Christmas Train Rides in Massachusetts (2026)
Massachusetts has one licensed Polar Express, on the Cape Cod Central at Buzzards Bay, and one of New England’s biggest holiday light festivals built around a train, at Edaville in Carver. Out west, the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum runs the Tinseliner through the Hoosac Valley with Santa and Mrs. Claus aboard, and Shelburne Falls lights up a trolley for one night after Thanksgiving. Boston families are also within reach of the trains in Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Hampshire; our Polar Express guide for every state has them all.
The short version
- THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Buzzards Bay: Nov 20 to Dec 23, from $44
- Edaville's Winter Wonderland, Carver: Nov 27 to Dec 27, from $36
- The Tinseliner, Adams: Nov 27 to Dec 19, from $19
- Moonlight Magic at the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum, Shelburne Falls: Nov 27, evening, see museum site
Massachusetts holiday trains at a glance
- Holiday trains
- 4 confirmed for 2026
- Licensed Polar Express
- Buzzards Bay
- Season
- November 20 to December 27, 2026
- Lowest fare
- From $19 (Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum)
- After Christmas
- Edaville (to December 27)
- Last checked
Plan your date
When each Massachusetts Christmas train runs
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in Buzzards Bay starts first, on November 20, and Edaville's Winter Wonderland in Carver runs the latest, to December 27. 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 RideBuzzards Bay · Nov 20 to Dec 23
- Moonlight Magic at the Shelburne Falls Trolley MuseumShelburne Falls · Nov 27, evening
- The TinselinerAdams · Nov 27 to Dec 19
- Edaville's Winter WonderlandCarver · Nov 27 to Dec 27
Look inside the book
Riding a Massachusetts 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.
Massachusetts Holiday Trains for 2026
On the map
Where Massachusetts’s Christmas trains leave from
- 1Adams: The Tinseliner
- 2Shelburne Falls: Moonlight Magic at the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum
- 3Carver: Edaville's Winter Wonderland
- 4Buzzards Bay: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Licensed Polar Express Other holiday trains. Faint dots are Massachusetts towns, for shape.
One licensed Polar Express, one big light festival and two Berkshire area rides.
Massachusetts's 2026 holiday trains at a glance
| Ride | Town | Season | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Cod Central Railroad | Buzzards Bay | Nov 20 to Dec 23 | From $44 | On sale now |
| Edaville | Carver | Nov 27 to Dec 27 | From $36 | On sale now |
| Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum | Adams | Nov 27 to Dec 19 | From $19 | On sale now |
| Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum | Shelburne Falls | Nov 27, evening | See museum site | See museum site |
Buzzards Bay: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride on the Cape Cod Central
Licensed Polar ExpressCape Cod Central Railroad · Buzzards Bay
- Operator
- Cape Cod Central Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Buzzards Bay station, Buzzards Bay
- Season
- November 20 to 22 and 27 to 29; December 3 to 6, 10 to 15, and 17 to 23, 2026; usually 2:00 pm on weekends, 4:30 and 7:00 pm
- Ride length
- About 1 hour 30 minutes
- What's included
- Golden tickets, dancing chefs, the story read aloud, hot chocolate and Walker's Shortbread, a keepsake sleigh bell from Santa and a souvenir golden ticket
- Price
- From $44 in Standard Class; First, Deluxe and Premium classes cost more
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages; lap infants under 2 with an adult lap ticket
The Cape Cod Central Railroad runs Massachusetts’s licensed Polar Express from Buzzards Bay, right at the Cape Cod Canal, which keeps the drive short for families from Boston and Providence. The round trip lasts about an hour and a half with a full cast: the conductor punches golden tickets, dancing chefs and waiters work the aisles, everyone follows the book over hot chocolate and Walker’s Shortbread, and Santa and his elves board at the North Pole with a sleigh bell for each child.
Standard Class cars have stairs and cannot take wheelchairs; First Class can take a limited number. Arrive 45 to 60 minutes early for parking and ticket pickup, since the train cannot wait, and send any rescheduling request at least four days ahead. Pajamas are encouraged.
Check dates and tickets with Cape Cod Central Railroad(opens in a new tab)Carver: Edaville's Winter Wonderland Train and Lights Festival
Holiday lights steam trainEdaville · Carver
- Operator
- Edaville(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Edaville, Carver
- Season
- November 27 to December 27, 2026; Fridays 4 to 9 pm, Saturdays 2 to 9 pm, Sundays 3 to 7:30 pm; closed December 25
- Ride length
- A train ride plus an evening at the festival
- What's included
- A train ride through acres of lights, Santa at the North Pole, four holiday villages, a skating rink, carriage and pony rides and live shows
- Price
- From $36; First-Class Pajama Express tickets for timed steam trains cost more; 3 and under free
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages; 3 and under free
Edaville has been a New England holiday tradition for generations, and its Winter Wonderland festival is built around the train. Every ticket includes a ride through acres of light displays. General admission guests ride the Holiday Express first come, first served; the First-Class Pajama Express sells timed seats behind the famous steam engine, with extra perks.
Around the tracks are four villages, Santa at the North Pole, a skating rink, carriage and pony rides, a petting zoo, a Christmas market and live shows. Paths are paved, so a sturdy stroller works. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early on busy nights, when overflow lots run a free shuttle, and note that outside food is not allowed.
Check dates and tickets with Edaville(opens in a new tab)Adams: the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum Tinseliner
Santa trainBerkshire Scenic Railway Museum · Adams
- Operator
- Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Adams Station, Adams
- Season
- November 27 and 29, and December 5, 6, 13 and 19, 2026; two or three departures a day between 11:30 am and 5:00 pm
- Ride length
- About 75 minutes
- What's included
- Decorations and music, letters to Santa written on board, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus with a gift for every child
- Price
- From $19.08 including fees in Coach; First Class and tables for four cost more
- Tickets
- On sale now; trips sell out
- Best ages
- All ages; no lap infants at tables for four
The Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum’s Tinseliner runs through the Hoosac Valley from Adams for about 75 minutes, with the cars dressed for the holidays and music playing. Kids write letters to Santa on board, then meet him in person, and he spends time with everyone and gives each child a gift. Mrs. Claus rides along on most dates.
There are no restrooms on the train, so use the station building first. Park at the Adams Visitor Center, 55 Depot Street, across the street. The station has a ramp for level boarding, but the historic cars cannot take standard non-transfer wheelchairs. Online sales are final, and the museum says trips sell out.
Check dates and tickets with Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum(opens in a new tab)Shelburne Falls: Moonlight Magic at the Trolley Museum
Holiday trolley rideShelburne Falls Trolley Museum · Shelburne Falls
- Operator
- Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum, Shelburne Falls
- Season
- Friday, November 27, 2026, 4:00 to 8:00 pm
- Ride length
- A short evening trolley ride
- What's included
- Night trolley rides on a car decked in holiday lights, holiday crafts and a caboose to warm up in
- Price
- See the museum's site
- Tickets
- See the museum's site
- Best ages
- All ages
On the night after Thanksgiving, the village of Shelburne Falls holds Moonlight Magic, and the trolley museum opens from 4 to 8 pm for night rides on a restored trolley covered in holiday lights. There are holiday crafts and a caboose to warm up in between rides.
It is a small, one-evening event, not a Santa train, but it is the prettiest way to see the village lit up and an easy add-on if you are already in the Berkshires or the Pioneer Valley that weekend.
Check dates and tickets with Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum(opens in a new tab)Which Massachusetts Holiday Train Is Right for You
Your kids love the Polar Express book
Buzzards Bay. It is the only licensed ride in the state.
You want a whole evening out
Edaville, where the train is one part of a big festival.
Western Mass families
The Tinseliner in Adams, with Santa and Mrs. Claus on board.
Smallest budget
The Tinseliner, from about $19 including fees.
How Far Massachusetts Holiday Trains Are From Major Cities
Typical drive times without holiday traffic.
| Starting from | To | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Boston | Buzzards Bay | About 1 hour |
| Boston | Carver | About 50 minutes |
| Providence | Buzzards Bay | About 1 hour |
| Springfield | Adams | About 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Boston | Woonsocket, RI (Polar Express) | About 1 hour |
| Worcester | Thomaston, CT | About 1 hour 30 minutes |
The Blackstone Valley Polar Express in Woonsocket, which bills itself as the longest-running Polar Express ride, is on our Rhode Island page. Western Mass families can reach the Essex and Thomaston trains on our Connecticut page, and North Shore families are close to the Conway Scenic and Granite State trains on our New Hampshire page.
Free to print
Something for the car
Free printable Rally pages with a red train, a maze and a word search.
Get the free printablesMassachusetts Holiday Train Details Worth Knowing
Model train shows
The New England Model Train Expo fills the Royal Plaza Trade Center in Marlborough on December 5 and 6 with layouts in every scale and a visit from Santa; kids under 12 are free.
Book Edaville and the Polar Express early
Weekend nights in December go first at both.
Getting there by Amtrak
The Northeast Regional reaches Boston, and the Downeaster runs north to Maine; see our Northeast Regional with kids guide.
Waiting at the Station
Our book ends with Rally pulling into the station and spotting Grandmommy and Papa on the platform. Massachusetts holiday trains are made for that kind of family trip: grandparents in the seat across, kids in pajamas, everyone waving at the end.
My mom imagined Rally’s train ride long before it was a book, and I finished it after she passed; our story page tells the story. Print our free Rally coloring pages for the car.
A train story for Massachusetts 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 Rhode Island
- Christmas trains in Connecticut
- Christmas trains in New Hampshire
- 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
- Cape Cod Central Railroad: THE POLAR EXPRESS(opens in a new tab)
- Edaville: Winter Wonderland 2026 tickets(opens in a new tab)
- Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum: tickets(opens in a new tab)
- Shelburne Falls: Moonlight Magic 2026(opens in a new tab)
- HUB Division NMRA: New England Model Train Expo(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.
Massachusetts Christmas trains: questions parents ask
Is there a Polar Express in Massachusetts?
Yes. The Cape Cod Central Railroad runs the licensed Polar Express from Buzzards Bay station at 70 Main Street, from November 20 to December 23, 2026. The ride lasts about an hour and a half, and Standard Class starts at $44. It is about an hour from Boston or Providence.
What Christmas train rides are in Massachusetts in 2026?
We confirmed four holiday train rides in Massachusetts for 2026: the Polar Express in Buzzards Bay; Edaville's Winter Wonderland in Carver; The Tinseliner in Adams; Moonlight Magic at the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum. One of the 4 Massachusetts rides is the licensed Polar Express. The season starts November 20 with the Polar Express in Buzzards Bay and ends December 27.
What holiday events for kids are in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, in 2026?
For families, Buzzards Bay has THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from Cape Cod Central Railroad (November 20 to December 23, from $44). It includes golden tickets, dancing chefs, the story read aloud, hot chocolate and Walker's Shortbread, a keepsake sleigh bell from Santa and a souvenir golden ticket. For other Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Carver, Massachusetts, in 2026?
For families, Carver has Edaville's Winter Wonderland from Edaville (November 27 to December 27, from $36). It includes a train ride through acres of lights, Santa at the North Pole, four holiday villages, a skating rink, carriage and pony rides and live shows. Plan on a train ride plus an evening at the festival. For other Carver, Massachusetts, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Adams, Massachusetts, in 2026?
For families, Adams has The Tinseliner from Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum (November 27 to December 19, from $19). It includes decorations and music, letters to Santa written on board, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus with a gift for every child. Plan on about 75 minutes. For other Adams, Massachusetts, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, in 2026?
For families, Shelburne Falls has Moonlight Magic at the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum from Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum (November 27, evening, see museum site). It includes night trolley rides on a car decked in holiday lights, holiday crafts and a caboose to warm up in. For other Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
Where can families near Boston, Massachusetts find a Christmas train ride?
From Boston, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Buzzards Bay, about 1 hour; Carver, about 50 minutes; Woonsocket, RI (Polar Express), about 1 hour. Each Massachusetts ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Boston families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Providence, Massachusetts find a Christmas train ride?
From Providence, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Buzzards Bay, about 1 hour. Each Massachusetts ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Providence families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Springfield, Massachusetts find a Christmas train ride?
From Springfield, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Adams, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Each Massachusetts ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Springfield families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Worcester, Massachusetts find a Christmas train ride?
From Worcester, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Thomaston, CT, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Each Massachusetts ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Worcester families can compare before they drive.
Does Edaville have a train ride at Christmas?
Yes. Every Edaville Winter Wonderland ticket includes a train ride through acres of light displays in Carver. General admission riders board first come, first served, and First-Class Pajama Express tickets reserve a time behind the steam engine. The festival runs November 27 to December 27, 2026, closed Christmas Day.
What is the Tinseliner?
The Tinseliner is the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum's holiday train from Adams, a 75-minute ride through the Hoosac Valley where children write letters to Santa and then meet him and Mrs. Claus, who give each child a gift. It runs six days from November 27 to December 19, 2026.
Is there a Polar Express near Boston?
The closest licensed rides to Boston are the Cape Cod Central's Polar Express in Buzzards Bay and the Blackstone Valley Polar Express in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, each about an hour away. Edaville in Carver, about 50 minutes from Boston, has a holiday train but is not the Polar Express.
Are there any Massachusetts Christmas trains after Christmas?
Yes. Edaville's Winter Wonderland in Carver runs until December 27. Every other Massachusetts ride on this page ends by Christmas Eve. Edaville's Winter Wonderland in Carver: November 27 to December 27, 2026; Fridays 4 to 9 pm, Saturdays 2 to 9 pm, Sundays 3 to 7:30 pm; closed December 25.
What is the cheapest Christmas train in Massachusetts?
The lowest posted 2026 fare we found in Massachusetts is for The Tinseliner in Adams: from $19. At the top end is the Polar Express in Buzzards Bay: from $44. Prices come from each Massachusetts railroad's own listing and can change, so confirm at checkout. For The Tinseliner in Adams: from $19.08 including fees in Coach; First Class and tables for four cost more.
Which Massachusetts Christmas train is best for toddlers?
The shortest Massachusetts ride, and usually the easiest for toddlers, is The Tinseliner in Adams: about 75 minutes. The longest is the Polar Express in Buzzards Bay, at about 1 hour 30 minutes. Ages for The Tinseliner in Adams: all ages; no lap infants at tables for four. Kids write their letters to Santa on the train, then hand them over in person.
When do Massachusetts Christmas train tickets go on sale?
On sale now: the Polar Express in Buzzards Bay; Edaville's Winter Wonderland in Carver; The Tinseliner in Adams. Moonlight Magic at the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum: see the museum's site. Popular Massachusetts dates go first, so buy as soon as your ride opens.
Which Massachusetts Christmas trains have Santa?
Three of the 4 Massachusetts rides on this page include Santa. The Polar Express in Buzzards Bay: golden tickets, dancing chefs, the story read aloud, hot chocolate and Walker's Shortbread, a keepsake sleigh bell from Santa and a souvenir golden ticket. Edaville's Winter Wonderland in Carver: a train ride through acres of lights, Santa at the North Pole, four holiday villages, a skating rink, carriage and pony rides and live shows.
Are there steam-powered Christmas trains in Massachusetts?
One Massachusetts holiday train is listed with steam: Edaville's Winter Wonderland in Carver. Edaville's Winter Wonderland in Carver: a train ride through acres of lights, Santa at the North Pole, four holiday villages, a skating rink, carriage and pony rides and live shows.
What does the Polar Express in Buzzards Bay cost in 2026?
The Polar Express in Buzzards Bay costs from $44 in Standard Class; First, Deluxe and Premium classes cost more. The Polar Express runs November 20 to 22 and 27 to 29; December 3 to 6, 10 to 15, and 17 to 23, 2026; usually 2:00 pm on weekends, 4:30 and 7:00 pm. Cape Cod Central Railroad tickets: on sale now.
What does Edaville's Winter Wonderland in Carver cost in 2026?
Edaville's Winter Wonderland in Carver costs from $36; First-Class Pajama Express tickets for timed steam trains cost more; 3 and under free. Edaville's Winter Wonderland runs November 27 to December 27, 2026; Fridays 4 to 9 pm, Saturdays 2 to 9 pm, Sundays 3 to 7:30 pm; closed December 25. Edaville tickets: on sale now.
What does The Tinseliner in Adams cost in 2026?
The Tinseliner in Adams costs from $19.08 including fees in Coach; First Class and tables for four cost more. The Tinseliner runs November 27 and 29, and December 5, 6, 13 and 19, 2026; two or three departures a day between 11:30 am and 5:00 pm. Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum tickets: on sale now; trips sell out.
What does Moonlight Magic at the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum cost in 2026?
Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum posts current Moonlight Magic at the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum fares on its booking page rather than a single price list. Moonlight Magic at the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum runs Friday, November 27, 2026, 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum tickets: see the museum's site. Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum age rules: all ages.
What is included with the Polar Express in Buzzards Bay?
The Polar Express in Buzzards Bay includes golden tickets, dancing chefs, the story read aloud, hot chocolate and Walker's Shortbread, a keepsake sleigh bell from Santa and a souvenir golden ticket. For the Buzzards Bay ride, plan on about 1 hour 30 minutes. The train mixes double-decker cars, single-level cars and a dome car, and every passenger keeps the golden ticket.
How long is Edaville's Winter Wonderland in Carver?
Edaville ride length: a train ride plus an evening at the festival. Included with Edaville's Winter Wonderland in Carver: a train ride through acres of lights, Santa at the North Pole, four holiday villages, a skating rink, carriage and pony rides and live shows. General admission riders board the Holiday Express first come, first served, while Pajama Express tickets reserve a time behind the steam engine.
How long is The Tinseliner in Adams?
For the Adams ride, plan on about 75 minutes. Included with The Tinseliner in Adams: decorations and music, letters to Santa written on board, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus with a gift for every child. Kids write their letters to Santa on the train, then hand them over in person.
What happens on Moonlight Magic at the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum?
Moonlight Magic at the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum includes night trolley rides on a car decked in holiday lights, holiday crafts and a caboose to warm up in. Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum ride length: a short evening trolley ride. It is part of the village's Moonlight Magic night, when Shelburne Falls lights up for the holidays.
Where does the Polar Express in Buzzards Bay leave from?
The Polar Express in Buzzards Bay boards at Buzzards Bay station, 70 Main Street, in Buzzards Bay. Arrive 45 to 60 minutes early for parking and ticket pickup, since the train cannot wait, and send any rescheduling request at least four days ahead. Cape Cod Central Railroad tickets: on sale now. The train mixes double-decker cars, single-level cars and a dome car, and every passenger keeps the golden ticket.