'Tis the season for Polar Express train rides in San Francisco! Here in Northern California, it's not a secret that we have an impressive amount of kid-friendly train rides. Whether you're looking for steam trains with history or smaller trains for tiny tots with their eyes all aglow, the Bay Area has Polar Express train rides aplenty. 

Festive train rides bring the Polar Express story to life, little ones can give their Christmas lists to Santa, and the holiday decor and train cars dressed up in lights will help enhance the magic of the holiday season. Some Polar Express train rides on this list go beyond the Bay Area and extend to the northeast (we're looking at you, Sacramento). Keep reading below for the best Polar Express train rides near San Francisco, and book them early, as they sell out quickly! 

Have a holly jolly holiday with the top holiday and Christmas activities in San Francisco, find more festive fun on the best day trips from San Francisco, and celebrate the most magical time of the year with the help of our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for San Francisco Bay Area Kids.