Christmas Train Rides in Florida (2026)
If you are searching for the Polar Express in Florida, here is the honest answer: the licensed ride that ran out of Miami Central on Brightline has closed, and its own website says it will not return for the foreseeable future, so there is no licensed Polar Express in the state for 2026. The nearest licensed ride is in New Orleans, and you can find every licensed ride by state on our Christmas train map.
The short version
- North Pole Express, Parrish: Nov 27 to Dec 22, Varies
- Santa Express, Clewiston: Nov 28 to Dec 23, $50 to $60
- Christmas Train, Williston: Nov 27 to Dec 26, About $20 to $24
- No licensed Polar Express runs in Florida in 2026; the closest options are in the drive-time table
The good news is that Florida’s own Santa trains are a different kind of fun: a vintage train to a campfire North Pole outside Tampa, a ride through sugarcane fields near Lake Okeechobee, and a farm train in the lights near Gainesville.
Florida holiday trains at a glance
- Holiday trains
- 3 confirmed for 2026
- Licensed Polar Express
- None in Florida in 2026
- Season
- November 27 to December 26, 2026
- Lowest fare
- About $20 to $24 (Kirby Family Farm)
- After Christmas
- Kirby Family Farm (to December 26)
- Last checked
Plan your date
When each Florida Christmas train runs
North Pole Express in Parrish starts first, on November 27, and Christmas Train in Williston runs the latest, to December 26. Each bar spans a ride’s season, not every day in it, so check the railroad’s calendar for exact dates.
- North Pole ExpressParrish · Nov 27 to Dec 22
- Christmas TrainWilliston · Nov 27 to Dec 26
- Santa ExpressClewiston · Nov 28 to Dec 23
Look inside the book
Riding a Florida 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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Like it so far? See the full book
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.
Three Florida Santa Trains Running in 2026
On the map
Where Florida’s Christmas trains leave from
- 1Williston: Christmas Train
- 2Parrish: North Pole Express
- 3Clewiston: Santa Express
Licensed Polar Express Other holiday trains. Faint dots are Florida towns, for shape.
None of these is a licensed Polar Express, and none of them needs to be.
Florida's 2026 holiday trains at a glance
| Ride | Town | Season | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida RR Museum | Parrish | Nov 27 to Dec 22 | Varies | On sale now |
| Sugar Express | Clewiston | Nov 28 to Dec 23 | $50 to $60 | On sale now |
| Kirby Family Farm | Williston | Nov 27 to Dec 26 | About $20 to $24 | On sale now |
Parrish: the North Pole Express and its campfire North Pole
North Pole trainFlorida Railroad Museum · Parrish
- Operator
- Florida Railroad Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Florida Railroad Museum, Parrish station, Parrish
- Season
- Select evenings, November 27 to December 22, 2026; most nights at 5:15 and 7:15 pm
- Ride length
- About 3 hours 45 minutes in all: 45 minutes each way plus about 2 and a half hours at the North Pole
- What's included
- Unlimited cookies and hot chocolate, campfires, holiday entertainment, a visit with Santa and a gift for every child
- Price
- Varies by date, class and age; open-air coach, enclosed First Class, or a private caboose for up to 16
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- Best for ages 3 to 10; it is a long night for toddlers
Florida’s biggest holiday train is a volunteer-run museum railroad on the old Seaboard Air Line line north of Bradenton. The train rolls about 45 minutes through the countryside to a North Pole village, where you get roughly two and a half hours of campfires, unlimited cookies and hot chocolate, entertainment and Santa, who sees every child and hands out a gift.
Plan for a long night: the whole thing runs about 3 hours 45 minutes, and the museum says the train waits until every family has had their turn with Santa. Coach is open-air, so bring jackets even in Florida; First Class is enclosed and climate controlled, and a private caboose with its own restroom holds up to 16.
Strollers, car seats, large coolers and oversized bags are not allowed on the train, but you can bring food and non-alcoholic drinks for your group. Restrooms are at the Parrish station. The museum keeps no waitlist for sold-out departures, so book early for the weekends.
Check dates and tickets with Florida RR Museum(opens in a new tab)Clewiston: the Santa Express through sugarcane country
Santa trainSugar Express (U.S. Sugar) · Clewiston
- Operator
- Sugar Express (U.S. Sugar)(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Sugar Express Clewiston station, Clewiston
- Season
- November 28 and 29, December 11 to 13, and December 22 and 23, 2026, at 1:00 and 4:00 pm, plus 10:00 am on November 28 and December 12 and 13; confirm on the booking calendar
- Ride length
- About 2 hours round trip
- What's included
- Holiday decorations and carols, cookies, and a visit from Santa midway with a commemorative gift for every child
- Price
- Deluxe coach $50 child (4 to 14) and $60 adult; open-air car $60; family First Class table for four $340; adults-only First Class $95 to $105
- Tickets
- On sale now for the 2026 season
- Best ages
- All ages; afternoon departures suit toddlers
The Sugar Express runs on U.S. Sugar’s own railroad out of Clewiston, on the south shore of Lake Okeechobee, and its Santa Express is a two-hour round trip through the cane fields with no destination at all. The fun is on board: lights, carols, cookies, and Santa climbing on halfway to greet every child with a small gift.
It is the only daytime Santa train in Florida, with 1:00 and 4:00 pm departures and a few 10:00 am trains, which makes it the easy pick for kids who melt down after dark. The open-air car is not climate controlled, and the restrooms are in the next car. Note that the First Class tavern and observation seats are 21 and over, so families should book the deluxe coach or the Palmdale family table.
Check dates and tickets with Sugar Express(opens in a new tab)Williston: the Christmas Train at Kirby Family Farm
Christmas lights trainKirby Family Farm · Williston
- Operator
- Kirby Family Farm(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Kirby Family Farm, Williston
- Season
- Select nights, November 27 to December 26, 2026; gates open 6:00 pm
- Ride length
- An evening train loop through the farm's light displays
- What's included
- The train ride through the lights plus the farm's holiday attractions
- Price
- About $20 to $24 per person in advance through the farm's ticket page; pre-registration recommended
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages
North Central Florida’s holiday train is a farm ride: Kirby Family Farm outside Williston runs its train through the lights on select nights from Thanksgiving weekend to December 26, with gates opening at 6:00 pm.
Tickets are about $20 to $24 in advance, and the farm recommends registering ahead rather than showing up. It is the closest holiday train for Gainesville and Ocala families, and an easy add-on for anyone driving the I-75 corridor.
Check dates and tickets with Kirby Family Farm(opens in a new tab)Which Florida Christmas Train Is Closest to Tampa, Miami and Orlando
Tampa Bay and Sarasota
Parrish is about 45 minutes from downtown Tampa and the most complete holiday night in the state.
Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm
Clewiston is the closest at about 1 hour 45 minutes from Miami, and the daytime departures mean you can drive home before bedtime.
Orlando
All three are a drive: Parrish and Williston are about two hours, Clewiston closer to two and a half.
Jacksonville and Gainesville
Williston is about two hours from Jacksonville and under an hour from Gainesville. Jacksonville families also have a Santa train just over the line: The Georgia Train’s Santa Special leaves Kingsland, about 40 minutes north, and it is on our Georgia Christmas train page.
Under 3
Williston for a short loop, or a Clewiston afternoon train. Parrish is wonderful but long for a toddler.
How Far Florida's Santa Trains Are From the Big Cities
Typical drive times without holiday traffic on I-4 or I-75.
| Starting from | To | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Tampa | Parrish | About 45 minutes |
| Orlando | Parrish | About 2 hours |
| Miami | Clewiston | About 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Fort Myers | Clewiston | About 1 hour |
| Orlando | Williston | About 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Jacksonville | Williston | About 2 hours |
| Jacksonville | Kingsland, GA (Santa Special) | About 40 minutes |
For the licensed Polar Express itself, the closest ride to the Panhandle is New Orleans, about 3 hours 15 minutes from Pensacola, on our Louisiana page.
Free to print
Two hours of I-75 needs something to color
Free printable Rally pages with a red train, a maze and a word search. Print them before you leave and keep a pack of crayons in the cup holder.
Get the free printablesFlorida-Specific Things Parents Ask Before Going
Do you need jackets in Florida?
On a moving open-air car after sunset, yes. Parrish’s coach and Clewiston’s open-air car both catch the wind, and December nights inland can drop into the 40s and 50s.
Strollers and car seats
Parrish does not allow strollers or car seats on the train. Plan on carrying a baby or using a carrier from the parking lot.
Food
Parrish lets you bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, which helps on a nearly four-hour night. Clewiston serves cookies on board.
Things that are not Santa trains
Seminole Gulf Railway in Fort Myers runs a Christmas-week murder-mystery dinner train meant for adults. The Gaylord Palms near Orlando hosts an ice sculpture exhibit themed to The Polar Express, which is a walk-through attraction rather than a train ride.
A real train trip instead
For a holiday visit to family, the train itself can be the treat: our Auto Train with kids guide covers the overnight run from Sanford to Virginia, and the Silver Meteor page covers Miami to New York.
Snacks, Campfires and a Corgi
In our book, Mom comes back to the seat with a pretzel, and Rally sits and chews, perfectly happy. I put that page in because snacks are half of any train ride with kids. At Parrish you can pack your own, so pack the good ones.
This book exists because my mom dreamed up Rally’s train ride and did not get to write it before she died; I finished it for her, and our story page tells the rest. Before your trip, print a few of our free train coloring sheets for the drive.
A train story for Florida 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 Georgia
- Christmas trains in Louisiana
- 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
- THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride Miami: event update(opens in a new tab)
- Florida Railroad Museum: North Pole Express(opens in a new tab)
- Sugar Express: Santa Express, Clewiston(opens in a new tab)
- Kirby Family Farm: Christmas Train(opens in a new tab)
- American-Rails: Florida Christmas Train Rides (2026)(opens in a new tab)
- American-Rails: Florida Polar Express status (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.
Florida Christmas trains: questions parents ask
Is there a Polar Express train in Florida in 2026?
No. The licensed Polar Express that ran from Miami Central on Brightline is not operating, and its official site says it will not return for the foreseeable future. Florida’s holiday trains in 2026 are its own Santa trains, such as the North Pole Express in Parrish and the Santa Express in Clewiston. The nearest licensed Polar Express is in New Orleans.
What Christmas train rides are in Florida in 2026?
We confirmed three holiday train rides in Florida for 2026: the North Pole Express in Parrish; the Santa Express in Clewiston; the Christmas Train in Williston. None of them is a licensed Polar Express ride, which Florida does not have in 2026. The season starts November 27 with the North Pole Express in Parrish and ends December 26.
What Christmas events are happening in Parrish, Florida, in 2026?
For families, Parrish has North Pole Express from Florida RR Museum (November 27 to December 22, varies). It includes unlimited cookies and hot chocolate, campfires, holiday entertainment, a visit with Santa and a gift for every child. Plan on about 3 hours 45 minutes in all: 45 minutes each way plus about 2 and a half hours at the North Pole. For other Parrish, Florida, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Clewiston, Florida, in 2026?
For families, Clewiston has Santa Express from Sugar Express (November 28 to December 23, $50 to $60). It includes holiday decorations and carols, cookies, and a visit from Santa midway with a commemorative gift for every child. Plan on about 2 hours round trip. Santa climbs aboard halfway through the ride, and after his visit you can walk to the open-air car Miami Locks to watch the sugarcane fields go by. For other Clewiston, Florida, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in Williston, Florida, in 2026?
For families, Williston has Christmas Train from Kirby Family Farm (November 27 to December 26, about $20 to $24). It includes the train ride through the lights plus the farm's holiday attractions. Plan on an evening train loop through the farm's light displays. It is a working family farm southwest of Gainesville that turns its train ride into a lights tour every December night it is open. For other Williston, Florida, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
Where can families near Tampa, Florida find a Christmas train ride?
From Tampa, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Parrish, about 45 minutes. Each Florida ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Tampa families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Orlando, Florida find a Christmas train ride?
From Orlando, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Parrish, about 2 hours; Williston, about 1 hour 45 minutes. Each Florida ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Orlando families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Miami, Florida find a Christmas train ride?
From Miami, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Clewiston, about 1 hour 45 minutes. Each Florida ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Miami families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Fort Myers, Florida find a Christmas train ride?
From Fort Myers, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Clewiston, about 1 hour. Each Florida ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Fort Myers families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Jacksonville, Florida find a Christmas train ride?
From Jacksonville, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Williston, about 2 hours; Kingsland, GA (Santa Special), about 40 minutes. Each Florida ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Jacksonville families can compare before they drive.
How long is the North Pole Express in Parrish?
The whole evening takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes. The Florida Railroad Museum’s train rides about 45 minutes each way, and families spend about two and a half hours at the North Pole village with campfires, cookies, cocoa and Santa. The train waits until every family has visited Santa, so return times can run a little late.
Can I bring a stroller on the Florida Railroad Museum North Pole Express?
No. Strollers, car seats, large coolers and oversized bags are not allowed aboard the North Pole Express. Families with babies usually bring a carrier. You can bring food and non-alcoholic drinks for your group, and restrooms are available at the Parrish station before you board.
What time does the Santa Express leave Clewiston?
Most Santa Express trains leave Clewiston at 1:00 and 4:00 pm, with extra 10:00 am departures on a few days, including November 28 and December 12 and 13 in 2026. The ride lasts about two hours. Check the Sugar Express booking calendar for the exact times on your date, since the schedule can change.
Is the Clewiston Santa Express good for babies?
Yes, if you pick the right car. The afternoon departures avoid bedtime, and the deluxe coach is enclosed, while the open-air car is not climate controlled. Santa visits midway through the two-hour ride. Children under 4 should be checked against the ticket types at booking, since child fares start at age 4.
What is the cheapest Christmas train in Florida?
The lowest posted 2026 fare we found in Florida is for the Christmas Train in Williston: About $20 to $24. At the top end is the Santa Express in Clewiston: $50 to $60. Prices come from each Florida railroad's own listing and can change, so confirm at checkout. For the Christmas Train in Williston: about $20 to $24 per person in advance through the farm's ticket page; pre-registration recommended.
Which Florida Christmas train is best for toddlers?
The shortest Florida ride, and usually the easiest for toddlers, is the Santa Express in Clewiston: about 2 hours round trip. The longest is the North Pole Express in Parrish, at about 3 hours 45 minutes in all: 45 minutes each way plus about 2 and a half hours at the North Pole. Ages for the Santa Express in Clewiston: all ages; afternoon departures suit toddlers.
Which Florida Christmas trains have Santa?
Two of the 3 Florida rides on this page include Santa. The North Pole Express in Parrish: unlimited cookies and hot chocolate, campfires, holiday entertainment, a visit with Santa and a gift for every child. The Santa Express in Clewiston: holiday decorations and carols, cookies, and a visit from Santa midway with a commemorative gift for every child.
How much is the North Pole Express in Parrish?
Fares for the North Pole Express in Parrish: Varies by date, class and age; open-air coach, enclosed First Class, or a private caboose for up to 16. The North Pole Express runs select evenings, November 27 to December 22, 2026; most nights at 5:15 and 7:15 pm. Florida RR Museum tickets: on sale now. Florida RR Museum age rules: best for ages 3 to 10; it is a long night for toddlers.
What does the Santa Express in Clewiston cost in 2026?
Fares for the Santa Express in Clewiston: Deluxe coach $50 child (4 to 14) and $60 adult; open-air car $60; family First Class table for four $340; adults-only First Class $95 to $105. It runs November 28 to December 23, 2026. Sugar Express tickets: on sale now for the 2026 season. Sugar Express age rules: all ages; afternoon departures suit toddlers.
How much are tickets for the Christmas Train in Williston?
Fares for the Christmas Train in Williston: About $20 to $24 per person in advance through the farm's ticket page; pre-registration recommended. The Christmas Train runs select nights, November 27 to December 26, 2026; gates open 6:00 pm. Kirby Family Farm tickets: on sale now. Kirby Family Farm age rules: all ages. It is a working family farm southwest of Gainesville that turns its train ride into a lights tour every December night it is open.
Where does the North Pole Express in Parrish leave from?
The North Pole Express in Parrish boards at Florida Railroad Museum, Parrish station, 12210 83rd Street East, in Parrish. Florida RR Museum tickets: on sale now. The train drops you at a North Pole village in the countryside with campfires going, and it does not head back until every family has seen Santa.
What happens on the Santa Express in Clewiston?
The Santa Express in Clewiston includes holiday decorations and carols, cookies, and a visit from Santa midway with a commemorative gift for every child. For the Clewiston ride, plan on about 2 hours round trip. Santa climbs aboard halfway through the ride, and after his visit you can walk to the open-air car Miami Locks to watch the sugarcane fields go by.
What is included with the Christmas Train in Williston?
The Christmas Train in Williston includes the train ride through the lights plus the farm's holiday attractions. Kirby Family Farm ride length: an evening train loop through the farm's light displays. It is a working family farm southwest of Gainesville that turns its train ride into a lights tour every December night it is open.
What should parents know before riding the North Pole Express in Parrish?
Plan for a long night: the whole thing runs about 3 hours 45 minutes, and the museum says the train waits until every family has had their turn with Santa. Coach is open-air, so bring jackets even in Florida; First Class is enclosed and climate controlled, and a private caboose with its own restroom holds up to 16.
Where does the Santa Express in Clewiston leave from?
The Santa Express in Clewiston boards at Sugar Express Clewiston station, 900 W C Owen Avenue, in Clewiston. Sugar Express tickets: on sale now for the 2026 season. Santa climbs aboard halfway through the ride, and after his visit you can walk to the open-air car Miami Locks to watch the sugarcane fields go by.
Where does the Christmas Train in Williston leave from?
The Christmas Train in Williston boards at Kirby Family Farm, 19630 Northeast 30th Street, in Williston. Kirby Family Farm tickets: on sale now. It is a working family farm southwest of Gainesville that turns its train ride into a lights tour every December night it is open.
What should parents know before riding the Santa Express in Clewiston?
It is the only daytime Santa train in Florida, with 1:00 and 4:00 pm departures and a few 10:00 am trains, which makes it the easy pick for kids who melt down after dark. The open-air car is not climate controlled, and the restrooms are in the next car. Note that the First Class tavern and observation seats are 21 and over, so families should book the deluxe coach or the Palmdale family table.