Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in Connecticut

 
Connecticut's Christmas trains are ready to roll for 2024! Photo courtesy of the Connecticut Trolley Museum

1. Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights

East Windsor, Connecticut
November 29, 2024 - December 30, 2024

Start your family tradition at the Connecticut Trolley Museum. You can ride in a closed or open "electric sleigh," singing Christmas carols while cruising through the “Tunnel of Lights.” The Visitors Center is transformed into a Winter Wonderland for this annual event. Enjoy model trains, decorations, and holiday music. You may even get a visit with Santa Claus himself!

2. The Essex North Pole Express 

Essex, Connecticut
November 14, 2024 - December 23, 2024

The ever-popular Essex North Pole Express train ride is back for the 2024 holiday season! It's arguably one of the most popular Polar Express holiday train rides in the country and certainly in the Northeast, so we expect tickets to sell out fast. Tickets are for sale online only this year, with no phone or in-person sales. Partial and full car tickets are available starting Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 9am.

 
Apparently Santa's lap can accommodate a family of four. Photo courtesy of the Shore Line Trolley Museum

3. Visit Santa at the Shore Line Trolley Museum 

East Haven, Connecticut
November 29, 2024 - December 22, 2024

Visit the Shore Line Trolley Museum on weekends for some holiday cheer! Take a ride and visit with Santa on a heated trolley. Hot cocoa is included, as well as plenty of photo-ops. To make the evening extra special, all children will receive a small gift from Santa. Evening rides become a festive wonderland with beautiful holiday lights. Reservations are required as this is one of the most affordable events.

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in Massachusetts

 
Hop on Cape Cod's Christmas train for a festive ride filled with good cheer! Photo courtesy of the Cape Cod Central Railroad

4. Polar Express Train on Cape Cod Central Railroad 

Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts  
November 22, 2024 - December 22, 2024

Aboard Polar Express Train on Cape Cod Central Railroad, chefs serve warm cocoa and a chocolate chip cookie to each passenger and provide entertainment. After the train rolls into the North Pole, Santa boards with his elves and gives each child a shiny silver bell, while the elves lead a merry sing-along. And of course, come in your jammies!. 

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in Rhode Island

 
The conductors are ready for those Polar Express train tickets. Photo courtesy of the Blackstone Valley Polar Express

5. The Polar Express Train Ride - Blackstone Valley 

Woonsocket, Rhode Island
November 8, 2024 - December 22, 2024

The hugely popular Blackstone Valley Polar Express Train, complete with different style cars, is a 3-hour adventure. The ride is filled with Christmas carols, a reading of "The Polar Express," and (of course) hot chocolate and treats before the visit from Santa. Arrive early for outdoor photo opportunities with the elves. 

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in New Hampshire

6. Santa Express Train

Lincoln, New Hampshire 
November 29, 2024 - December 23, 2024

Affordable! Santa Express Trains depart Hobo Junction Station for 60-minute Christmas train rides. Passengers enjoy chocolate milk and cookies while children complete a letter to Santa. Then, Santa visits and gives every young child a special gift. Reservations are required and must be purchased online.

 
If you're lucky, you might get the first gift of the season! Photo courtesy of the Believe in Books Literacy Foundation

7. Journey to the North Pole in Lincoln and North Conway 

North Conway and Lincoln, New Hampshire
November 29, 2024 - December 22, 2024

During a 2-hour adventure through the White Mountains, kids enjoy treats and see Santa. They also  explore his workshop and meet his elves. Children with first-class or upper dome tickets may receive a special gift on the return trip back. Learn more and access tickets on the Believe in Books Literacy Foundation website, which is the sponsor of the fundraiser.

Polar Express and Christmas Trains in Maine

 
Get that much closer to the North Pole with a Maine Christmas train ride! Photo courtesy the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and Museum 

8. Polar Express at Maine Narrow Gauge

Portland, Maine
November 24, 2024 - December 22, 2024

The 9 historic coaches from the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, decked out for the holidays, are a Maine tradition. Passengers will listen to Christmas music and wave Santa off on his sleigh as they travel to and from the North Pole. First-class passengers will receive a souvenir mug. 

Updated 2023, 2024