Christmas Train Rides in New Hampshire (2026)
New Hampshire’s holiday trains are all in the White Mountains, in two towns about an hour apart. North Conway and Lincoln each have a daytime Santa train run by the local railroad, and each hosts Journey to the North Pole, a ticketed evening fundraiser train that ends at Santa’s Workshop. There is no licensed Polar Express in New Hampshire; the closest are in Portland, Maine, and Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, and our Polar Express and Christmas train guide lists them all.
The short version
- Santa's Holiday Special, North Conway: Nov 27 to Dec 20, from $21
- Santa Express, Lincoln: Nov 27 to Dec 23, from $27
- Journey to the North Pole, North Conway: Nov 27 to Dec 23, from $75
- Journey to the North Pole, Lincoln: Nov 27 to Dec 23, from $75
- No licensed Polar Express runs in New Hampshire in 2026; the closest options are in the drive-time table
New Hampshire holiday trains at a glance
- Holiday trains
- 4 confirmed for 2026
- Licensed Polar Express
- None in New Hampshire in 2026
- Season
- November 27 to December 23, 2026
- Lowest fare
- From $21 (Conway Scenic Railroad)
- After Christmas
- No rides found
- Last checked
Plan your date
When each New Hampshire Christmas train runs
Santa's Holiday Special in North Conway starts first, on November 27, and Santa Express in Lincoln runs the latest, to December 23. Each bar spans a ride’s season, not every day in it, so check the railroad’s calendar for exact dates.
- Santa's Holiday SpecialNorth Conway · Nov 27 to Dec 20
- Santa ExpressLincoln · Nov 27 to Dec 23
- Journey to the North PoleNorth Conway · Nov 27 to Dec 23
- Journey to the North PoleLincoln · Nov 27 to Dec 23
Look inside the book
Riding a New Hampshire 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
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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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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
New Hampshire's Holiday Trains for 2026
On the map
Where New Hampshire’s Christmas trains leave from
- 1North Conway: Santa's Holiday Special
- 1North Conway: Journey to the North Pole
- 2Lincoln: Santa Express
- 2Lincoln: Journey to the North Pole
Licensed Polar Express Other holiday trains. Faint dots are New Hampshire towns, for shape.
Two towns, a daytime Santa train and an evening North Pole trip in each.
New Hampshire's 2026 holiday trains at a glance
| Ride | Town | Season | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conway Scenic Railroad | North Conway | Nov 27 to Dec 20 | From $21 | On sale now |
| Granite State Railway | Lincoln | Nov 27 to Dec 23 | From $27 | On sale now |
| Journey to the North Pole | North Conway | Nov 27 to Dec 23 | From $75 | On sale now |
| Journey to the North Pole | Lincoln | Nov 27 to Dec 23 | From $75 | On sale now |
North Conway: Conway Scenic Railroad's Santa's Holiday Special
Santa trainConway Scenic Railroad · North Conway
- Operator
- Conway Scenic Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- North Conway Station, North Conway
- Season
- November 27 to 29; December 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19 and 20, 2026; departures at 9:30 am, 11:30 am and 1:30 pm
- Ride length
- About 60 to 80 minutes
- What's included
- A daytime ride down the Conway Branch in heritage cars decorated for the season, with Santa and his elves possibly making an appearance
- Price
- From $21 in Coach; Comfort Class and the Observation Dome cost more
- Tickets
- On sale now; trains often sell out
- Best ages
- All ages
Conway Scenic Railroad’s Santa’s Holiday Special is a classic daytime weekend train: an hour to an hour and 20 minutes down the Conway Branch in heritage railcars decorated for the holidays. The railroad says Santa and his elves may make guest appearances on board, so treat Santa as a happy surprise rather than a promise.
Coach cars are restored early to mid-century cars with heat and windows that open; Comfort Class and the Observation Dome add more space. Pick up online tickets at North Conway Station before boarding, and check the website for boarding times a day ahead. The historic cars are not fully accessible, but a mobile lift helps passengers board. You can bring your own drinks, though outside food is not allowed.
Check dates and tickets with Conway Scenic Railroad(opens in a new tab)Lincoln: the Granite State Railway Santa Express
Santa trainGranite State Railway · Lincoln
- Operator
- Granite State Railway(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Lincoln Station, Lincoln
- Season
- November 27 to 29; December 4 to 6, 11 to 13, 18 to 20, 22 and 23, 2026; noon and 2:00 pm on weekends and November 27, 2:00 pm on other days
- Ride length
- About 1 hour
- What's included
- Christmas music, decorations, cookies, elves, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus
- Price
- From $26.96 in Coach; First Class tables and Premier seats with a bell and first access to Santa photos cost more
- Tickets
- On sale now; reservations required
- Best ages
- All ages
The Granite State Railway calls its Santa Express its most popular excursion of the year. The one-hour trip from Lincoln follows the Pemigewasset River through winter woods, with Christmas music, decorations, chocolate chip cookies and elves, and Santa and Mrs. Claus come through to hear every child’s wishes.
Coach is bench seating, First Class has table seats and a bell from Santa, and Premier rides the 103 car with a bell and a wristband for first access to Santa photos. Reservations are required, trains run in snow, and anyone who needs help boarding should call (603) 745-2135 ahead of time.
Check dates and tickets with Granite State Railway(opens in a new tab)North Conway: Journey to the North Pole
Evening train to Santa's WorkshopJourney to the North Pole (on the Conway Scenic Railroad) · North Conway
- Operator
- Journey to the North Pole (on the Conway Scenic Railroad)(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- North Conway Station, North Conway
- Season
- November 27 to 29; December 4 to 6, 10 to 13, 18 to 20, 22 and 23, 2026; early show at 4:30 pm and late show at 7:10 pm, with some dates early show only
- Ride length
- About 2 hours 30 minutes
- What's included
- A themed evening train ride to Santa's Workshop, a visit with Santa, and a coloring book for children in upper classes
- Price
- Coach $75, First Class $90, Upper Dome $105
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages
Journey to the North Pole is a separate evening production that charters the Conway Scenic’s train and runs to Santa’s Workshop, where families visit with Santa before riding back. Booking sites describe the whole outing at about two and a half hours. Every ticket includes the full experience; upper classes add up-front seating in the Workshop and a coloring book for children.
Seats are assigned when you buy, and the organizers say they cannot change seat assignments afterward, so buy your whole family’s seats in one order. Train doorways are 24 inches wide, and wheelchair seating in North Conway is in the Bemis coach. There are two shows on most nights, at 4:30 and 7:10 pm.
Check dates and tickets with Journey to the North Pole(opens in a new tab)Lincoln: Journey to the North Pole
Evening train to Santa's WorkshopJourney to the North Pole (on the Granite State Railway) · Lincoln
- Operator
- Journey to the North Pole (on the Granite State Railway)(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Lincoln Station, Lincoln
- Season
- November 27 and 28; December 4 to 6, 11 to 13, 18 to 20, 22 and 23, 2026; early show at 4:30 pm and late show at 7:10 pm, with some dates early show only
- Ride length
- About 2 hours 30 minutes
- What's included
- A themed evening train ride to Santa's Workshop, a visit with Santa, and a coloring book for children in upper classes
- Price
- Coach $75, First Class $90, Premier $95, Presidential $105
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages
The same Journey to the North Pole production runs from Lincoln on the Granite State Railway, on nearly the same nights. Lincoln adds two seat levels North Conway does not have, Premier and Presidential, both with priority seating at Santa’s Workshop. Wheelchair seating in Lincoln is in the Winnepesauke car, Premium class only, so call ahead.
The organizers also sell an optional Santa gift set shipped to your home before the trip, with a coloring book, a stocking of candy, a blank letter to Santa and a plush animal. Seats are assigned at purchase, so book everyone together.
Check dates and tickets with Journey to the North Pole(opens in a new tab)Daytime Santa Train or Evening Journey to the North Pole
Toddlers and short attention spans
A daytime train: Conway Scenic from $21 or the Lincoln Santa Express from about $27.
The big holiday night out
Journey to the North Pole, from $75 a seat, in either town.
A dome car
Conway Scenic’s Observation Dome by day, or the Upper Dome on the North Conway Journey to the North Pole.
Santa guaranteed
The Lincoln Santa Express or Journey to the North Pole. Conway Scenic says Santa may appear.
How Far New Hampshire's Holiday Trains Are From Major Cities
Typical winter drive times on clear roads.
| Starting from | To | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Boston | Lincoln | About 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Boston | North Conway | About 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Manchester | Lincoln | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Portland, ME | North Conway | About 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Lincoln | North Conway | About 1 hour |
The closest licensed Polar Express to North Conway is in Portland on our Maine page. Southern New Hampshire families are closer to the Cape Cod and Edaville trains on our Massachusetts page, and western New Hampshire families can see the Vermont Polar Express rides on our Vermont page.
Free to print
For the ride north
Free printable Rally pages with a red train, a maze and a word search.
Get the free printablesNew Hampshire Holiday Train Details Worth Knowing
Not the Polar Express
Journey to the North Pole is its own production, not the licensed Polar Express. It is a separate organization that charters the trains.
Mountain weather
Both towns get real snow. Leave extra time on Route 16 and Interstate 93.
Getting there by Amtrak
The Downeaster stops in Exeter, Durham and Dover on its way from Boston to Maine; see our Downeaster with kids guide.
Into the Woods
In our book, Rally’s train ducks into a tunnel and out again, and he is thrilled every time. The White Mountains trains have that feeling too, rolling through snowy woods along the river with the trees closing in.
Rally’s story was my mom’s idea, and I finished it after she passed; our story page tells it. Print our free Rally coloring pages for the ride north.
A train story for New Hampshire 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 Maine
- Christmas trains in Massachusetts
- Christmas trains in Vermont
- 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
- Conway Scenic Railroad: Santa's Holiday Special(opens in a new tab)
- Granite State Railway: Santa Express(opens in a new tab)
- Journey to the North Pole: ticket levels and dates(opens in a new tab)
- American-Rails: New Hampshire Christmas Train Rides (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.
New Hampshire Christmas trains: questions parents ask
Is there a Polar Express in New Hampshire?
No. New Hampshire has no licensed Polar Express in 2026. Its evening holiday train is Journey to the North Pole, which runs from both North Conway and Lincoln. The closest licensed Polar Express rides are on the Maine Narrow Gauge in Portland and the Cape Cod Central in Buzzards Bay.
What Christmas train rides are in New Hampshire in 2026?
We confirmed four holiday train rides in New Hampshire for 2026: Santa's Holiday Special in North Conway; the Santa Express in Lincoln; Journey to the North Pole in North Conway; Journey to the North Pole in Lincoln. None of them is a licensed Polar Express ride, which New Hampshire does not have in 2026. The season starts November 27 with Santa's Holiday Special in North Conway and ends December 23.
What holiday events for kids are in North Conway, New Hampshire, in 2026?
Two holiday train events run in North Conway in 2026: Santa's Holiday Special from Conway Scenic Railroad (November 27 to December 20, from $21); Journey to the North Pole from Journey to the North Pole (November 27 to December 23, from $75). Santa's Holiday Special in North Conway includes a daytime ride down the Conway Branch in heritage cars decorated for the season, with Santa and his elves possibly making an appearance. For other North Conway, New Hampshire, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are there in Lincoln, New Hampshire, this year?
Two holiday train events run in Lincoln in 2026: Santa Express from Granite State Railway (November 27 to December 23, from $27); Journey to the North Pole from Journey to the North Pole (November 27 to December 23, from $75). The Santa Express in Lincoln includes Christmas music, decorations, cookies, elves, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. For other Lincoln, New Hampshire, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
Where can families near Boston, New Hampshire find a Christmas train ride?
From Boston, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Lincoln, about 2 hours 15 minutes; North Conway, about 2 hours 45 minutes. Each New Hampshire ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Boston families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Manchester, New Hampshire find a Christmas train ride?
From Manchester, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Lincoln, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Each New Hampshire ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Manchester families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Portland, ME find a Christmas train ride?
From Portland, ME, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: North Conway, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Each New Hampshire ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Portland, ME families can compare before they drive.
How much is Journey to the North Pole?
Journey to the North Pole seats cost $75 in Coach and $90 in First Class in both towns for 2026. Lincoln also sells Premier seats for $95 and Presidential seats for $105, and North Conway sells Upper Dome seats for $105. Seats are assigned when you buy.
Does Santa ride the Conway Scenic holiday train?
Conway Scenic Railroad says Santa and his elves may make guest appearances on its daytime Santa's Holiday Special, so it is likely but not promised. For a guaranteed visit, the Lincoln Santa Express includes Santa and Mrs. Claus, and Journey to the North Pole ends at Santa's Workshop.
When does the Lincoln Santa Express run?
The Granite State Railway Santa Express runs November 27 to 29 and on December weekends through December 20, plus December 22 and 23, 2026. Weekend trains leave at noon and 2:00 pm. The ride is about an hour along the Pemigewasset River, and reservations are required.
Do any New Hampshire Christmas trains run after Christmas?
No New Hampshire holiday train we could confirm runs after Christmas in 2026. The last one on this page is the Santa Express in Lincoln, which runs until December 23. For a ride after the 25th, look at the states near New Hampshire in the drive-time table above. Premier riders sit in the 103 car and get first access to photos with Santa.
What is the cheapest Christmas train in New Hampshire?
The lowest posted 2026 fare we found in New Hampshire is for Santa's Holiday Special in North Conway: from $21. At the top end is Journey to the North Pole in North Conway: from $75. Prices come from each New Hampshire railroad's own listing and can change, so confirm at checkout. For Santa's Holiday Special in North Conway: from $21 in Coach; Comfort Class and the Observation Dome cost more.
Which New Hampshire Christmas train is best for toddlers?
The shortest New Hampshire ride, and usually the easiest for toddlers, is Santa's Holiday Special in North Conway: about 60 to 80 minutes. The longest is Journey to the North Pole in North Conway, at about 2 hours 30 minutes. Ages for Santa's Holiday Special in North Conway: all ages. Riders can choose a seat in an Observation Dome car.
When do New Hampshire Christmas train tickets go on sale?
On sale now: Santa's Holiday Special in North Conway; the Santa Express in Lincoln; Journey to the North Pole in North Conway; Journey to the North Pole in Lincoln. Popular New Hampshire dates go first, so buy as soon as your ride opens.
Which New Hampshire Christmas trains have Santa?
All 4 New Hampshire rides on this page include Santa. Santa's Holiday Special in North Conway: a daytime ride down the Conway Branch in heritage cars decorated for the season, with Santa and his elves possibly making an appearance. The Santa Express in Lincoln: Christmas music, decorations, cookies, elves, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Can you take Amtrak to a Christmas train in New Hampshire?
The Downeaster stops in Exeter, Durham and Dover on its way from Boston to Maine; see our Downeaster with kids guide.
What does Santa's Holiday Special in North Conway cost in 2026?
Santa's Holiday Special in North Conway costs from $21 in Coach; Comfort Class and the Observation Dome cost more. Santa's Holiday Special runs November 27 to 29; December 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19 and 20, 2026; departures at 9:30 am, 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. Conway Scenic Railroad tickets: on sale now; trains often sell out.
How much is the Santa Express in Lincoln?
The Santa Express in Lincoln costs from $26.96 in Coach; First Class tables and Premier seats with a bell and first access to Santa photos cost more. The Santa Express runs November 27 to 29; December 4 to 6, 11 to 13, 18 to 20, 22 and 23, 2026; noon and 2:00 pm on weekends and November 27, 2:00 pm on other days.
What is included with Journey to the North Pole in North Conway?
Journey to the North Pole in North Conway includes a themed evening train ride to Santa's Workshop, a visit with Santa, and a coloring book for children in upper classes. For the North Conway ride, plan on about 2 hours 30 minutes. In North Conway the top tier is a seat on the observation deck of a restored dome car.
What is included with Journey to the North Pole in Lincoln?
Journey to the North Pole in Lincoln includes a themed evening train ride to Santa's Workshop, a visit with Santa, and a coloring book for children in upper classes. For the Lincoln ride, plan on about 2 hours 30 minutes. Lincoln offers Premier and Presidential seats with priority seating at Santa's Workshop.
What is included with Santa's Holiday Special in North Conway?
Santa's Holiday Special in North Conway includes a daytime ride down the Conway Branch in heritage cars decorated for the season, with Santa and his elves possibly making an appearance. For the North Conway ride, plan on about 60 to 80 minutes. Riders can choose a seat in an Observation Dome car.
What happens on the Santa Express in Lincoln?
The Santa Express in Lincoln includes Christmas music, decorations, cookies, elves, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. For the Lincoln ride, plan on about 1 hour. Premier riders sit in the 103 car and get first access to photos with Santa.
Where do you board Journey to the North Pole in North Conway?
Journey to the North Pole in North Conway boards at North Conway Station, 38 Norcross Circle, in North Conway. Journey to the North Pole tickets: on sale now. In North Conway the top tier is a seat on the observation deck of a restored dome car.
Where does Journey to the North Pole in Lincoln leave from?
Journey to the North Pole in Lincoln boards at Lincoln Station, 64 Railroad Street, in Lincoln. The organizers also sell an optional Santa gift set shipped to your home before the trip, with a coloring book, a stocking of candy, a blank letter to Santa and a plush animal. Journey to the North Pole tickets: on sale now.
Where do you board Santa's Holiday Special in North Conway?
Santa's Holiday Special in North Conway boards at North Conway Station, 38 Norcross Circle, in North Conway. Coach cars are restored early to mid-century cars with heat and windows that open; Comfort Class and the Observation Dome add more space. Pick up online tickets at North Conway Station before boarding, and check the website for boarding times a day ahead.