the Whitewater Valley Railroad in Connersville, Ind., offers three different holiday trains, including The Polar Express, Santa Claus Limited and the Metamora Holiday Special Excursion. For information on any of the holiday trains listed below, call 765-825-2054.
The Polar Express Christmas train ride is fun for the entire family as children of all ages wear pajamas and set out on a journey to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus encountering special surprises along the way. After meeting Santa Claus, the train will return to Connersville Grand Central Station. Tickets are $26 with an option to buy The Polar Express book.
The “Santa Claus Limited” Santa train will chug down the tracks where Santa will be picked up. During the train ride, every child will have the chance to tell Santa what he/she wants for Christmas. This train ride will only be making one run on a day shortly after Thanksgiving.
The Metamora Holiday Special Excursion holiday train will be set to run several dates in November and a few dates at the beginning of December. This train ride is for anyone wanting to get in some special Christmas shopping along with having a magnificent train ride to boot. To make time for shopping, this special holiday train ride will have a 3 1/2 hour layover to give holiday shoppers plenty of time to find the perfect Christmas gifts. Tickets are $25 per adult and $15 per child. Of course, you could rent out the entire caboose for around $400. The caboose will hold up to 20 guests.