Here’s a guide to some of the most festive Christmas, holiday, and Polar Express train rides in the U.S. and Canada, listed by region with details on dates, ticket prices and special features.

Northeast USA

New York – Adirondack Scenic Railroad has the “The Polar Express” ride from Utica to the North Pole includes hot chocolate and a visit with Santa. Tickets start at about $35.

Massachusetts – Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum in Adams has the “Hoosac Valley Tinseliner” with Santa visits and caroling. Tickets run from $20 to $35.

Pennsylvania – New Hope Railroad: For one of the most truly vintage “North Pole Express’s,” complete with Santa and Mrs. Claus greeting the kids, prices start at $48 for adults and $38 for kids​.

Southeast USA

North Carolina – The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City: For one of the most persistently popular “Polar Express” trains in the country – including very popular sing-alongs and meet-and-greets with Santa himself, tickets sell for about $35 for kids and $50 for adults.

Georgia – The “Candy Cane Express” and a holiday lights train are available at the SAM Shortline Railroad in Georgia. Tickets start at about $20.

Florida – “The Polar Express” near Orlando on the Orlando & Northwestern Railway. Prices begin at $55 per person​

Midwest USA

Ohio – Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad in Independence The “North Pole Adventure” ride is 75 minutes. Customers get hot chocolate and cookies on board. Tickets are about $40 to $60.

Wisconsin – Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad offers family-friendly, private-compartment “Pizza Party Train” options, from $160 for a family of six.

Illinois – Monticello Railway Museum, Illinois Polar Express trains have Santa, and Christmas carols. Pricing: around $32 per ticket​

Southwest USA

Arizona – Verde Canyon Railroad “Magical Christmas Journey” – Kids can meet Santa at the North Pole. Prices around $50 for adults, $40 for kids.

Texas- Grapevine Vintage Railroad in Grapevine “North Pole Express,” with holiday treats and Santa photos, cost around $40.

New Mexico – Rail Runner Express near Albuquerque offers a family holiday ride with lights and Santa Claus visits, for about $30 per person​

Western USA

California – Napa Valley Wine Train runs the “Santa Train Jolly Journey” with different dining options, from Santa’s Cookie Car ($75) to the Vista Dome experience ($195).

Colorado – The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has a very popular Polar Express ride with hot cocoa and cookies, from about $45.

Washington – Chehalis-Centralia Railroad’s winter holiday ride includes full holiday cheer and Santa visits​

Canada

British Columbia – Stanley Park Railway in Vancouver is running the “Bright Nights Christmas Train,” a magical lights display, from about $12.

Alberta – Alberta Prairie Railway has a Polar Express with hot chocolate and Santa; starting ticket prices are about $50 CAD.

Ontario – A Christmas train at Port Stanley Terminal Rail puts families in front of Santa for $25 a ticket ​

These events are highly popular, so most sell out in a very short period, and early booking is highly recommended. Check local schedules and ticket availability for the most up-to-date pricing and date information.