Christmas Train Rides in Kentucky (2026)
Kentucky’s only licensed Polar Express runs from Stearns, deep in the Big South Fork country near the Tennessee line, and 2026 tickets are on sale now. The rest of the state’s holiday trains cluster around Louisville and Lexington: two Santa trains through the Rolling Fork valley from New Haven, a Santa ride through Thoroughbred farm country from Versailles, and a three-course dinner train with Santa in Bardstown. Our Polar Express guide covering all 50 states has the neighboring states too.
The short version
- THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Stearns: Mid-Nov to Dec 22, from $25
- Santa Claus Express, New Haven: Dec 5 to Dec 20, from $28
- North Pole Express, New Haven: Dec 5 to Dec 20, evenings, from $28
- Santa's Holiday Express, Versailles: Nov 28 to Dec 13, from $18
- North Pole Express, Bardstown: Nov 22 to Dec 20, Sold out; waitlist (sold out)
Kentucky holiday trains at a glance
- Holiday trains
- 5 confirmed for 2026
- Licensed Polar Express
- Stearns
- Season
- November 22 to December 20, 2026
- Lowest fare
- From $18 (Bluegrass Railroad Museum)
- After Christmas
- No rides found
- Sold out
- My Old Kentucky Dinner Train
- Last checked
Plan your date
When each Kentucky Christmas train runs
North Pole Express in Bardstown starts first, on November 22, and Santa Claus Express in New Haven runs the latest, to December 20. Each bar spans a ride’s season, not every day in it, so check the railroad’s calendar for exact dates.
- North Pole ExpressBardstown · Nov 22 to Dec 20
- Santa's Holiday ExpressVersailles · Nov 28 to Dec 13
- Santa Claus ExpressNew Haven · Dec 5 to Dec 20
- North Pole ExpressNew Haven · Dec 5 to Dec 20, evenings
Look inside the book
Riding a Kentucky 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.
Kentucky's Holiday Trains for 2026
On the map
Where Kentucky’s Christmas trains leave from
- 1Versailles: Santa's Holiday Express
- 2Bardstown: North Pole Express
- 3New Haven: Santa Claus Express
- 3New Haven: North Pole Express
- 4Stearns: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Licensed Polar Express Other holiday trains. Faint dots are Kentucky towns, for shape.
One licensed Polar Express and four more holiday trains.
Kentucky's 2026 holiday trains at a glance
| Ride | Town | Season | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big South Fork Scenic Railway | Stearns | Mid-Nov to Dec 22 | From $25 | On sale now |
| Kentucky Railway Museum | New Haven | Dec 5 to Dec 20 | From $28 | On sale now |
| Kentucky Railway Museum | New Haven | Dec 5 to Dec 20, evenings | From $28 | On sale now |
| Bluegrass Railroad Museum | Versailles | Nov 28 to Dec 13 | From $18 | On sale now |
| My Old Kentucky Dinner Train | Bardstown | Nov 22 to Dec 20 | Sold out; waitlist | Sold out |
Stearns: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway
Licensed Polar ExpressBig South Fork Scenic Railway · Stearns
- Operator
- Big South Fork Scenic Railway(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Stearns Depot, Stearns
- Season
- Mid-November through December 22, 2026
- Ride length
- About 1 hour
- What's included
- Hot chocolate and a cookie, the story read aloud, Santa giving every rider a sleigh bell, and carols on the way back
- Price
- Coach $25, $45 or $55 and First Class $45, $60 or $70, depending on whether the date is value, standard or premium
- Tickets
- 2026 tickets on sale now
- Best ages
- All ages; 2 and under ride free on a lap
The Big South Fork Scenic Railway runs Kentucky’s licensed Polar Express from the Stearns Depot, an old coal company town on the edge of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. The train leaves for the North Pole while the conductor reads the story and the chefs serve hot chocolate and a cookie. Santa boards at the North Pole and walks through every car on the way back, giving each rider a sleigh bell, and the whole train sings carols into the station.
Pricing has three tiers by date. Coach is $25 on value nights, $45 on standard nights and $55 on premium nights, and First Class runs $45, $60 or $70. Tickets are will-call only, so plan to arrive about 45 minutes before departure. The depot has a gift shop, the Whistlestop Restaurant and an activity area where kids can color or write to Santa. The railway says Stearns is a little over two hours from Lexington and under two hours from Knoxville.
Check dates and tickets with Big South Fork Scenic Railway(opens in a new tab)New Haven: the Santa Claus Express
Santa trainKentucky Railway Museum · New Haven
- Operator
- Kentucky Railway Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Kentucky Railway Museum, New Haven
- Season
- December 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19 and 20, 2026; 11:30 am and 2:30 pm on December 5, 6, 12 and 19, and 2:30 pm only on December 13 and 20
- Ride length
- About 90 minutes
- What's included
- A ride through the Rolling Fork River valley with Santa, plus a cookie and hot chocolate at Claus's Kitchen before boarding
- Price
- From $28; premium seating with roomier seats costs more
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages; pajamas welcome
The Kentucky Railway Museum in New Haven, about an hour south of Louisville, runs two Santa trains on the same December weekends. The Santa Claus Express is the daytime one: a 90-minute historic train ride through the Rolling Fork River valley, with Santa on board and the sounds of the season. Kids are welcome in pajamas and should bring their Christmas lists.
Arrive an hour early for a cookie and hot chocolate at Claus’s Kitchen and the small children’s activities. Only bottled water is allowed on the train. Coach 1616 has steps to board; Coach 1105 has a wheelchair space, and you need to book the wheelchair-accessible ticket to use it.
Check dates and tickets with Kentucky Railway Museum(opens in a new tab)New Haven: the North Pole Express in pajamas
Santa trainKentucky Railway Museum · New Haven
- Operator
- Kentucky Railway Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Kentucky Railway Museum, New Haven
- Season
- December 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19 and 20, 2026, at 5:30 pm
- Ride length
- About 90 minutes
- What's included
- A ride to the North Pole to pick up Santa, who rides back with families, then Santa photos in the depot and cocoa at the Claus's Kitchen Caboose
- Price
- From $28; premium seating costs more
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages; pajamas encouraged
The North Pole Express is the evening version, with one 5:30 pm departure each night. The train rolls out to the North Pole to pick up Santa, who climbs aboard and rides back to New Haven with everyone. Back at the station, families visit with Santa and take a photo with him in the depot. The museum encourages pajamas for the full effect.
It costs the same as the daytime train, so the choice comes down to bedtimes. The evening ride has the drama of picking Santa up in the dark; the daytime Santa Claus Express is easier with toddlers. Either way, the cookie and hot chocolate at the Claus’s Kitchen Caboose come before boarding.
Check dates and tickets with Kentucky Railway Museum(opens in a new tab)Versailles: Santa's Holiday Express through horse country
Santa trainBluegrass Railroad Museum · Versailles
- Operator
- Bluegrass Railroad Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Bluegrass Railroad Museum, Versailles
- Season
- Saturdays November 28, December 5 and December 12 at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm; Sundays December 6 and 13 at 2:00 pm, 2026
- Ride length
- About 90 minutes
- What's included
- Santa, Frosty, the Grinch and elves visiting every child, carols on board, and hot chocolate and a candy cane back at the station
- Price
- From $18 in Coach; First Class costs more
- Tickets
- On sale now; special events often sell out within days
- Best ages
- All ages
The Bluegrass Railroad Museum, an all-volunteer group in Woodford County Park about 15 miles west of Lexington, runs the most Kentucky-looking Santa train in the state. The line heads west past cattle, corn and tobacco fields and two Thoroughbred horse farms, then through deep limestone cuts toward the palisades of the Kentucky River. Santa works his way through the cars with Frosty, the Grinch and a few elves so every child can hand over a list and get a photo, and everyone sings carols.
Coach seats are in antique commuter cars with vinyl benches and propane heaters; First Class uses former long-distance cars with reclining seats. Dress in layers. Hot chocolate and a candy cane are waiting back at the station, and the museum warns that special-event trains often sell out within days.
Check dates and tickets with Bluegrass Railroad Museum(opens in a new tab)Bardstown: the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train North Pole Express Sold out
Dinner train with SantaMy Old Kentucky Dinner Train · Bardstown
- Operator
- My Old Kentucky Dinner Train(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- My Old Kentucky Dinner Train depot, Bardstown
- Season
- Sundays November 22 and 29 and December 6, 13 and 20 at 11 am and 4 pm, plus Saturday, December 19 at 11 am, 2026
- Ride length
- 1 hour 45 minutes
- What's included
- A three-course meal at your table, Santa visiting every car, hot chocolate and a giant cookie, and a sleigh bell from Santa
- Price
- From $69, meal included; every departure is sold out with a waitlist
- Tickets
- Sold out; join the waitlist on the booking calendar
- Best ages
- All ages; under 2 on a lap without a ticket
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train turns its Bardstown dining cars into a North Pole Express each holiday season, and every 2026 departure is already sold out. Santa greets families in the depot, visits each table during the ride to chat and sing, and waits back at the depot with a bell from his sleigh. The meal is three courses at linen-covered tables, followed by the chef’s hot chocolate and a giant chocolate chip cookie.
Children’s tickets add an activity bag, a souvenir ticket and cup, a coloring book by a local artist and a bell from Santa. The booking calendar offers a waitlist on full departures, and refunds are allowed up to 14 days out, so seats do open up.
Check dates and tickets with My Old Kentucky Dinner Train(opens in a new tab)Which Kentucky Christmas Train Should You Book
Your kids want the real Polar Express
Stearns. Value nights start at $25 in Coach.
Louisville families
New Haven, about an hour south. Pick the daytime Santa Claus Express for toddlers or the 5:30 pm North Pole Express for pajama kids.
Lexington families
Santa’s Holiday Express from Versailles, 20 minutes away, through horse farm country.
A sit-down meal with Santa
The Bardstown dinner train, if a seat opens up on the waitlist.
How Far Kentucky Holiday Trains Are From Major Cities
Typical drive times without holiday traffic.
| Starting from | To | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville | New Haven | About 1 hour |
| Louisville | Bardstown | About 45 minutes |
| Lexington | Versailles | About 20 minutes |
| Lexington | Stearns (Polar Express) | A little over 2 hours |
| Knoxville | Stearns (Polar Express) | Under 2 hours |
| Louisville | French Lick, IN (Polar Express) | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
Louisville families have a second licensed Polar Express close by at French Lick on our Indiana page. Northern Kentucky families are near Cincinnati and the Ohio Santa trains on our Ohio page, and Stearns is close enough to Knoxville that East Tennessee families should also see our Tennessee page.
Free to print
Something for the long ride
Free printable Rally pages with a red train, a maze and a word search.
Get the free printablesKentucky Holiday Train Details Worth Knowing
The CSX Santa Train
On Saturday, November 21, the CSX Santa Train makes its 84th run, a 110-mile trip from Shelbiana, Kentucky, to Kingsport, Tennessee, with stops in coalfield towns along the way where Santa hands out gifts from the back of the train. It is not a ride, but it is one of the oldest holiday train traditions in the country, dating to 1943.
Only water on board
The Kentucky Railway Museum and the Bluegrass Railroad Museum both allow only water on their trains, so have snacks before boarding.
Getting there by Amtrak
The Cardinal stops in Ashland, South Shore and Maysville; see our Cardinal with kids guide.
Snacks, Stories and a Long Ride
In our book, Mr. Conductor punches Rally’s ticket and the whole adventure begins. Kentucky’s holiday trains are long ones, mostly 90 minutes, which is plenty of time for a story, a snack before boarding and a nap on the way home.
Rally was my mom’s idea long before he was a book; our story page tells how I finished it. Print our free Rally activity pages for the ride.
A train story for Kentucky 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 Indiana
- Christmas trains in Ohio
- Christmas trains in Tennessee
- 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
- Stearns THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride: book now(opens in a new tab)
- Stearns THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride: what to expect and pricing(opens in a new tab)
- Kentucky Railway Museum: Santa Claus Express(opens in a new tab)
- Kentucky Railway Museum: North Pole Express(opens in a new tab)
- Bluegrass Railroad Museum: Santa's Holiday Express(opens in a new tab)
- My Old Kentucky Dinner Train: North Pole Express(opens in a new tab)
- WYMT: CSX Santa Train returning to Eastern Kentucky(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.
Kentucky Christmas trains: questions parents ask
Where is the Polar Express train ride in Kentucky?
Kentucky's licensed Polar Express is on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway, leaving the Stearns Depot at 66 Henderson Street in Stearns, in southern Kentucky near the Tennessee line. The 2026 season runs from mid-November through December 22, and tickets are on sale now.
What Christmas train rides are in Kentucky in 2026?
We confirmed five holiday train rides in Kentucky for 2026: the Polar Express in Stearns; the Santa Claus Express in New Haven; the North Pole Express in New Haven; Santa's Holiday Express in Versailles; the North Pole Express in Bardstown. One of the 5 Kentucky rides is the licensed Polar Express. The season starts November 22 with the North Pole Express in Bardstown and ends December 20.
What Christmas events are happening in Stearns, Kentucky, in 2026?
For families, Stearns has THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from Big South Fork Scenic Railway (mid-November to December 22, from $25). It includes hot chocolate and a cookie, the story read aloud, Santa giving every rider a sleigh bell, and carols on the way back. For other Stearns, Kentucky, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in New Haven, Kentucky, in 2026?
Two holiday train events run in New Haven in 2026: Santa Claus Express from Kentucky Railway Museum (December 5 to December 20, from $28); North Pole Express from Kentucky Railway Museum (December 5 to December 20, evenings, from $28). The Santa Claus Express in New Haven includes a ride through the Rolling Fork River valley with Santa, plus a cookie and hot chocolate at Claus's Kitchen before boarding. For other New Haven, Kentucky, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are there in Versailles, Kentucky, this year?
For families, Versailles has Santa's Holiday Express from Bluegrass Railroad Museum (November 28 to December 13, from $18). It includes Santa, Frosty, the Grinch and elves visiting every child, carols on board, and hot chocolate and a candy cane back at the station. Plan on about 90 minutes. For other Versailles, Kentucky, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are there in Bardstown, Kentucky, this year?
For families, Bardstown has North Pole Express from My Old Kentucky Dinner Train (November 22 to December 20, sold out; waitlist). It includes a three-course meal at your table, Santa visiting every car, hot chocolate and a giant cookie, and a sleigh bell from Santa. For other Bardstown, Kentucky, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
Where can families near Louisville, Kentucky find a Christmas train ride?
From Louisville, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: New Haven, about 1 hour; Bardstown, about 45 minutes; French Lick, IN (Polar Express), about 1 hour 15 minutes. Each Kentucky ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Louisville families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Lexington, Kentucky find a Christmas train ride?
From Lexington, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Versailles, about 20 minutes; Stearns (Polar Express), a little over 2 hours. Each Kentucky ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Lexington families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Knoxville, Kentucky find a Christmas train ride?
From Knoxville, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Stearns (Polar Express), under 2 hours. Each Kentucky ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Knoxville families can compare before they drive.
How much does the Stearns Polar Express cost?
Prices depend on the date. Coach is $25 on value dates, $45 on standard dates and $55 on premium dates, and First Class is $45, $60 or $70. Children 2 and under ride free on a lap. Tickets are held at will call and cannot be picked up ahead of the day.
What is the difference between the Kentucky Railway Museum's two Santa trains?
Both run about 90 minutes from New Haven on December weekends and start at $28. The Santa Claus Express leaves at 11:30 am or 2:30 pm with Santa riding along. The North Pole Express leaves at 5:30 pm, picks Santa up at the North Pole and ends with photos in the depot.
Is there a Santa train near Lexington, Kentucky?
Yes. The Bluegrass Railroad Museum in Versailles, about 20 minutes west of Lexington, runs Santa's Holiday Express on five dates from November 28 to December 13. The 90-minute ride passes Thoroughbred farms, and Santa, Frosty and the Grinch visit every child. Coach seats start at $18.
Do any Kentucky Christmas trains run after Christmas?
No Kentucky holiday train we could confirm runs after Christmas in 2026. The last one on this page is the Santa Claus Express in New Haven, which runs until December 20. For a ride after the 25th, look at the states near Kentucky in the drive-time table above. Coach 1105 has a wheelchair space where a chair locks in place, booked with a wheelchair-accessible ticket.
What is the cheapest Christmas train in Kentucky?
The lowest posted 2026 fare we found in Kentucky is for Santa's Holiday Express in Versailles: from $18. At the top end is the Polar Express in Stearns: from $25. Prices come from each Kentucky railroad's own listing and can change, so confirm at checkout. For Santa's Holiday Express in Versailles: from $18 in Coach; First Class costs more.
Which Kentucky Christmas train is best for toddlers?
The shortest Kentucky ride, and usually the easiest for toddlers, is the Polar Express in Stearns: about 1 hour. The longest is the North Pole Express in Bardstown, at 1 hour 45 minutes. Ages for the Polar Express in Stearns: all ages; 2 and under ride free on a lap. Tickets are will-call only and cannot be picked up ahead of the day, so arrive about 45 minutes early.
When do Kentucky Christmas train tickets go on sale?
On sale now: the Polar Express in Stearns; the Santa Claus Express in New Haven; the North Pole Express in New Haven; Santa's Holiday Express in Versailles. Already sold out for 2026: the North Pole Express in Bardstown. Popular Kentucky dates go first, so buy as soon as your ride opens.
Which Kentucky Christmas trains have Santa?
All 5 Kentucky rides on this page include Santa. The Polar Express in Stearns: hot chocolate and a cookie, the story read aloud, Santa giving every rider a sleigh bell, and carols on the way back. The Santa Claus Express in New Haven: a ride through the Rolling Fork River valley with Santa, plus a cookie and hot chocolate at Claus's Kitchen before boarding.
How long is the Polar Express in Stearns?
For the Stearns ride, plan on about 1 hour. Included with the Polar Express in Stearns: hot chocolate and a cookie, the story read aloud, Santa giving every rider a sleigh bell, and carols on the way back. Tickets are will-call only and cannot be picked up ahead of the day, so arrive about 45 minutes early.
How much are tickets for the Santa Claus Express in New Haven?
The Santa Claus Express in New Haven costs from $28; premium seating with roomier seats costs more. The Santa Claus Express runs December 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19 and 20, 2026; 11:30 am and 2:30 pm on December 5, 6, 12 and 19, and 2:30 pm only on December 13 and 20.
How much is the North Pole Express in New Haven?
The North Pole Express in New Haven costs from $28; premium seating costs more. The North Pole Express runs December 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19 and 20, 2026, at 5:30 pm. Kentucky Railway Museum tickets: on sale now. Kentucky Railway Museum age rules: all ages; pajamas encouraged. Santa boards at the North Pole and rides back to New Haven with the families, then poses for photos in the depot.
What does Santa's Holiday Express in Versailles cost in 2026?
Santa's Holiday Express in Versailles costs from $18 in Coach; First Class costs more. Santa's Holiday Express runs Saturdays November 28, December 5 and December 12 at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm; Sundays December 6 and 13 at 2:00 pm, 2026. Bluegrass Railroad Museum tickets: on sale now; special events often sell out within days.
How much are tickets for the North Pole Express in Bardstown?
The North Pole Express in Bardstown costs from $69, meal included; every departure is sold out with a waitlist. The North Pole Express runs Sundays November 22 and 29 and December 6, 13 and 20 at 11 am and 4 pm, plus Saturday, December 19 at 11 am, 2026. My Old Kentucky Dinner Train tickets: sold out; join the waitlist on the booking calendar.
What should parents know before riding the Polar Express in Stearns?
Pricing has three tiers by date. Coach is $25 on value nights, $45 on standard nights and $55 on premium nights, and First Class runs $45, $60 or $70. Tickets are will-call only, so plan to arrive about 45 minutes before departure. The depot has a gift shop, the Whistlestop Restaurant and an activity area where kids can color or write to Santa.
What happens on the Santa Claus Express in New Haven?
The Santa Claus Express in New Haven includes a ride through the Rolling Fork River valley with Santa, plus a cookie and hot chocolate at Claus's Kitchen before boarding. For the New Haven ride, plan on about 90 minutes. Coach 1105 has a wheelchair space where a chair locks in place, booked with a wheelchair-accessible ticket.
What is included with the North Pole Express in New Haven?
The North Pole Express in New Haven includes a ride to the North Pole to pick up Santa, who rides back with families, then Santa photos in the depot and cocoa at the Claus's Kitchen Caboose. For the New Haven ride, plan on about 90 minutes. Santa boards at the North Pole and rides back to New Haven with the families, then poses for photos in the depot.
What happens on Santa's Holiday Express in Versailles?
Santa's Holiday Express in Versailles includes Santa, Frosty, the Grinch and elves visiting every child, carols on board, and hot chocolate and a candy cane back at the station. For the Versailles ride, plan on about 90 minutes. The line passes two Thoroughbred farms, where mares and foals may be out, on its way to the Kentucky River palisades.
What happens on the North Pole Express in Bardstown?
The North Pole Express in Bardstown includes a three-course meal at your table, Santa visiting every car, hot chocolate and a giant cookie, and a sleigh bell from Santa. For the Bardstown ride, plan on 1 hour 45 minutes. Each child finds a coloring book by a local artist at their place setting.