Christmas Train Rides in Arkansas (2026)
Most of Arkansas’s holiday trains run on one working freight railroad, the Arkansas & Missouri, which puts on a pajama train with cocoa, cookies and Santa from two different depots: Springdale in Northwest Arkansas and Van Buren next to Fort Smith. Add a one-afternoon Christmas train in Eureka Springs and a free stop by the lit-up CPKC Holiday Train in Mena. There is no licensed Polar Express in the state; the nearest is in Branson, and our guide to Polar Express and Christmas trains by state has the rest.
The short version
- Holiday Express Pajama Train, Springdale: Nov 28 to Dec 19, from $17.50
- Holiday Express Pajama Train, Van Buren: Dec 3 to Dec 9, see listing
- Eureka Christmas Express, Eureka Springs: Dec 19, see listing
- No licensed Polar Express runs in Arkansas in 2026; the closest options are in the drive-time table
Arkansas holiday trains at a glance
- Holiday trains
- 3 confirmed for 2026
- Licensed Polar Express
- None in Arkansas in 2026
- Season
- November 28 to December 19, 2026
- Lowest fare
- From $17.50 (A&M Railroad)
- After Christmas
- No rides found
- Last checked
Plan your date
When each Arkansas Christmas train runs
Holiday Express Pajama Train in Springdale has the longest season, November 28 to December 19. Each bar spans a ride’s season, not every day in it, so check the railroad’s calendar for exact dates.
- Holiday Express Pajama TrainSpringdale · Nov 28 to Dec 19
- Holiday Express Pajama TrainVan Buren · Dec 3 to Dec 9
- Eureka Christmas ExpressEureka Springs · Dec 19
Look inside the book
Riding a Arkansas Christmas train? Read Rally first.
Rally Takes the Train is a corgi’s first train ride, from the early wake-up to the dark tunnel to the sunshine on the other side. It takes about five minutes to read, so it fits in the car on the way to the station. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $13.99 on Amazon.
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25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Arkansas Christmas Trains for 2026
On the map
Where Arkansas’s Christmas trains leave from
- 1Eureka Springs: Eureka Christmas Express
- 2Springdale: Holiday Express Pajama Train
- 3Van Buren: Holiday Express Pajama Train
Licensed Polar Express Other holiday trains. Faint dots are Arkansas towns, for shape.
Two depots on the same railroad, plus a one-day train in the mountains.
Arkansas's 2026 holiday trains at a glance
| Ride | Town | Season | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A&M Railroad | Springdale | Nov 28 to Dec 19 | From $17.50 | On sale now |
| A&M Railroad | Van Buren | Dec 3 to Dec 9 | See listing | On sale now |
| ES&NA Railway | Eureka Springs | Dec 19 | See listing | See listing |
Springdale: the A&M Holiday Express to Johnson
Pajama Santa trainArkansas & Missouri Railroad · Springdale
- Operator
- Arkansas & Missouri Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Springdale Depot, Springdale
- Season
- November 28 to December 1, December 12 to 16, and December 18 and 19, 2026; two to four departures a day between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm
- Ride length
- About 1 hour round trip, Springdale to Johnson
- What's included
- Decorated vintage cars, Christmas music and stories, hot cocoa and cookies, and Santa visiting for photos
- Price
- Coach about $17.50 child (3 to 12) and $25 adult; Silver Feather downstairs and dome seats cost more; toddler on a lap about $2
- Tickets
- On sale now; December weekends sell out
- Best ages
- All ages; under 3 on a lap with a lap ticket
The Arkansas & Missouri is a freight short line on the old Frisco route through the Ozarks, and in December it runs short pajama trains out of the brick depot on Emma Avenue in downtown Springdale. The round trip to Johnson takes about an hour in vintage cars strung with lights, with Christmas music and classic stories, cocoa and cookies, and Santa working his way through the train for photos.
Coach is the family pick; the Silver Feather car has a downstairs lounge and an upstairs glass dome for a few dollars more. Kids under 3 ride on a lap with a small lap ticket. Mid-December weekday morning trains are the easiest to book; when we checked, the 6:00 pm train on Saturday, December 12, was already full.
Check dates and tickets with A&M Railroad(opens in a new tab)Van Buren: the A&M Holiday Express to Rudy
Pajama Santa trainArkansas & Missouri Railroad · Van Buren
- Operator
- Arkansas & Missouri Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- A&M Railroad Van Buren depot (Old Frisco Depot), Van Buren
- Season
- December 3 to 9, 2026; one to five departures a day between 9:00 am and 7:00 pm
- Ride length
- About 1 hour round trip, Van Buren to Rudy
- What's included
- Hot cocoa and cookies, Christmas music and stories, and a visit from Santa
- Price
- Similar to the Springdale train; see the railroad's booking page by date and seat
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages
For a week in early December the same Holiday Express runs from the other end of the A&M, the old Frisco depot on Main Street in Van Buren, across the river from Fort Smith. The hour-long round trip heads north to Rudy with cocoa, cookies, music and Santa on board.
It is the easier choice for River Valley families and for anyone who missed the Springdale dates. Weekday morning departures on December 7 to 9 suit preschoolers, and Saturday December 5 has five trains. Downtown Van Buren’s shops and lights are a short walk from the depot.
Check dates and tickets with A&M Railroad(opens in a new tab)Eureka Springs: the Christmas Express on the ES&NA Railway
Christmas trainEureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway · Eureka Springs
- Operator
- Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway depot, Eureka Springs
- Season
- Saturday December 19, 2026, 3:00 to 6:00 pm
- Ride length
- A short excursion during a three-hour event
- What's included
- A train ride, Christmas stories, photos with Santa and hot cocoa
- Price
- See the railway or the Eureka Springs visitor listing
- Tickets
- Check the railway for tickets
- Best ages
- All ages
The Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway normally runs its excursion and dining trains from spring through October, but the town’s visitor calendar lists a one-afternoon Christmas Express on Saturday, December 19, from 3:00 to 6:00 pm, with a train ride, Christmas stories, photos with Santa and hot cocoa.
The depot is about a mile north of downtown on Highway 23, with free parking across the street and a trolley stop out front. Since it is a single afternoon, confirm details with the railway before making the drive into the hills.
Check dates and tickets with ES&NA Railway(opens in a new tab)Springdale, Van Buren or Eureka Springs
Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville and Springdale
The Springdale Holiday Express, with the most dates and evening trains on several nights.
Fort Smith and the River Valley
Van Buren, December 3 to 9.
A holiday weekend in the hills
Eureka Springs on December 19, paired with the town’s lights.
Kids who want the movie
Branson’s licensed Polar Express is about two hours north of Springdale; see our Missouri page.
How Far Arkansas Christmas Trains Are From Your Town
Typical drive times without holiday traffic.
| Starting from | To | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville | Springdale Depot | About 20 minutes |
| Bentonville | Springdale Depot | About 30 minutes |
| Fort Smith | Van Buren | About 10 minutes |
| Little Rock | Van Buren | About 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Fayetteville | Eureka Springs | About 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Springdale | Branson, MO (licensed Polar Express) | About 2 hours |
Eastern Arkansas families are closer to Memphis and the Tennessee trains on our Tennessee page, and south Arkansas is a reasonable drive to the licensed ride in New Orleans on our Louisiana page. Fort Smith families can also look west to Oklahoma City’s Polar Express on our Oklahoma page.
Free to print
Coloring for the ride to the depot
Free printable Rally pages with a red train, a maze and a word search. Print them and pack crayons.
Get the free printablesArkansas Holiday Train Details Worth Knowing
The CPKC Holiday Train stops in Mena
The CPKC Holiday Train, a freight train covered in lights with a stage car for a free concert, stops in Mena on Sunday, November 29, 2026, from 10:45 to 11:15 am at Sherwood Avenue and 7th Street. You do not ride it; you stand trackside and watch. The shows collect food bank donations.
Breakfast with Santa
The A&M also lists a stationary Breakfast with Santa on November 29 and 30 and December 19. It does not move, so it is for the pancakes, not the ride.
Your email is not your ticket
The A&M’s booking confirmation reminds riders that the email is not a boarding ticket, so check in at the depot when you arrive.
Getting there by train
Amtrak’s Texas Eagle stops in Little Rock and Texarkana, but not near either A&M depot; see our Texas Eagle with kids guide for a bigger trip.
A Pretzel, a Window and an Hour of Ozarks
Halfway through our book, Mom brings Rally a pretzel and he settles in to chew and watch the world go by. An hour-long pajama train is about the length of that page: one snack, one long look out the window, and a visit from someone special.
My mom imagined this corgi and his train ride, and I wrote it down for her after she died; our story page has the rest. Before your ride, print a few of our free train and corgi coloring pages.
A train story for Arkansas kidsRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi on his first train ride, hand-painted in watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon
More for holiday train families
- Find a Christmas train near you: type your town and see every ride in the country sorted by distance
- Christmas train guide by state: licensed rides, costs and booking tips
- Christmas trains in Missouri
- Christmas trains in Tennessee
- Christmas trains in Louisiana
- Christmas trains in Oklahoma
- Every Amtrak route with kids, for a real train trip after the holidays
- Free Rally activity pack and coloring pages to print before the ride
Sources
- Arkansas & Missouri Railroad: holiday and specialty rides(opens in a new tab)
- Arkansas & Missouri Railroad booking (FareHarbor)(opens in a new tab)
- Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway(opens in a new tab)
- Visit Eureka Springs: Eureka Christmas Express(opens in a new tab)
- CPKC: 2026 U.S. Holiday Train schedule(opens in a new tab)
- American-Rails: Arkansas Christmas Train Rides (2026)(opens in a new tab)
Checked against each railroad’s own pages on . THE POLAR EXPRESS is a trademark of Warner Bros. Entertainment. Each ride is run by the railroad or museum named above; Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Rail Events or any railroad listed here. Book only through the operator’s own site, and confirm dates and prices there before you go.
Arkansas Christmas trains: questions parents ask
Is there a Polar Express train ride in Arkansas?
No. Arkansas has no licensed Polar Express ride in 2026. The closest licensed ride is the Branson Scenic Railway in Branson, Missouri, about two hours from Springdale. Arkansas's own holiday trains are the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad's Holiday Express from Springdale and Van Buren and a one-afternoon Christmas Express in Eureka Springs.
What Christmas train rides are in Arkansas in 2026?
We confirmed three holiday train rides in Arkansas for 2026: the Holiday Express Pajama Train in Springdale; the Holiday Express Pajama Train in Van Buren; the Eureka Christmas Express in Eureka Springs. None of them is a licensed Polar Express ride, which Arkansas does not have in 2026. The season starts November 28 with the Holiday Express Pajama Train in Springdale and ends December 19.
What Christmas events are happening in Springdale, Arkansas, in 2026?
For families, Springdale has Holiday Express Pajama Train from A&M Railroad (November 28 to December 19, from $17.50). It includes decorated vintage cars, Christmas music and stories, hot cocoa and cookies, and Santa visiting for photos. Plan on about 1 hour round trip, Springdale to Johnson. For other Springdale, Arkansas, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in Van Buren, Arkansas, in 2026?
For families, Van Buren has Holiday Express Pajama Train from A&M Railroad (December 3 to December 9, see listing). It includes hot cocoa and cookies, Christmas music and stories, and a visit from Santa. Plan on about 1 hour round trip, Van Buren to Rudy. For other Van Buren, Arkansas, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, in 2026?
For families, Eureka Springs has Eureka Christmas Express from ES&NA Railway (December 19, see listing). It includes a train ride, Christmas stories, photos with Santa and hot cocoa. Plan on a short excursion during a three-hour event. The depot has a working turntable that spins the railway's 1940-era diesel locomotive around, which kids love to watch. For other Eureka Springs, Arkansas, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
Where can families near Fayetteville, Arkansas find a Christmas train ride?
From Fayetteville, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Springdale Depot, about 20 minutes; Eureka Springs, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Each Arkansas ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Fayetteville families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Bentonville, Arkansas find a Christmas train ride?
From Bentonville, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Springdale Depot, about 30 minutes. Each Arkansas ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Bentonville families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Fort Smith, Arkansas find a Christmas train ride?
From Fort Smith, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Van Buren, about 10 minutes. Each Arkansas ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Fort Smith families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Little Rock, Arkansas find a Christmas train ride?
From Little Rock, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Van Buren, about 2 hours 15 minutes. Each Arkansas ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Little Rock families can compare before they drive.
How much is the Holiday Express in Springdale?
Coach seats on the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad's Holiday Express have been listed at about $25 for adults and $17.50 for children 3 to 12, with Silver Feather lounge and dome seats costing more. A toddler under 3 riding on a lap needs a lap ticket of about $2. Prices are shown by date on the railroad's booking page.
How long is the A&M Holiday Express?
About an hour. From Springdale the train runs to Johnson and back, and from Van Buren it runs to Rudy and back. Both trips include hot cocoa and cookies, Christmas music and stories, and a visit from Santa, which makes the length manageable for toddlers and preschoolers.
Can toddlers ride the Holiday Express on a lap?
Yes. The Arkansas and Missouri Railroad lets children under 3 ride on a lap with a separate lap ticket, which has been listed at about $2. Children 3 and older need a child fare. Pajamas are welcome, and weekday morning departures in December are the quietest choice for children who still nap.
Do any Arkansas Christmas trains run after Christmas?
No Arkansas holiday train we could confirm runs after Christmas in 2026. The last one on this page is the Holiday Express Pajama Train in Springdale, which runs until December 19. For a ride after the 25th, look at the states near Arkansas in the drive-time table above. You can book a seat in the Silver Feather's glass dome and watch the lights of the Ozarks go by from upstairs.
When do Arkansas Christmas train tickets go on sale?
On sale now: the Holiday Express Pajama Train in Springdale; the Holiday Express Pajama Train in Van Buren. The Eureka Christmas Express in Eureka Springs: check the railway for tickets. Popular Arkansas dates go first, so buy as soon as your ride opens.
Which Arkansas Christmas trains have Santa?
All 3 Arkansas rides on this page include Santa. The Holiday Express Pajama Train in Springdale: decorated vintage cars, Christmas music and stories, hot cocoa and cookies, and Santa visiting for photos. The Holiday Express Pajama Train in Van Buren: hot cocoa and cookies, Christmas music and stories, and a visit from Santa. The Eureka Christmas Express in Eureka Springs: a train ride, Christmas stories, photos with Santa and hot cocoa.
What happens on the Holiday Express Pajama Train in Springdale?
The Holiday Express Pajama Train in Springdale includes decorated vintage cars, Christmas music and stories, hot cocoa and cookies, and Santa visiting for photos. Plan on about 1 hour round trip, Springdale to Johnson. You can book a seat in the Silver Feather's glass dome and watch the lights of the Ozarks go by from upstairs.
How much is the Holiday Express Pajama Train in Van Buren?
Fares for the Holiday Express Pajama Train in Van Buren: Similar to the Springdale train; see the railroad's booking page by date and seat. The Holiday Express Pajama Train runs December 3 to 9, 2026; one to five departures a day between 9:00 am and 7:00 pm. A&M Railroad tickets: on sale now. A&M Railroad age rules: all ages.
How much is the Eureka Christmas Express in Eureka Springs?
ES&NA Railway posts current Eureka Christmas Express fares on its booking page rather than a single price list. The Eureka Christmas Express runs Saturday December 19, 2026, 3:00 to 6:00 pm. ES&NA Railway tickets: check the railway for tickets. ES&NA Railway age rules: all ages. The depot has a working turntable that spins the railway's 1940-era diesel locomotive around, which kids love to watch.
Where do you board the Holiday Express Pajama Train in Springdale?
The Holiday Express Pajama Train in Springdale boards at Springdale Depot, 306 East Emma Avenue, in Springdale. A&M Railroad tickets: on sale now; December weekends sell out. You can book a seat in the Silver Feather's glass dome and watch the lights of the Ozarks go by from upstairs.
What happens on the Holiday Express Pajama Train in Van Buren?
The Holiday Express Pajama Train in Van Buren includes hot cocoa and cookies, Christmas music and stories, and a visit from Santa. Plan on about 1 hour round trip, Van Buren to Rudy. It leaves from the old Frisco depot at the foot of Van Buren's historic Main Street, a short drive from Fort Smith.
How long is the Eureka Christmas Express in Eureka Springs?
ES&NA Railway ride length: a short excursion during a three-hour event. Included with the Eureka Christmas Express in Eureka Springs: a train ride, Christmas stories, photos with Santa and hot cocoa. The depot has a working turntable that spins the railway's 1940-era diesel locomotive around, which kids love to watch.
What should parents know before riding the Holiday Express Pajama Train in Springdale?
Coach is the family pick; the Silver Feather car has a downstairs lounge and an upstairs glass dome for a few dollars more. Kids under 3 ride on a lap with a small lap ticket. Mid-December weekday morning trains are the easiest to book; when we checked, the 6:00 pm train on Saturday, December 12, was already full.
Where does the Holiday Express Pajama Train in Van Buren leave from?
The Holiday Express Pajama Train in Van Buren boards at A&M Railroad Van Buren depot (Old Frisco Depot), 813 Main Street, in Van Buren. A&M Railroad tickets: on sale now. It leaves from the old Frisco depot at the foot of Van Buren's historic Main Street, a short drive from Fort Smith.
Where does the Eureka Christmas Express in Eureka Springs leave from?
The Eureka Christmas Express in Eureka Springs boards at Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway depot, 299 North Main Street, in Eureka Springs. The depot is about a mile north of downtown on Highway 23, with free parking across the street and a trolley stop out front. Since it is a single afternoon, confirm details with the railway before making the drive into the hills.
What should parents know before riding the Holiday Express Pajama Train in Van Buren?
It is the easier choice for River Valley families and for anyone who missed the Springdale dates. Weekday morning departures on December 7 to 9 suit preschoolers, and Saturday December 5 has five trains. Downtown Van Buren’s shops and lights are a short walk from the depot. The hour-long round trip heads north to Rudy with cocoa, cookies, music and Santa on board.
What should parents know before riding the Eureka Christmas Express in Eureka Springs?
The depot is about a mile north of downtown on Highway 23, with free parking across the street and a trolley stop out front. Since it is a single afternoon, confirm details with the railway before making the drive into the hills.