Hey there, holiday enthusiasts! Get ready to hop aboard the merriest Christmas adventures in Texas and beyond – a Christmas train ride that’ll make your spirits soar higher than Santa’s sleigh!
If you’ve ever dreamed of chugging along on the Polar Express or just fancy a jolly train journey with a sprinkle of Christmas magic, you’re in for a treat. Texas is serving up some seriously awesome experiences, and we’ve even snuck a peek at a few just over the border. So, grab your hot cocoa, and let’s explore the best Polar Express Christmas train rides that’ll have you jingling all the way!
1. Texas State Railroad Polar Express Train – Palestine and Rusk
This ride offers a magical journey to the North Pole, complete with hot chocolate, cookies, and a reading of “The Polar Express.” Children receive a silver sleigh bell, just like in the story. The Christmas train ride departs from both Palestine and Rusk depots.
2. Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s North Pole Express – Grapevine
While not officially “The Polar Express,” this Christmas train ride is equally enchanting. Passengers board beautifully decorated vintage coaches for a journey to the North Pole, enjoying Christmas carols, cookies, and a visit from Santa.
3. Austin Steam Train’s North Pole Flyer – Cedar Park
This holiday train departs from Cedar Park and features a two-hour round-trip with Christmas stories, carols, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Passengers enjoy hot chocolate and cookies during the festive ride.
4. Galveston Railroad Museum’s Polar Express Train Ride – Galveston
This official Polar Express ride offers a journey to the North Pole aboard vintage rail cars at the Galveston Railroad Museum. The Christmas train ride includes hot chocolate, cookies, a reading of the book, and a gift of a silver sleigh bell from Santa.
5. Santa’s Wonderland Train Ride – College Station
While not a traditional train ride, this attraction features a Santa’s Express train that will captivate passengers with a winter wonderland of lights and Christmas displays.
6. Oklahoma Railway Museum’s Christmas Train – Oklahoma City, OK
This Christmas train ride features Santa Claus, elves, and festive decorations. It’s a shorter ride but offers a charming Christmas experience.
7. Pablo’s Holiday Express – Santa Fe, NM
This scenic ride through the gorgeous New Mexico landscape is decorated for the holidays and often includes carolers and a visit from Santa. Plus, with so much to see and do in Santa Fe, it’s definitely worth the trip!
8. NOLA Polar Express Christmas Train- New Orleans, Louisiana
This ride offers a magical round-trip journey to the North Pole, complete with hot chocolate, cookies, and a reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s “The Polar Express.” The story comes to life as children receive a silver sleigh bell, just like in the story. Put on your favorite Christmas pajamas and get whisked away on the Polar Express!
9. Arkansas & Missouri Railroad Holiday Express/ Pajama Train – Springdale, AR
This old-fashioned excursion offers breathtaking Ozark scenery along with holiday decorations, and refreshments, and often includes characters like elves and Santa. It departs from both Van Buren and Springdale stations.
Wrapping Up
There you have it – a ticket to ride straight into the heart of holiday magic! From official Polar Express adventures that’ll make you believe in Santa all over again, to charming local trains decked out in more lights than a Christmas tree, Texas and its neighbors really know how to roll out the holiday magic on rails.
These aren’t just Christmas train rides; they’re memory-makers. Whether you’re a wide-eyed kid or just a grown-up who refuses to let go of that Christmas spirit (just me?), these train rides are your ticket to holiday cheer. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your tickets, bundle up in your favorite Christmas jammies, and get ready to make some merry memories. All aboard the holiday express!
