Christmas Train Rides in Louisiana (2026)
Louisiana’s holiday trains are mostly in and around New Orleans. The licensed Polar Express leaves from Union Passenger Terminal for three weeks in December, the little City Park train loops through a million lights at Celebration in the Oaks, and one Saturday in November a Santa and Mrs. Claus pair take over an Amtrak train to Picayune. Up north, the CPKC Holiday Train makes six free stops from Shreveport to Zwolle. For other states, see our state-by-state Christmas train guide.
The short version
- THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, New Orleans: Dec 11 to Dec 31, from $69.50
- Celebration in the Oaks, New Orleans: Nov 27 to Jan 1, With Walking Tour ticket
- The Cringles Christmas Express, New Orleans: Nov 28, Sold out (sold out)
Louisiana holiday trains at a glance
- Holiday trains
- 3 confirmed for 2026
- Licensed Polar Express
- New Orleans
- Season
- November 27 to January 1, 2026
- Lowest fare
- From $69.50 (Rail Events Productions)
- After Christmas
- Rail Events Productions (to December 31), New Orleans City Park (to January 1)
- Sold out
- The Cringles
- Last checked
Plan your date
When each Louisiana Christmas train runs
Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans has the longest season, November 27 to January 1. Each bar spans a ride’s season, not every day in it, so check the railroad’s calendar for exact dates.
- Celebration in the OaksNew Orleans · Nov 27 to Jan 1
- The Cringles Christmas ExpressNew Orleans · Nov 28
- THE POLAR EXPRESS Train RideNew Orleans · Dec 11 to Dec 31
Look inside the book
Riding a Louisiana 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.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
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.
Louisiana's Holiday Trains for 2026
On the map
Where Louisiana’s Christmas trains leave from
- 1New Orleans: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
- 1New Orleans: Celebration in the Oaks
- 1New Orleans: The Cringles Christmas Express
Licensed Polar Express Other holiday trains. Faint dots are Louisiana towns, for shape.
All three rides start in New Orleans.
Louisiana's 2026 holiday trains at a glance
| Ride | Town | Season | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rail Events Productions | New Orleans | Dec 11 to Dec 31 | From $69.50 | On sale now |
| New Orleans City Park | New Orleans | Nov 27 to Jan 1 | With Walking Tour ticket | See festival site |
| The Cringles | New Orleans | Nov 28 | Sold out | Sold out |
New Orleans: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride at Union Passenger Terminal
Licensed Polar ExpressRail Events Productions · New Orleans
- Operator
- Rail Events Productions(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans
- Season
- December 11 to 31, 2026, except December 25; up to five departures a day between 10:00 am and 6:40 pm, with a sensory-friendly train December 18 at 10:00 am
- Ride length
- About 1 hour on the train, about 2 hours with check-in
- What's included
- Golden tickets punched by car hosts, dancing chefs with hot chocolate and Walker's Shortbread, the book read aloud, caroling, and a silver sleigh bell from Santa
- Price
- Value departures $69.50 for children 2 to 11 and $78 for adults, fees and tax included; other dates cost more
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages; under 2 ride free on a lap and get a bell but no treat
New Orleans runs the only licensed Polar Express in Louisiana, from Union Passenger Terminal on Loyola Avenue, December 11 through New Year’s Eve. The show follows the book closely: car hosts punch golden tickets, dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and Walker’s Shortbread, the story is read aloud to the movie soundtrack, and Santa boards to give every guest a silver sleigh bell. The producers are upfront that the route stays mostly within the Amtrak facility and Mid City, so the fun is inside the car, not out the window.
There is one class, Coach, with assigned seats chosen at checkout, and listed prices include fees and tax. Check in at the Polar Express box office inside the terminal about an hour before showtime; the box office closes at showtime and no one boards late. The platform is unheated, so pajamas plus a coat work best. A sensory-friendly train runs December 18 at 10:00 am.
Check dates and tickets with Rail Events Productions(opens in a new tab)New Orleans: the City Park Train at Celebration in the Oaks
Holiday lights park trainNew Orleans City Park · New Orleans
- Operator
- New Orleans City Park(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, City Park, New Orleans
- Season
- Nightly November 27, 2026, to January 1, 2027
- Ride length
- A short loop through the park
- What's included
- Walking Tour admission with unlimited rides at Carousel Gardens, including the City Park Train, plus the Botanical Garden lights
- Price
- Included with a Walking Tour ticket; see the festival site for 2026 prices
- Tickets
- See the festival site
- Best ages
- All ages
Celebration in the Oaks is City Park’s holiday light festival, with more than a million lights on the park’s live oaks, and for many New Orleans families the train ride is the best part. The Walking Tour includes unlimited rides at Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, 17 rides in all, including the iconic City Park Train, plus the lit-up Botanical Garden.
It runs nightly from Thanksgiving weekend to New Year’s Day. Expect a line for the train on busy December weekends. A separate Driving Tour covers two miles of lights in 30 to 45 minutes but does not include the rides, so choose the Walking Tour if the train is the point. Ticket sales support the park year-round.
Check dates and tickets with New Orleans City Park(opens in a new tab)New Orleans to Picayune: the Cringles Christmas Express Sold out
Santa train on AmtrakThe Cringles (Santa and Mrs. Claus) · New Orleans
- Operator
- The Cringles (Santa and Mrs. Claus)(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans
- Season
- Saturday, November 28, 2026; the train leaves New Orleans at 9:15 am
- Ride length
- A morning Amtrak ride to Picayune, Mississippi, and a day at Christmas on the Rails
- What's included
- Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves riding along on an Amtrak train, then a holiday event at The Commons in Picayune
- Price
- Sold out
- Tickets
- Sold out
- Best ages
- All ages
The Cringles are a Santa and Mrs. Claus pair who take families along on an Amtrak train. On Saturday, November 28, families board at Union Passenger Terminal for the 9:15 am departure with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves, and ride to Picayune, Mississippi, for the Christmas on the Rails event at The Commons.
The 2026 ride sold out in August. We list it because it is one of the few holiday rides in the region on a real intercity train. Tickets went on sale in early summer, so if it returns next year, watch the Cringles’ Facebook page around June.
Check dates and tickets with The Cringles(opens in a new tab)Which New Orleans Holiday Train Fits Your Family
Your kids love the book
The Polar Express at Union Passenger Terminal.
You want lights and a lot of rides for one ticket
Celebration in the Oaks. The Walking Tour includes the City Park Train and every other ride at Carousel Gardens.
Sensory-friendly
The December 18, 10:00 am Polar Express departure.
North Louisiana
A free CPKC Holiday Train stop, listed below.
How Far Louisiana Families Drive to the New Orleans Polar Express
Typical drive times to Union Passenger Terminal without traffic.
| Starting from | To | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge | New Orleans | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Lafayette | New Orleans | About 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Shreveport | New Orleans | About 5 hours |
| Shreveport | Palestine, TX (Polar Express) | About 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Monroe | Jackson, MS | About 2 hours |
Shreveport families are closer to the Texas Polar Express rides on our Texas page than to New Orleans. Northeast Louisiana is a short drive from the Mississippi holiday trains on our Mississippi page, and northwest Louisiana families can also see the Arkansas trains on our Arkansas page.
Free to print
For the wait at the terminal
Free printable Rally pages with a red train, a maze and a word search.
Get the free printablesThe CPKC Holiday Train in Louisiana
The CPKC Holiday Train, lit with LEDs and carrying a stage car, makes six free stops in Louisiana in 2026. There is no ride; visitors are asked to bring food bank donations.
Sunday, November 29
Shreveport, 4550 North Lake Shore Drive, 7:45 to 8:15 pm, with Magic! and MARIS.
Wednesday, December 2
Monroe, parking lot on the south side of the tracks between 3rd Street and North 4th Street, 5:45 to 6:15 pm. Ruston, parking lot on East Park Avenue between North Vienna and North Bonner Streets, 7:30 to 8:00 pm. Both with Chase Rice and Madeline Edwards.
Friday, December 4
DeQuincy, 400 Lake Charles Avenue in the railroad park north of the DeQuincy museum, 3:15 to 3:45 pm. Leesville, CPKC station gravel lot at 901 South Third Street, 5:30 to 6:00 pm. Zwolle, North Main and Armstrong Streets, 7:45 to 8:15 pm. All with Chase Rice and Madeline Edwards.
Louisiana Holiday Train Details Worth Knowing
The Louisiana Steam Train Association
The volunteers who restored Southern Pacific steam locomotive 745 have held free or low-cost Train Rides with Santa at their Jefferson shop at 1501 Jefferson Highway in recent Decembers. They had not posted a 2026 date when we checked.
Getting there by Amtrak
New Orleans is served by the City of New Orleans, the Crescent and the Sunset Limited; see our Sunset Limited with kids guide or our Crescent with kids guide.
A Pretzel for the Ride
Rally gets a pretzel on his ride in our book, and it is the best pretzel he has ever had. On the New Orleans Polar Express it is shortbread and hot chocolate instead, served by chefs who dance up the aisle.
Rally’s story is my mom’s, and I finished it after she passed; our story page has the rest. Print our free Rally coloring pages for the wait at the terminal.
A train story for Louisiana 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 Texas
- Christmas trains in Mississippi
- Christmas trains in Arkansas
- 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 New Orleans(opens in a new tab)
- FOX 8: Polar Express returning to New Orleans(opens in a new tab)
- Celebration in the Oaks: Experience(opens in a new tab)
- Eventbrite: The Cringles Christmas Express(opens in a new tab)
- Louisiana Steam Train Association(opens in a new tab)
- CPKC: U.S. Holiday Train schedule 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.
Louisiana Christmas trains: questions parents ask
When is the Polar Express in New Orleans in 2026?
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride runs from New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal from December 11 to December 31, 2026, with no trains on Christmas Day. There are up to five departures a day between 10:00 am and 6:40 pm, plus a sensory-friendly departure on December 18 at 10:00 am.
What Christmas train rides are in Louisiana in 2026?
We confirmed three holiday train rides in Louisiana for 2026: the Polar Express in New Orleans; Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans; The Cringles Christmas Express in New Orleans. One of the 3 Louisiana rides is the licensed Polar Express. The season starts November 27 with Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans and ends January 1.
What holiday events for kids are in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2026?
Three holiday train events run in New Orleans in 2026: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from Rail Events Productions (December 11 to December 31, from $69.50); Celebration in the Oaks from New Orleans City Park (November 27 to January 1, with Walking Tour ticket); The Cringles Christmas Express from The Cringles (November 28, sold out). For other New Orleans, Louisiana, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
Where can families near Baton Rouge, Louisiana find a Christmas train ride?
From Baton Rouge, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: New Orleans, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Each Louisiana ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Baton Rouge families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Lafayette, Louisiana find a Christmas train ride?
From Lafayette, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: New Orleans, about 2 hours 15 minutes. Each Louisiana ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Lafayette families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Shreveport, Louisiana find a Christmas train ride?
From Shreveport, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: New Orleans, about 5 hours; Palestine, TX (Polar Express), about 2 hours 15 minutes. Each Louisiana ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Shreveport families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Monroe, Louisiana find a Christmas train ride?
From Monroe, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Jackson, MS, about 2 hours. Each Louisiana ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Monroe families can compare before they drive.
How much is the New Orleans Polar Express?
On value dates, tickets are $69.50 for children 2 to 11 and $78 for adults, with fees and tax already included. Other dates cost more. Children under 2 ride free on a lap and receive a bell but no treat. Tickets are non-refundable, though names can be changed.
Is the New Orleans Polar Express a scenic ride?
No. The producers say the route runs mostly within the New Orleans Amtrak facility and Mid City, changing direction as part of the show. The focus is the performance inside the car: golden tickets, dancing chefs, the story, caroling and Santa's visit.
Does Celebration in the Oaks have a train ride?
Yes. The Walking Tour at Celebration in the Oaks in City Park includes unlimited rides at Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, including the City Park Train. The festival runs nightly from November 27, 2026, to January 1, 2027. The Driving Tour does not include rides.
Are there any Louisiana Christmas trains after Christmas?
Yes. The Polar Express in New Orleans runs until December 31; Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans runs until January 1. Every other Louisiana ride on this page ends by Christmas Eve. The Polar Express in New Orleans: December 11 to 31, 2026, except December 25; up to five departures a day between 10:00 am and 6:40 pm, with a sensory-friendly train December 18 at 10:00 am.
When do Louisiana Christmas train tickets go on sale?
On sale now: the Polar Express in New Orleans. Already sold out for 2026: The Cringles Christmas Express in New Orleans. Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans: see the festival site. Popular Louisiana dates go first, so buy as soon as your ride opens.
Which Louisiana Christmas trains have Santa?
Two of the 3 Louisiana rides on this page include Santa. The Polar Express in New Orleans: golden tickets punched by car hosts, dancing chefs with hot chocolate and Walker's Shortbread, the book read aloud, caroling, and a silver sleigh bell from Santa. The Cringles Christmas Express in New Orleans: Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves riding along on an Amtrak train, then a holiday event at The Commons in Picayune.
When does the CPKC Holiday Train stop in Louisiana in 2026?
Sunday, November 29: Shreveport, 4550 North Lake Shore Drive, 7:45 to 8:15 pm, with Magic! and MARIS. Wednesday, December 2: Monroe, parking lot on the south side of the tracks between 3rd Street and North 4th Street, 5:45 to 6:15 pm. Ruston, parking lot on East Park Avenue between North Vienna and North Bonner Streets, 7:30 to 8:00 pm. Both with Chase Rice and Madeline Edwards.
What is the Louisiana Steam Train Association?
The volunteers who restored Southern Pacific steam locomotive 745 have held free or low-cost Train Rides with Santa at their Jefferson shop at 1501 Jefferson Highway in recent Decembers. They had not posted a 2026 date when we checked.
Can you take Amtrak to a Christmas train in Louisiana?
New Orleans is served by the City of New Orleans, the Crescent and the Sunset Limited; see our Sunset Limited with kids guide or our Crescent with kids guide.
What is included with the Polar Express in New Orleans?
The Polar Express in New Orleans includes golden tickets punched by car hosts, dancing chefs with hot chocolate and Walker's Shortbread, the book read aloud, caroling, and a silver sleigh bell from Santa. For the New Orleans ride, plan on about 1 hour on the train, about 2 hours with check-in. The ride runs mostly inside the Amtrak yard and Mid City, so it is a show on a train rather than a scenic trip.
How long is Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans?
New Orleans City Park ride length: a short loop through the park. Included with Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans: walking Tour admission with unlimited rides at Carousel Gardens, including the City Park Train, plus the Botanical Garden lights. The festival has lit City Park's oaks since the 1980s and raises money for the park's upkeep.
How long is The Cringles Christmas Express in New Orleans?
The Cringles ride length: a morning Amtrak ride to Picayune, Mississippi, and a day at Christmas on the Rails. Included with The Cringles Christmas Express in New Orleans: Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves riding along on an Amtrak train, then a holiday event at The Commons in Picayune. Families ride an Amtrak train with Santa, and the day ends at Christmas on the Rails in Picayune.
Where do you board the Polar Express in New Orleans?
The Polar Express in New Orleans boards at New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, 1001 Loyola Avenue, in New Orleans. Check in at the Polar Express box office inside the terminal about an hour before showtime; the box office closes at showtime and no one boards late. Rail Events Productions tickets: on sale now. The ride runs mostly inside the Amtrak yard and Mid City, so it is a show on a train rather than a scenic trip.
Where does Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans leave from?
Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans boards at Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, City Park, 7 Victory Avenue, in New Orleans. Ticket sales support the park year-round. New Orleans City Park tickets: see the festival site. The festival has lit City Park's oaks since the 1980s and raises money for the park's upkeep.
Where do you board The Cringles Christmas Express in New Orleans?
The Cringles Christmas Express in New Orleans boards at New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, 1001 Loyola Avenue, in New Orleans. Tickets went on sale in early summer, so if it returns next year, watch the Cringles’ Facebook page around June. The Cringles tickets: sold out. Families ride an Amtrak train with Santa, and the day ends at Christmas on the Rails in Picayune.
Any tips for the Polar Express in New Orleans with young kids?
There is one class, Coach, with assigned seats chosen at checkout, and listed prices include fees and tax. Check in at the Polar Express box office inside the terminal about an hour before showtime; the box office closes at showtime and no one boards late. The platform is unheated, so pajamas plus a coat work best.
What should parents know before riding Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans?
It runs nightly from Thanksgiving weekend to New Year’s Day. Expect a line for the train on busy December weekends. A separate Driving Tour covers two miles of lights in 30 to 45 minutes but does not include the rides, so choose the Walking Tour if the train is the point. Ticket sales support the park year-round.
What should parents know before riding The Cringles Christmas Express in New Orleans?
The 2026 ride sold out in August. We list it because it is one of the few holiday rides in the region on a real intercity train. Tickets went on sale in early summer, so if it returns next year, watch the Cringles’ Facebook page around June. Claus pair who take families along on an Amtrak train.