Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC in 2023

Drew Kristofik's picture Submitted by Drew Kristofik on

All aboard a festively decorated Polar Express train ride for some holiday magic and memories. Photo by Gwendolyn Tundermann

These Polar Express train rides near NYC bring the magic of Chris Van Allsburg’s popular Christmas picture book, The Polar Express, to life each winter. We've found festive Polar Express train rides, Christmas trains, and holiday trolleys all within a whistle's blow of the New York City metro area.

A huge hit with kids and parents alike, these Christmas trains near New York City spark the imagination and holiday spirit with seasonal snacks, stories, and even gifts—not to mention a visit from Santa himself. You can even find a North Pole Express bus right in the heart of Manhattan.

No matter which Polar Express train ride you choose, your family can combine your outing with an annual Santa Claus photo-op and bring home the lasting memories of a holiday adventure.

These Christmas train rides sell out quickly, often months in advance, so book now if you want to go. Find more regional Polar Express and Christmas train rides in our roundup of New Jersey Christmas trains and Philadelphia Polar Express rides, plus plenty more local seasonal offerings in our Holiday Guide.

15 Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Atlanta

Rebecca Ruffin Leffler's picture Submitted by Rebecca Ruffin ... on

Take a festive ride on the Holiday Express for a memorable train ride experience. Photo courtesy of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Experience a real-life Polar Express train ride near Atlanta, complete with hot cocoa and holiday singing! Reserve a spot on a Polar Express or Christmas train ride to usher your family into the season of wonderment. Although some holiday trains are located in neighboring states, most are within three hours of metro Atlanta. Consider combining your visit with one of these Atlanta Winter Day Trips to the north Georgia mountains, Chattanooga, or surrounding areas. Buy tickets early as these Christmas train rides sell out fast!

11 Top Montessori Preschools in Orlando

Submitted by Charlotte B on

Maitland Montessori offers a traditional Montessori program for children from 3 years old through 6th grade (12 years). Photo courtesy of the school

Orlando Montessori preschool spots offer a unique and nurturing setting where children can explore and foster a lifelong love for learning. By providing a carefully prepared environment, mixed-age classrooms, and hands-on experiences, Montessori preschools allow kids to flourish. 

Montessori preschools in Orlando offer a child-centric approach to early childhood education by embracing the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori of cultivating the individuality, curiosity, and self-directed learning of young children. The Montessori philosophy extends beyond academics, into whole child education. We've rounded up 11 of the best Montessori preschools in Central Florida.

All Aboard A Polar Express Train Ride, Plus More Christmas Trains Near DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on

Enjoy milk and cookies and meet Santa aboard the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad's North Pole Express. Photo by Kimberly Byard.

Nothing adds magic to the holiday season quite like a Polar Express train ride or a festive Christmas train. To help your family experience that magic, we've rounded up a variety of Christmas trains near DC, including several options for a Polar Express train ride 2024. From trains that transport you to Christmas tree farms to those that bring classic Christmas stories to life, these Polar Express and Christmas trains will make even your Grinchiest family member's heart grow three sizes. And all of them are within a three-hour drive from DC!

Check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids to help you plan more holiday fun this season, and get a jump on your holiday decorating by trying some of these 101 Christmas activities for kids. Santa will be here before you know it!

Pumpkin World Brings New Halloween Jack-o'-Lantern Trail to the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on

Pumpkin World's jack-o'-lantern trail takes visitors on a spectacular journey once the sun goes down.

It's officially spooky season in the Hudson Valley, and you won't want to miss a trip to Pumpkin World, the Hudson Valley's newest spectacular Halloween exhibition, featuring more than 5,000 artistically carved, lit pumpkins spread throughout Clover Stadium in Pomona. With the numerous activities for kids, plus food and beverages available for purchase, my family was able to enjoy a full evening at Pumpkin World, and everyone had something to do.

Read on for the scoop on this Hudson Valley Halloween attraction, which is one of our top Halloween events in the region. Find more Halloween fun in our Westchester and Hudson Valley Halloween Guide.

Best Polar Express Train Rides & Christmas Trains in Los Angeles

Submitted by Kylie Williams on

Say hi to the conductor before meeting Santa on the Southern California Polar Express Train Ride. Photo courtesy of the train

'Tis the season for Polar Express train rides or Christmas trains! Los Angeles has plenty of holiday magic waiting on the rails, from a staple in Griffith Park to a movie-like adventure on the SoCal Polar Express. So, put on those matching family PJs and get ready to sing some carols, hear a story, and chow down on Christmas cookies, while embracing the holiday spirit. Kiddos may even get the chance to hand over those wish lists to Santa Claus in person. 

There are seats available (so far!) on the Christmas train rides below that take place from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas. Reserve your spot ASAP because Polar Express trains are a hot ticket, and tend to book up fast.

Get in the holiday spirit with the best neighborhood holiday lights in Los Angeles, take your Christmas card to the next level with LA-only photo ops with Santa, and visit our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Los Angeles Families for more holiday adventures. 

Safari West: Glamping in the Sonoma Serengeti

Submitted by Nicole Findlay on

Safari West is sure to be an unforgettable adventure!

Safari West is known as the "Sonoma Serengeti." Home to nearly 1,000 wild animals, the gorgeous 400-acre preserve is so stunning that families won't want to leave. A three-hour African-style safari is the highlight at Safari West to see zebras, giraffes, rhinos, gazelles, and more before dining on-site and sleeping in a private luxury tent. Simply put, Safari West has everything a family needs for a unique glamping experience.

Families will love the large tents, comfortable beds, and private bathrooms that make glamping much fancier and more convenient than camping. Safari West is well worth the short drive from San Francisco for an unforgettable adventure in the middle of wine country. 

For more things to do with kids in wine country, check out the best kid-friendly wineries in Napa and Sonoma, discover the best day trips from San Francisco, and pack up the car and get ideas for more one-of-a-kind experiences in our Weekend Getaway Guide and Day Trips for San Francisco. 

Pages