November brings plenty of things to do in Los Angeles as we gear up for holidays from Veterans Day to Thanksgiving and full steam ahead to Christmas. Don’t miss our favorite kid-friendly events and activities in Los Angeles this month. 

It's a good thing that November starts with an extra hour of sleep. With our LA calendar jam-packed with fun things to do, that extra hour will be much very much needed. Step into a favorite childhood toy at the immersive Lite-Brite Worlds of Wonder in Santa Monica. The Natural History Museum's new wing opens with a day-long celebration. You'll find NHM Commons at the intersection of science, nature, and culture, with new outside and inside spaces, free experiences, and a green-boned dinosaur named Gnatalie. And the countdown to the holidays begins with tree lightings, holiday trains, and twinkling lights! 

For more fun things to do in Los Angeles this November, see what's open in LA on Thanksgiving, start planning those holiday outings with the best holiday activities and Christmas events for kids, and prepare for more than just a turkey with our Thanksgiving Activities Guide for Families. 

'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. 

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 Christmas Guide.

Every year Polar Express train rides come to New Jersey, with the Garden State's railroads decked out in their holiday best. We know it's a bit early to start hauling out the holly, but these Polar Express trains and Christmas trains are a popular holiday tradition, and they sell out fast! 

Though these Christmas trains don't go all the way to the North Pole, most include a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with treats, caroling, movies, and stories. We've even included a trolley ride hosted by Mrs. Claus herself. Read on to find out where to take a Christmas train ride near New Jersey with Santa, and book your tickets as soon as possible. 

If you're already thinking about other must-do activities this holiday season, be sure to check out our rundown of the most spectacular holiday light displays in New Jersey and other tips in our Guide to Christmas and Holiday Events in NJ for Families. 

Looking for Christmas trains in Chicago? These popular rides fill up quickly, but there are still many available Polar Express train rides near Chicago.

Chicago's Union Station Polar Express ride is canceled again in 2024 because of construction around the station, but plenty of suburbs have opportunities for train-loving kids to meet Santa on their ride to the North Pole! We've also found plenty of Polar Express and Santa Express Christmas train rides in Chicago's suburbs with seats available. Check out the breakfast or lunch spread at the CASA Christmas Express in New Lenox, or visit the Illinois Railway Museum before or after your ride on the Happy Holiday Railway. Check out mini trains in Aurora or Orland Park, or board a trolley in Bloomingdale or Oak Brook. And the CTA holiday trains and buses are back for 2024.

Here are our favorite Polar Express train rides in Chicago that are happening this year, and a list of those to look out for next year!