If you have a little train lover in your life, taking a real train ride might just be at the top of their list for Santa this year. Help make their dreams come true by celebrating the holiday season with a memorable Christmas-themed train ride at a number of festive venues throughout the greater Houston area. Many of them even feature a visit from the big guy himself! 

The Christmas Train - Alvin
281-338-2267
1407 Victory Lane
Dec. 6-7, 12-14, 16-23
The Christmas Train in Alvin has been setting the bar for holiday train rides in Houston since 2000. The train departs every 7-10 minutes nightly to tour spectacular light displays around the Victory Camp property at Living Stones Church. In addition to the train rides, visitors can enjoy a massive Christmas village display, pictures with Santa, Big Al's Pizza, various concessions, a coffee bar, and shopping for Christmas decor and gifts in the venue's general store. Be sure to arrive early if you don't purchase tickets in advance, as the ticket lines can get very long. Train rides are $10 for online advance purchase, $12 at the door. Ages 2 and under are FREE. Group reservations are available for parties of 20 or more. 

Hermann Park Train - Houston
713-524-5876
1700 Hermann Drive
Dec. 1 - TBD
If you plan to visit Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo this holiday season, you will want to make sure to allow for extra time to pop over to the Hermann Park Train for their Holiday Train Ride. While you may have taken a ride on this very train throughout the year, the holiday version of the park tour comes complete with festive garland and glowing holiday lights. It's a truly magical way to experience the beauty of Hermann Park during the holidays. Tickets are $3.75 per person. Children under ages 1 and under are FREE. 

Galveston Railroad Museum Polar Express - Galveston
409-765-5700
2602 Santa Fe Place
Nov. 15-17, 22-24, 27, 29-30, Dec. 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-23, 26-29
The Polar Express event gives visitors to the Galveston Railroad Museum an opportunity to ring in the Christmas season with a re-telling of the classic book, The Polar Express aboard a real train. Santa will greet passengers at the end of the one-hour train ride, ready to take photos with every child in attendance. Passengers can choose ticket tiers from coach to first class, but each ticket holder will experience an immersive theatrical ride. Train ride tickets range from $27 to $75. Museum admission is separate. 

The Old Time Railroad train covered in freshly fallen snow in December 2017/ Photo courtesy Old Time Christmas Tree Farm

Old Time Christmas Tree Farm - Spring
281-370-9141
7632 Spring Cypress Road
Nov. 23-24, 29-30, Dec. 1-15
This Christmas tree farm not only allows families to select and cut their very own tree but also offers train rides around the collection of trees. After taking a ride to see the trees, kids can also enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo, giant slides, and inflatables. Train rides require one $3 ticket per rider ages 3 and older. 

Christmas at Dewberry Farm - Brookshire
281-934-3276
FM 362 and Morrison Road
Nov. 29- Dec. 29
Ride the Dewville Express train when you visit Dewberry Farm this holiday season. The train takes visitors to see the forest of Christmas trees located on the back 40 acres of the farm where families can choose and cut their own Christmas tree. While you're there, enjoy everything else the farm has to offer including a gorgeous light display, giant snow globe, a huge selection of fun midway-style games, shopping at the country store, enjoying seasonal baked treats, and more. Admission for ages 3+ is $29.95 plus tax. Children ages 2 and under are FREE. Military, senior, and group discounts are available. 

Moody Gardens Festival of Lights - Galveston
409-744-4673
One Hope Boulevard
Nov. 16- Jan. 12
In addition to strolling through the beautiful waterfront light displays, visitors to the Moody Gardens Festival of Lights can take an exciting train ride through the property. Make it an extra special time by stopping for hot chocolate before departure or taking a turn on the ice skating rink after. Ticket prices vary based on the variety of attractions and packages chosen.

Santa Ranch Express at Oil Ranch - Hockley
281-859-1616
23501 Macedonia Road
Dec. 1- 14
Take a ride on the O.I.L. Express this holiday season when you visit the Santa Ranch Express event at Oil Ranch. The ride takes visitors around Lake Buenas Noches to see a myriad of Christmas decor. Top off your visit with a photo op with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a hot chocolate, and shopping at the venue's general store. Admission is  $15.95 on weekdays and $19.95 on weekends. Children under age 2 are FREE. 

Top photo courtesy of The Christmas Train

This post originally published in 2018.