Christmas Train Rides in Maryland (2026)
Maryland is one of the few states with two licensed Polar Express rides, and they could not be more different. In Baltimore the B&O Railroad Museum, now the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation, turns the ride into a two-hour production that ends at a North Pole full of model trains. In Cumberland the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad runs a one-hour trip into the Allegheny Mountains with a dome car. Add Santa trains in Walkersville and Santa streetcars in Colesville, and most Maryland families are within an hour of a holiday ride. Our Polar Express and Christmas train guide by state covers the neighbors.
The short version
- THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Baltimore: Nov 28 to Dec 22, from $50
- THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Cumberland: Nov 21 to Dec 24, from $40
- Santa Trains, Walkersville: After Thanksgiving, from $28
- Holly TrolleyFest, Colesville: Nov 28 to Dec 23, About $12
Maryland holiday trains at a glance
- Holiday trains
- 4 confirmed for 2026
- Licensed Polar Express
- Baltimore, Cumberland
- Season
- November 21 to December 24, 2026
- Lowest fare
- From $28 (Walkersville Southern Railroad)
- After Christmas
- No rides found
- Last checked
Plan your date
When each Maryland Christmas train runs
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in Cumberland has the longest season, November 21 to December 24. Each bar spans a ride’s season, not every day in it, so check the railroad’s calendar for exact dates.
- THE POLAR EXPRESS Train RideCumberland · Nov 21 to Dec 24
- THE POLAR EXPRESS Train RideBaltimore · Nov 28 to Dec 22
- Holly TrolleyFestColesville · Nov 28 to Dec 23
Look inside the book
Riding a Maryland 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.
Maryland's Holiday Trains for 2026
On the map
Where Maryland’s Christmas trains leave from
- 1Cumberland: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
- 2Walkersville: Santa Trains
- 3Baltimore: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
- 4Colesville: Holly TrolleyFest
Licensed Polar Express Other holiday trains. Faint dots are Maryland towns, for shape.
Two licensed Polar Express rides and two more holiday trains.
Maryland's 2026 holiday trains at a glance
| Ride | Town | Season | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B&O Railroad Museum | Baltimore | Nov 28 to Dec 22 | From $50 | On sale now |
| Western Maryland Scenic Railroad | Cumberland | Nov 21 to Dec 24 | From $40 | On sale now |
| Walkersville Southern Railroad | Walkersville | After Thanksgiving | From $28 | On sale now |
| National Capital Trolley Museum | Colesville | Nov 28 to Dec 23 | About $12 | Reserve ahead |
Baltimore: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride at the B&O Railroad Museum
Licensed Polar ExpressNational Museum of Railroad History & Innovation (B&O Railroad Museum) · Baltimore
- Operator
- National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation (B&O Railroad Museum)(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- North Car Shop, B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore
- Season
- November 28 and 29; December 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19 to 22, 2026; trains between 2:30 and 9:30 pm
- Ride length
- About 2 hours, including the North Pole
- What's included
- A pre-show, dancing chefs with hot cocoa and a sugar cookie, a silver bell from Santa, then Santa photos, letters, crafts and model trains at the North Pole
- Price
- From $50 in Bronze class; Silver and Gold classes cost more
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- Everyone 2 and up needs a ticket; under 2 free on a lap
The B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, now called the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation, sits at the birthplace of American railroading, and its Polar Express is built as a two-hour show. It opens with a live performance of Hot Chocolate, then families ride with Hero Boy, the Conductor and dancing chefs who serve cocoa and a sugar cookie, and Santa hands out the silver bell. The train ends at the museum’s North Pole, where kids get photos with Santa, write him a letter, do crafts and see the model train layouts.
Use the event entrance at the North Car Shop off Arlington Street, not the main door on Pratt Street, and park free at 1100 James Street. The time on your ticket is when doors open. Guests who need accessible seating should book Bronze Car A for priority boarding.
Check dates and tickets with B&O Railroad Museum(opens in a new tab)Cumberland: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Licensed Polar ExpressWestern Maryland Scenic Railroad · Cumberland
- Operator
- Western Maryland Scenic Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Cumberland Depot, Cumberland
- Season
- November 21 and 22, 27 to 29; December 4 to 6, 11 to 13, and 18 to 24, 2026
- Ride length
- About 1 hour
- What's included
- A live reading of the story, songs from the film, hot chocolate and a cookie, and a silver sleigh bell from Santa
- Price
- From $40 in Coach; Table, First and Dome Class cost more, plus a heritage fee
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages; 2 and under free on a lap
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad runs its Polar Express from the restored Cumberland depot on Canal Street, and unlike Baltimore’s it is a true ride into the mountains. The one-hour round trip includes a live reading of the story, songs from the film, hot chocolate and a cookie, and Santa with a silver sleigh bell for every passenger. The cars are climate controlled with restrooms on board.
There are several classes, from Coach to Table, First and a Dome Class with panoramic views of the Alleghenies. Wheelchairs fit only in Standard Coach, so call before booking. Arrive 40 to 45 minutes early. Tickets are non-refundable but the railroad gives credit, and trains run in any weather. It runs every day from December 18 through Christmas Eve.
Check dates and tickets with Western Maryland Scenic Railroad(opens in a new tab)Walkersville: Walkersville Southern Railroad Santa Trains
Santa trainWalkersville Southern Railroad & Museum · Walkersville
- Operator
- Walkersville Southern Railroad & Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Walkersville Southern Railroad station, Walkersville
- Season
- Thursdays to Sundays after Thanksgiving through December 2026; see the railroad's calendar for times
- Ride length
- About 70 minutes
- What's included
- A ride on a decorated train with Santa and his helpers, a gift for each child and Christmas music
- Price
- Coach $28 for children 2 to 12, $30 for adults and $29 for seniors; Parlor Car $50; private cabooses and a lounge car for groups
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages; under 2 free on a lap
The Walkersville Southern, a volunteer railroad and museum just north of Frederick, runs its Santa Trains Thursdays through Sundays after Thanksgiving. The ride is about 70 minutes on a decorated train, with Christmas music and Santa and his helpers coming through to give every child a gift.
Coach is $28 for kids and $30 for adults, the Parlor Car is $50, and groups can book a private caboose for up to 15 or 20 or the lounge car for 20. Tickets wait at the ticket office under your name; check your spam folder for the confirmation. There are no refunds, but cancellations 24 hours ahead get a credit.
Check dates and tickets with Walkersville Southern Railroad(opens in a new tab)Colesville: Holly TrolleyFest at the National Capital Trolley Museum
Santa trolleyNational Capital Trolley Museum · Colesville
- Operator
- National Capital Trolley Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- National Capital Trolley Museum, Colesville
- Season
- Saturdays and Sundays, November 28 to December 23, 2026
- Ride length
- A streetcar ride through about a mile of woods, plus museum activities
- What's included
- A streetcar ride with Santa, model trains and seasonal activities in the museum
- Price
- Admission was $12 a person in 2025; reservations required
- Tickets
- Reservations required
- Best ages
- All ages
The National Capital Trolley Museum, in Montgomery County just north of Silver Spring, runs Holly TrolleyFest on weekends from Thanksgiving to just before Christmas. Families ride with Santa on historic streetcars through about a mile of winter woods, then explore the museum’s model trains and holiday activities.
Reservations are required. Admission was $12 a person last season, and 2026 tickets go through the museum’s calendar. It is the easiest holiday ride for DC-area families with preschoolers: short, nearby and inexpensive.
Check dates and tickets with National Capital Trolley Museum(opens in a new tab)Baltimore or Cumberland, and the Other Options
You want the biggest show
Baltimore. Two hours, a pre-show and a North Pole with model trains.
You want a real mountain ride
Cumberland. Book Dome Class for the views.
Frederick and Hagerstown families
The Walkersville Southern Santa Trains.
DC suburbs and preschoolers
Holly TrolleyFest in Colesville.
How Far Maryland's Holiday Trains Are From Major Cities
Typical drive times without holiday traffic.
| Starting from | To | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | Baltimore B&O Museum | About 1 hour |
| Washington, DC | Colesville | About 30 minutes |
| Baltimore | Walkersville | About 1 hour |
| Baltimore | Cumberland | About 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Hagerstown | Cumberland | About 1 hour |
| Wilmington, DE | Baltimore B&O Museum | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
Eastern Shore and Wilmington-area families have Santa trains on our Delaware page. From central Maryland, Strasburg and the other Pennsylvania Dutch Country trains on our Pennsylvania page are about an hour and a half away, and Northern Virginia families can see their own options on our Virginia page.
Free to print
Something for the drive
Free printable Rally pages with a red train, a maze and a word search.
Get the free printablesMaryland Holiday Train Details Worth Knowing
Train gardens
Maryland loves its holiday train gardens. The B&O Ellicott City Station Museum, which calls itself the oldest surviving railroad station in the country, sets up a free Holiday Train Garden from November 27 to January 3, and the Fire Museum of Maryland in Lutherville has a train garden with a Santa visit on November 28. Neither is a ride, but both are a good warm-up.
Baltimore entrance
For the Polar Express, the B&O museum uses its North Car Shop entrance off Arlington Street.
Getting there by Amtrak
Baltimore Penn Station is on the Northeast Regional and Acela; see our Northeast Regional with kids guide.
Through the Mountains
Rally is a little nervous when his train goes into a tunnel in our book, and very relieved when the daylight comes back. The Western Maryland Scenic’s mountain line is the kind of ride where kids press their faces to the window to see what comes next.
Rally began as my mom’s idea, and I finished his story after she died; our story page tells how. Print our free Rally coloring pages before the drive.
A train story for Maryland 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 AmazonMore 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 Delaware
- Christmas trains in Pennsylvania
- Christmas trains in Virginia
- 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
- National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation: THE POLAR EXPRESS(opens in a new tab)
- Western Maryland Scenic Railroad: THE POLAR EXPRESS(opens in a new tab)
- Walkersville Southern Railroad: train fares(opens in a new tab)
- National Capital Trolley Museum: calendar(opens in a new tab)
- Howard County: Holiday Train Garden(opens in a new tab)
- Fire Museum of Maryland: Holiday Train Garden(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.
Maryland Christmas trains: questions parents ask
Where can you ride the Polar Express in Maryland?
Maryland has two licensed Polar Express rides in 2026. The B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore runs a two-hour experience from November 28 to December 22, and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad in Cumberland runs a one-hour ride from November 21 to December 24.
What Christmas train rides are in Maryland in 2026?
We confirmed four holiday train rides in Maryland for 2026: the Polar Express in Baltimore; the Polar Express in Cumberland; the Santa Trains in Walkersville; Holly TrolleyFest in Colesville. Two of the 4 Maryland rides are the licensed Polar Express. The season starts November 21 with the Polar Express in Cumberland and ends December 24.
What Christmas events are happening in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2026?
For families, Baltimore has THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from B&O Railroad Museum (November 28 to December 22, from $50). It includes a pre-show, dancing chefs with hot cocoa and a sugar cookie, a silver bell from Santa, then Santa photos, letters, crafts and model trains at the North Pole. For other Baltimore, Maryland, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are there in Cumberland, Maryland, this year?
For families, Cumberland has THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (November 21 to December 24, from $40). It includes a live reading of the story, songs from the film, hot chocolate and a cookie, and a silver sleigh bell from Santa. For other Cumberland, Maryland, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Walkersville, Maryland, in 2026?
For families, Walkersville has Santa Trains from Walkersville Southern Railroad (after Thanksgiving, from $28). It includes a ride on a decorated train with Santa and his helpers, a gift for each child and Christmas music. Plan on about 70 minutes. Groups can rent a private caboose for up to 15 or 20 riders, or the lounge car. For other Walkersville, Maryland, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Colesville, Maryland, in 2026?
For families, Colesville has Holly TrolleyFest from National Capital Trolley Museum (November 28 to December 23, about $12). It includes a streetcar ride with Santa, model trains and seasonal activities in the museum. Plan on a streetcar ride through about a mile of woods, plus museum activities. For other Colesville, Maryland, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
Where can families near Washington, DC find a Christmas train ride?
From Washington, DC, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Baltimore B&O Museum, about 1 hour; Colesville, about 30 minutes. Each Maryland ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Washington, DC families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Hagerstown, Maryland find a Christmas train ride?
From Hagerstown, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Cumberland, about 1 hour. Each Maryland ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Hagerstown families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Wilmington, DE find a Christmas train ride?
From Wilmington, DE, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Baltimore B&O Museum, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Each Maryland ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Wilmington, DE families can compare before they drive.
How much is the Polar Express at the B&O Railroad Museum?
Tickets start at $50 in Bronze class for 2026, with Silver and Gold classes costing more. Everyone 2 and older needs a ticket, and children under 2 can ride on a lap. Tickets are non-refundable. The time on the ticket is when doors open, and parking is free at 1100 James Street.
How much is the Western Maryland Scenic Polar Express?
Coach seats on the Cumberland Polar Express start at $40 for 2026, with Table, First and Dome Class costing more and a heritage fee added. Kids 2 and younger ride free on an adult's lap. The ride lasts about an hour and runs daily from December 18 through Christmas Eve.
Is there a Santa train near Washington, DC, in Maryland?
Yes. The National Capital Trolley Museum in Colesville, about 30 minutes from DC, runs Holly TrolleyFest on weekends from November 28 to December 23, 2026, with Santa riding historic streetcars. Reservations are required, and admission was $12 a person last year.
Do any Maryland Christmas trains run after Christmas?
No Maryland holiday train we could confirm runs after Christmas in 2026. The last one on this page is the Polar Express in Cumberland, which runs until December 24. For a ride after the 25th, look at the states near Maryland in the drive-time table above. Dome Class seats look out over the Allegheny Mountains, and the train runs right up to Christmas Eve.
What is the cheapest Christmas train in Maryland?
The lowest posted 2026 fare we found in Maryland is for the Santa Trains in Walkersville: from $28. At the top end is the Polar Express in Baltimore: from $50. Prices come from each Maryland railroad's own listing and can change, so confirm at checkout. For the Santa Trains in Walkersville: Coach $28 for children 2 to 12, $30 for adults and $29 for seniors; Parlor Car $50; private cabooses and a lounge car for groups.
Which Maryland Christmas train is best for toddlers?
The shortest Maryland ride, and usually the easiest for toddlers, is the Polar Express in Cumberland: about 1 hour. The longest is the Polar Express in Baltimore, at about 2 hours, including the North Pole. Ages for the Polar Express in Cumberland: all ages; 2 and under free on a lap. Dome Class seats look out over the Allegheny Mountains, and the train runs right up to Christmas Eve.
Which Maryland Christmas trains have Santa?
All 4 Maryland rides on this page include Santa. The Polar Express in Baltimore: a pre-show, dancing chefs with hot cocoa and a sugar cookie, a silver bell from Santa, then Santa photos, letters, crafts and model trains at the North Pole. The Polar Express in Cumberland: a live reading of the story, songs from the film, hot chocolate and a cookie, and a silver sleigh bell from Santa.
How long is the Polar Express in Baltimore?
For the Baltimore ride, plan on about 2 hours, including the North Pole. Included with the Polar Express in Baltimore: a pre-show, dancing chefs with hot cocoa and a sugar cookie, a silver bell from Santa, then Santa photos, letters, crafts and model trains at the North Pole. The train ends at a North Pole inside the museum, with Santa photos, model train layouts and s'mores kits at the Candy Cane Cafe.
How much are tickets for the Polar Express in Cumberland?
The Polar Express in Cumberland costs from $40 in Coach; Table, First and Dome Class cost more, plus a heritage fee. The Polar Express runs November 21 and 22, 27 to 29; December 4 to 6, 11 to 13, and 18 to 24, 2026. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad tickets: on sale now. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad age rules: all ages; 2 and under free on a lap.
How much are the Santa Trains in Walkersville?
Fares for the Santa Trains in Walkersville: Coach $28 for children 2 to 12, $30 for adults and $29 for seniors; Parlor Car $50; private cabooses and a lounge car for groups. The Santa Trains run Thursdays to Sundays after Thanksgiving through December 2026; see the railroad's calendar for times. Walkersville Southern Railroad tickets: on sale now.
What does Holly TrolleyFest in Colesville cost in 2026?
Fares for Holly TrolleyFest in Colesville: Admission was $12 a person in 2025; reservations required. Holly TrolleyFest runs Saturdays and Sundays, November 28 to December 23, 2026. National Capital Trolley Museum tickets: reservations required. National Capital Trolley Museum age rules: all ages. Santa rides along on the museum's historic streetcars.
Where do you board the Polar Express in Baltimore?
The Polar Express in Baltimore boards at North Car Shop, B&O Railroad Museum, 901 West Pratt Street, in Baltimore. Use the event entrance at the North Car Shop off Arlington Street, not the main door on Pratt Street, and park free at 1100 James Street. Guests who need accessible seating should book Bronze Car A for priority boarding.
What is included with the Polar Express in Cumberland?
The Polar Express in Cumberland includes a live reading of the story, songs from the film, hot chocolate and a cookie, and a silver sleigh bell from Santa. For the Cumberland ride, plan on about 1 hour. Dome Class seats look out over the Allegheny Mountains, and the train runs right up to Christmas Eve.
How long is the Santa Trains in Walkersville?
For the Walkersville ride, plan on about 70 minutes. Included with the Santa Trains in Walkersville: a ride on a decorated train with Santa and his helpers, a gift for each child and Christmas music. Groups can rent a private caboose for up to 15 or 20 riders, or the lounge car.
What is included with Holly TrolleyFest in Colesville?
Holly TrolleyFest in Colesville includes a streetcar ride with Santa, model trains and seasonal activities in the museum. National Capital Trolley Museum ride length: a streetcar ride through about a mile of woods, plus museum activities. Santa rides along on the museum's historic streetcars.
Any tips for the Polar Express in Baltimore with young kids?
Use the event entrance at the North Car Shop off Arlington Street, not the main door on Pratt Street, and park free at 1100 James Street. The time on your ticket is when doors open. Guests who need accessible seating should book Bronze Car A for priority boarding. It opens with a live performance of Hot Chocolate, then families ride with Hero Boy, the Conductor and dancing chefs who serve cocoa and a sugar cookie, and Santa hands out the silver bell.
Where do you board the Polar Express in Cumberland?
The Polar Express in Cumberland boards at Cumberland Depot, 13 Canal Street, in Cumberland. Wheelchairs fit only in Standard Coach, so call before booking. Arrive 40 to 45 minutes early. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad tickets: on sale now. Dome Class seats look out over the Allegheny Mountains, and the train runs right up to Christmas Eve.
Where does the Santa Trains in Walkersville leave from?
The Santa Trains in Walkersville boards at Walkersville Southern Railroad station, 34 West Pennsylvania Avenue, in Walkersville. Walkersville Southern Railroad tickets: on sale now. Groups can rent a private caboose for up to 15 or 20 riders, or the lounge car.