Christmas Train Rides in New York (2026)
New York has more licensed Polar Express rides than any state but California, and one of them is not a train at all: on Long Island, the North Fork Trolley runs the story on a vintage trolley out of Calverton. The other three leave from a 1914 station in Utica, a museum in Medina with one of the biggest model train layouts in the country, and Kingston, where the Catskill Mountain Railroad keeps going until December 30. That depth is why New York sits near the top of our Polar Express rides by state.
The short version
- 12 holiday trains in New York for 2026, 4 of them the licensed Polar Express (Calverton, Kingston, Medina, Utica)
- First to run: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, Kingston, from November 13. Last: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, Kingston, until December 30
- Lowest fare: Santa's Silver Sleigh, Arkville, from about $25
- Book only on each railroad’s own site; every ride below links to it
Then there are the Santa trains, eight of them, including New York’s only regularly running steam excursion and a candy cane train that books about 10,000 riders a year.
New York holiday trains at a glance
- Holiday trains
- 12 confirmed for 2026
- Licensed Polar Express
- Calverton, Kingston, Medina, Utica
- Season
- November 13 to December 30, 2026
- Lowest fare
- From about $25 (Delaware & Ulster)
- After Christmas
- Catskill Mountain RR (to December 30), Medina RR Museum (to December 27)
- Last checked
Plan your date
When each New York Christmas train runs
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Kingston has the longest season, November 13 to December 30. 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 RideKingston · Nov 13 to Dec 30
- THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train RideUtica · Late Nov to Dec 20
- THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train RideCalverton · Late Nov to Dec 23
- Santa's Wonderland ExpressArcade · Nov 21 to Dec 20
- THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train RideMedina · Nov 21 to Dec 27
- Adirondack Christmas TrainUtica · Nov 27 and 28
- Candy Cane ExpressCorinth · Nov 27 to Dec 20
- Santa Claus ExpressMilford · Nov 27 to Dec 20
- Santa Express Train RideGowanda · Nov 28 to Dec 13
- Santa Trains to the North PoleRush · Dec 4, 5, 11, 12
Look inside the book
Riding a New York 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.
Which New York Holiday Train Is Closest to You
New York City and Long Island
Calverton’s trolley Polar Express is about 1 hour 30 minutes from Midtown and the only licensed ride on the Island. Kingston is about 2 hours up the Thruway. In the city itself, the Holiday Nostalgia Train costs a subway fare.
Albany, Saratoga and the Hudson Valley
Kingston for the licensed ride, about an hour south of Albany, or the Candy Cane Express in Corinth, about 45 minutes north.
Syracuse and Utica
Utica’s Union Station Polar Express, about an hour east of Syracuse.
Rochester and Buffalo
Medina sits between them, about 45 minutes from each. Arcade’s steam train and Gowanda’s Santa Express are an hour south of Buffalo; Rush’s caboose rides are half an hour from Rochester.
Best for toddlers, best for big kids
Under 3: Rush, Calverton or Corinth, all short. Ages 6 and up: Arcade’s steam train or the Cooperstown run. Easiest licensed tickets: Kingston on an off-peak weeknight, and the late-December nights after Christmas.
The Four Licensed Polar Express Rides in New York
On the map
Where New York’s Christmas trains leave from
- 1Corinth: Candy Cane Express
- 2Medina: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
- 3Utica: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
- 3Utica: Adirondack Christmas Train
- 4Rush: Santa Trains to the North Pole
- 5Milford: Santa Claus Express
- 6Arcade: Santa's Wonderland Express
- 7Gowanda: Santa Express Train Ride
- 8Arkville: Santa's Silver Sleigh
- 9Kingston: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
- 10Calverton: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
- 11New York: Holiday Nostalgia Rides
Licensed Polar Express Other holiday trains. Faint dots are New York towns, for shape.
Same story, same silver bell; four very different settings.
All 12 New York holiday trains at a glance
| Ride | Town | Season | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catskill Mountain RR | Kingston | Nov 13 to Dec 30 | $38 to $58 | On sale now |
| Adirondack Railroad | Utica | Late Nov to Dec 20 | $39 to $47+ | On sale now |
| Medina RR Museum | Medina | Nov 21 to Dec 27 | $49 to $65 | On sale now |
| North Fork Trolley | Calverton | Late Nov to Dec 23 | See site | On sale now |
| Candy Cane Express | Corinth | Nov 27 to Dec 20 | See site | On sale now |
| Arcade & Attica | Arcade | Nov 21 to Dec 20 | See site | On sale now |
| Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley | Milford | Nov 27 to Dec 20 | See site | On sale now |
| R&GV RR Museum | Rush | Dec 4, 5, 11, 12 | See site | See site |
| NY & Lake Erie RR | Gowanda | Nov 28 to Dec 13 | See site | On sale now |
| Adirondack Christmas Train | Utica | Nov 27 and 28 | $40 to $150 | On sale now |
| Delaware & Ulster | Arkville | Dates not posted | From about $25 | Not posted |
| Transit Museum | New York | December Sundays | Subway fare | No tickets |
Kingston: the Catskill Mountain Railroad, open until December 30
Licensed Polar ExpressCatskill Mountain Railroad · Kingston
- Operator
- Catskill Mountain Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Westbrook Lane Station, Kingston Plaza, Kingston
- Season
- November 13 to December 30, 2026
- Ride length
- About 1 hour
- What's included
- Golden tickets punched by the conductor, a read-along of the book, hot chocolate and cookies from the dancing chefs, Santa and the first gift of Christmas
- Price
- Off-peak $48 adult, $38 child; peak $58 adult, $48 child. Ulster County and Kingston residents get $10 off per ticket.
- Tickets
- On sale now on Etix
- Best ages
- Best for ages 3 to 9
The Hudson Valley’s ride leaves Kingston and runs to the North Pole and back on the same track, which means everyone rides facing forward one way and backward the other. Warn a kid who gets queasy, and let them have the forward half on the way out.
There are no restrooms on the train, only portable ones at the station, so a last stop is a must. The big perk is the calendar: it runs through December 30, so it can fill the strange week between Christmas and New Year’s. Peak nights cost $10 more than off-peak, and if you live in Ulster County or Kingston, the railroad takes another $10 off each ticket.
Check dates and tickets with Catskill Mountain RR(opens in a new tab)Utica: the Adirondack Railroad from 1914 Union Station
Licensed Polar ExpressAdirondack Railroad · Utica
- Operator
- Adirondack Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Utica Union Station, Utica
- Season
- Late November through December 20, 2026; departures at 2:00 (select weekends), 5:00 and 7:30 pm
- Ride length
- About 1 to 1.5 hours, after an opening scene in the station lobby
- What's included
- Opening scene in Union Station, hot chocolate and cookies, onboard performers and sing-alongs, Santa and a silver bell
- Price
- Coach $47 adult (13+), $39 child (2 to 12); First Class costs more; under 2 free on a lap
- Tickets
- On sale since April 1, 2026
- Best ages
- Best for ages 3 to 9
Central New York’s ride begins inside Utica’s Union Station, a marble-columned station that has served travelers since 1914. Kids watch an opening scene in the lobby, then board for hot chocolate, cookies, performers and Santa, who hands out the first gift of Christmas.
Every seat is assigned and cannot be swapped, so book the whole group together. Tickets are picked up in person no earlier than an hour before departure, and the person who made the reservation has to show ID. On select December weekends there is a 2:00 pm train, the best choice for preschoolers.
Check dates and tickets with Adirondack Railroad(opens in a new tab)Medina: the Polar Express at a model train museum
Licensed Polar ExpressMedina Railroad Museum · Medina
- Operator
- Medina Railroad Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Medina Railroad Museum, Medina
- Season
- November 21 to December 27, 2026, on weekends plus December 22 and 27; several departures a day
- Ride length
- About 1 to 1.5 hours
- What's included
- Hot cocoa and treats, music, a read-along of the book and a gift from Santa for every child
- Price
- Coach from $49 and First Class from $65, plus fees; under 2 free on a lap
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- Best for ages 3 to 9
Western New York’s licensed ride sits between Buffalo and Rochester in an old New York Central freight house that now holds one of the biggest model train layouts in the country. Give yourselves time inside before or after the train; for a train-obsessed kid it is almost a second event.
Plan to arrive about an hour early to collect tickets at will-call. Seats are assigned when you check out, and the museum says certain dates and car types sell quickly. A call center at 1-800-514-3849 takes phone bookings if the website is slow on a busy morning.
Check dates and tickets with Medina RR Museum(opens in a new tab)Calverton: the North Fork's Polar Express by trolley
Licensed Polar ExpressNorth Fork Trolley Company · Calverton
- Operator
- North Fork Trolley Company(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Scott's Pointe Trolley Station, Calverton
- Season
- About November 20 to December 23, 2026; check the trolley site for exact times
- Ride length
- About 1 hour
- What's included
- Golden tickets punched by the conductor, a read-along, hot chocolate and a cookie at the North Pole, a theatrical show, and Santa
- Price
- Check the North Fork Trolley ticket page
- Tickets
- On sale now; public sale opened September 15, 2026
- Best ages
- Great for ages 2 to 8; smaller and calmer than a full train
Long Island’s licensed Polar Express is a trolley ride, and it is the smallest, most personal version in the state. You collect your golden tickets at the Scott’s Pointe trolley station in Calverton, read the book along the way, then watch a theatrical retelling at the North Pole with hot chocolate and a cookie before Santa appears.
Because each trolley holds fewer people, tickets go fast once they open in mid-September. For a nervous 2-year-old, the smaller space is a plus.
Check dates and tickets with North Fork Trolley(opens in a new tab)Eight More New York Christmas Trains, Steam to Subway
None of these are Polar Express rides. Several are older traditions than the license itself.
Corinth: the Candy Cane Express in the southern Adirondacks
Candy cane trainSaratoga, Corinth and Hudson Railway · Corinth
- Operator
- Saratoga, Corinth and Hudson Railway(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Saratoga Corinth and Hudson Railway station, Corinth
- Season
- November 27 to December 20, 2026
- Ride length
- About 1 hour
- What's included
- Cookies, hot chocolate and candy canes; seats range from single coach seats to a heated private lounge or the caboose
- Price
- Check the railway's booking page
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages
The Saratoga, Corinth and Hudson Railway’s Candy Cane Express is a one-hour run through Saratoga County that about 10,000 people ride every season. Kids get cookies, hot chocolate and candy canes along the way.
It is the holiday train for Albany and Saratoga families. Bigger groups can book a heated private lounge for up to 15 or rent the caboose outright, which makes a grandparent trip easy.
Check dates and tickets with Candy Cane Express(opens in a new tab)Arcade: steam to Currier's Station on the Wonderland Express
Steam Santa trainArcade and Attica Railroad · Arcade
- Operator
- Arcade and Attica Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Arcade and Attica depot, Arcade
- Season
- November 21 to December 20, 2026
- Ride length
- About 2 hours 20 minutes round trip, with a stop at Currier's Station
- What's included
- Elves, face painting, live reindeer, cookies and cocoa, a souvenir, and Santa at Currier's Station
- Price
- Check the railroad's booking page
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- Best for ages 3 to 10
Wyoming County’s little short line still hauls freight, and its holiday train is the one to pick for a kid who wants a real steam engine. The 2 hour 20 minute round trip stops at historic Currier’s Station, where kids hand their lists to the elves, get faces painted, meet live reindeer and see Santa.
It is a longer outing than the Polar Express rides, so it works best for preschoolers and up, and it is about an hour from Buffalo.
Check dates and tickets with Arcade & Attica(opens in a new tab)Milford to Cooperstown: the Santa Claus Express
Santa trainCooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad · Milford
- Operator
- Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Milford Depot, Milford
- Season
- November 27 to December 20, 2026
- Ride length
- About 2.5 hours, Milford to Cooperstown and back
- What's included
- Goodies, holiday lights, and Santa, Mrs. Claus and their helpers
- Price
- Check the railroad's booking page
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- Best for ages 4 and up
The Leatherstocking Railway Historical Society runs this one from the vintage Milford depot up to Cooperstown and back, one of the longest Christmas trains in upstate New York at about two and a half hours. Santa, Mrs. Claus and their helpers work the cars.
The best trick in the state happens before you board: wrap a small gift with your child’s name on it, slip it into the Reindeer Shack, and Santa will hand it to your child on the train.
Check dates and tickets with Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley(opens in a new tab)Rush: caboose rides to Santa near Rochester
Caboose Santa trainRochester and Genesee Valley Railroad Museum · Rush
- Operator
- Rochester and Genesee Valley Railroad Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Industry Depot, Rush
- Season
- December 4, 5, 11 and 12, 2026, with four departures each day
- Ride length
- A 1.5-mile ride each way
- What's included
- Rides in restored cabooses behind a vintage diesel, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and a museum and gift shop at the ends of the line
- Price
- Check the museum site
- Tickets
- Check the museum site
- Best ages
- Made for ages 1 to 7
The only Santa train in the Rochester area is a museum ride in restored cabooses, pulled a mile and a half by a vintage diesel from the 1909 Industry Depot in Rush, about half an hour from downtown. Mr. and Mrs. Claus visit every passenger.
It runs only four days, with four departures each, so it is small and quick: ideal for toddlers who have never been on a train and might not want to stay on long.
Check dates and tickets with R&GV RR Museum(opens in a new tab)Gowanda: the movie railroad's Santa Express
Santa trainNew York and Lake Erie Railroad · Gowanda
- Operator
- New York and Lake Erie Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Gowanda depot, Gowanda
- Season
- November 28 to December 13, 2026
- Ride length
- About an hour, per local listings; confirm with the railroad
- What's included
- Santa and Mrs. Claus greet passengers on board
- Price
- Check the railroad's site
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages
About an hour south of Buffalo, the New York and Lake Erie Railroad runs a one-hour Santa Express through farm country with Santa and Mrs. Claus aboard. Parents may recognize the line: it played the train in Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and the depot and village turn up in The Natural.
Check dates and tickets with NY & Lake Erie RR(opens in a new tab)Utica to Old Forge: the Adirondack Christmas Train
All-day Christmas trainAdirondack Railroad · Utica
- Operator
- Adirondack Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Utica Union Station, Utica
- Season
- November 27 and 28, 2026, departing 10:00 am
- Ride length
- An all-day trip with a layover at Old Forge's Christmas on Main Street
- What's included
- Round trip to Old Forge with time for the town's holiday festival
- Price
- Coach from $55 adult and $40 child; Diamond Class from $150
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- Best for ages 6 and up
The same railroad runs a very different holiday trip on Thanksgiving weekend: a 10:00 am train from Utica deep into the Adirondacks for Old Forge’s Christmas on Main Street, then back. It is a long day, so it suits school-age kids, not toddlers. The railroad also lists a short Santa Train from Thendara, with dates still to be posted.
Check dates and tickets with Adirondack Christmas Train(opens in a new tab)Arkville: Santa's Silver Sleigh in the Catskills
Santa trainDelaware and Ulster Railroad · Arkville
- Operator
- Delaware and Ulster Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Arkville depot, Arkville
- Season
- 2026 dates not posted yet; last season began November 28
- Ride length
- About 1 hour
- What's included
- A Catskills ride with Santa aboard
- Price
- Listed from $25 in past seasons; check the railroad for 2026
- Tickets
- Check the railroad site
- Best ages
- All ages
Up Route 28 from Kingston, the Delaware and Ulster runs an hour-long Santa ride from Arkville along the old railroad through the mountains. The railroad had not posted its 2026 dates when we checked, but last year the season opened on November 28.
Check dates and tickets with Delaware & Ulster(opens in a new tab)New York City: the Holiday Nostalgia Train on the subway
Vintage subway rideNew York Transit Museum and MTA · New York
- Operator
- New York Transit Museum and MTA(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- 2 Av-Houston St station (uptown F), New York
- Season
- Sundays in December in recent years, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; watch the Transit Museum for the 2026 schedule
- Ride length
- Hop on and off along the route
- What's included
- Rides on restored vintage subway cars
- Price
- The price of a regular subway fare
- Tickets
- No tickets; just tap in
- Best ages
- All ages; great for kids who love subway trains
New York City’s holiday train is free if you already have a MetroCard or OMNY tap: on December Sundays in recent years, the Transit Museum and MTA have run restored vintage subway cars from the 2 Av station at Houston Street on the uptown F and from the 96 St station on Second Avenue, between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. No Santa, just the trains, which is exactly the point for a subway-obsessed kid. Watch the museum’s site for the 2026 Sundays.
Check dates and tickets with Transit Museum(opens in a new tab)Drive Times From New York City, Albany, Buffalo and Rochester
Typical times without snow. Upstate December roads can double these, so check the forecast before a long drive.
| Starting from | To | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | Calverton (trolley) | About 1 hour 30 minutes |
| New York City | Kingston | About 2 hours |
| Albany | Kingston | About 1 hour |
| Albany | Corinth | About 45 minutes |
| Syracuse | Utica Union Station | About 1 hour |
| Albany | Utica Union Station | About 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Buffalo | Medina | About 45 minutes |
| Rochester | Medina | About 45 minutes |
| Buffalo | Arcade | About 1 hour |
| Buffalo | Gowanda | About 1 hour |
| Rochester | Rush (Industry Depot) | About 30 minutes |
| Albany | Milford | About 1 hour 30 minutes |
New York City families have two more licensed rides just across the Hudson: Whippany and Phillipsburg, about 45 minutes and 1 hour 20 minutes from Midtown, on our New Jersey Polar Express page. North Country families are about 2 hours from Burlington’s ride on our Vermont page, and Binghamton is about 2 hours from the Pennsylvania trains on our Pennsylvania Christmas train page.
Free to print
Something quiet for the Thruway
Free Rally coloring pages, a train maze and a word search to print at home. They slide into a folder and keep a backseat calm for an hour.
Print the free Rally pagesSnow, Assigned Seats and Other New York Notes
Dress for upstate
December nights in Utica, Medina and the Adirondacks are cold, and platforms are outside. Pajamas plus a snowsuit or coat, and boots for the walk from the car.
Bathrooms
Kingston has none on the train, only portable restrooms at the station. On any hour-long ride, go before you board.
Seats and pickup
Utica and Medina assign seats at checkout and do not move people on board, so book one order for the whole group. Utica tickets are picked up in person within an hour of departure, with ID.
What sells out first
Calverton’s trolleys, Medina’s weekend First Class, and the Candy Cane Express weekends. The nights after Christmas in Kingston are the easiest licensed tickets in the state.
A daytime train instead
For a Hudson Valley holiday trip by train, our Empire Service with kids guide covers Albany to New York City, and the Adirondack route page covers the scenic line north to Montreal.
The Dark Part of the Ride
My favorite page in our book is the scariest one. Rally’s train goes into a dark tunnel, and he is scared, and then he sees a big, bright light. I wrote that page thinking about my mom, who dreamed up this whole story and died before she could write it. Grief felt like that tunnel to me. Our story explains why I finished the book for her.
If your little one is nervous about a night train, read that page together first. And print a few of our free Rally pages for the ride up the Thruway.
A train book for a winter nightRally Takes the Train is a rhyming picture book about a corgi brave enough to ride through the dark, 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 New Jersey
- Christmas trains in Vermont
- Christmas trains in Pennsylvania
- 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
- Catskill Mountain Railroad: THE POLAR EXPRESS, Kingston(opens in a new tab)
- Adirondack Railroad: THE POLAR EXPRESS, Utica(opens in a new tab)
- Medina Railroad Museum: THE POLAR EXPRESS(opens in a new tab)
- North Fork Trolley: THE POLAR EXPRESS Trolley Ride(opens in a new tab)
- Arcade and Attica Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- New York Transit Museum: Holiday Nostalgia Rides(opens in a new tab)
- NewYorkUpstate.com: Holiday train rides 2026 in Upstate NY(opens in a new tab)
- American-Rails: New York Christmas Train Rides (2026)(opens in a new tab)
- American-Rails: New York Polar Express (2026)(opens in a new tab)
- Rail Events: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride locations(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 York Christmas trains: questions parents ask
How much is the Polar Express in Kingston NY?
Catskill Mountain Railroad tickets for 2026 are $48 for adults and $38 for children on off-peak dates, and $58 for adults and $48 for children on peak dates. Ulster County and Kingston residents get $10 off each ticket. The ride runs November 13 to December 30 and lasts about an hour.
What Christmas train rides are in New York in 2026?
We confirmed 12 holiday train rides in New York for 2026: the Polar Express in Kingston; the Polar Express in Utica; the Polar Express in Medina; the Polar Express in Calverton; the Candy Cane Express in Corinth; Santa's Wonderland Express in Arcade; the Santa Claus Express in Milford; Santa Trains to the North Pole in Rush. 4 more are on this page.
What Christmas events are there in Kingston, New York, this year?
For families, Kingston has THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from Catskill Mountain RR (November 13 to December 30, $38 to $58). It includes golden tickets punched by the conductor, a read-along of the book, hot chocolate and cookies from the dancing chefs, Santa and the first gift of Christmas. For other Kingston, New York, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are there in Utica, New York, this year?
Two holiday train events run in Utica in 2026: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from Adirondack Railroad (late November to December 20, $39 to $47+); Adirondack Christmas Train from Adirondack Christmas Train (November 27 and 28, $40 to $150). The Polar Express in Utica includes Opening scene in Union Station, hot chocolate and cookies, onboard performers and sing-alongs, Santa and a silver bell. For other Utica, New York, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are there in Medina, New York, this year?
For families, Medina has THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from Medina RR Museum (November 21 to December 27, $49 to $65). It includes hot cocoa and treats, music, a read-along of the book and a gift from Santa for every child. Plan on about 1 to 1.5 hours. For other Medina, New York, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Calverton, New York, in 2026?
For families, Calverton has THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from North Fork Trolley (late November to December 23, see site). It includes golden tickets punched by the conductor, a read-along, hot chocolate and a cookie at the North Pole, a theatrical show, and Santa. Plan on about 1 hour. For other Calverton, New York, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Corinth, New York, in 2026?
For families, Corinth has Candy Cane Express from Candy Cane Express (November 27 to December 20, see site). It includes cookies, hot chocolate and candy canes; seats range from single coach seats to a heated private lounge or the caboose. Plan on about 1 hour. For other Corinth, New York, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Arcade, New York, in 2026?
For families, Arcade has Santa's Wonderland Express from Arcade & Attica (November 21 to December 20, see site). It includes elves, face painting, live reindeer, cookies and cocoa, a souvenir, and Santa at Currier's Station. Plan on about 2 hours 20 minutes round trip, with a stop at Currier's Station. For other Arcade, New York, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are there in Milford, New York, this year?
For families, Milford has Santa Claus Express from Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley (November 27 to December 20, see site). It includes goodies, holiday lights, and Santa, Mrs. Claus and their helpers. Plan on about 2.5 hours, Milford to Cooperstown and back. Parents can sneak a small wrapped gift with their child's name into the Reindeer Shack before boarding, and Santa hands it over on the train. For other Milford, New York, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are there in Rush, New York, this year?
For families, Rush has Santa Trains to the North Pole from R&GV RR Museum (December 4, 5, 11, 12, see site). It includes rides in restored cabooses behind a vintage diesel, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and a museum and gift shop at the ends of the line. For other Rush, New York, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Gowanda, New York, in 2026?
For families, Gowanda has Santa Express Train Ride from NY & Lake Erie RR (November 28 to December 13, see site). It includes Santa and Mrs. Claus greet passengers on board. Plan on about an hour, per local listings; confirm with the railroad. This is the railroad used for the train scenes in Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and the depot and village appear in The Natural. For other Gowanda, New York, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in Arkville, New York, in 2026?
For families, Arkville has Santa's Silver Sleigh from Delaware & Ulster (dates not posted, from about $25). It includes a Catskills ride with Santa aboard. Plan on about 1 hour. The ride follows the old Ulster and Delaware line through the Catskill Mountains. For other Arkville, New York, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in New York, New York, in 2026?
For families, New York has Holiday Nostalgia Rides from Transit Museum (December Sundays, subway fare). It includes rides on restored vintage subway cars. You ride restored vintage subway cars for the cost of a normal fare, with no ticket to book. For other New York, New York, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
Where can families near New York City, New York find a Christmas train ride?
From New York City, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Calverton (trolley), about 1 hour 30 minutes; Kingston, about 2 hours. Each New York ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so New York City families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Albany, New York find a Christmas train ride?
From Albany, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Kingston, about 1 hour; Corinth, about 45 minutes; Utica Union Station, about 1 hour 30 minutes; Milford, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Each New York ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Albany families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Syracuse, New York find a Christmas train ride?
From Syracuse, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Utica Union Station, about 1 hour. Each New York ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Syracuse families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Buffalo, New York find a Christmas train ride?
From Buffalo, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Medina, about 45 minutes; Arcade, about 1 hour; Gowanda, about 1 hour. Each New York ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Buffalo families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Rochester, New York find a Christmas train ride?
From Rochester, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Medina, about 45 minutes; Rush (Industry Depot), about 30 minutes. Each New York ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Rochester families can compare before they drive.
Is there a bathroom on the Polar Express train in Kingston?
No. The Catskill Mountain Railroad says there are no restrooms on board, only portable restrooms at the Kingston station. The ride is about an hour, so take everyone to the restroom right before boarding. The train goes out and back on the same track, so you ride backward for half the trip.
What time is the Polar Express in Utica?
The Adirondack Railroad’s Polar Express leaves Utica Union Station at 5:00 and 7:30 pm, with a 2:00 pm train on select December weekends. An opening scene in the station lobby comes first, and the ride lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours. Tickets are picked up in person no earlier than an hour before departure.
Is the North Fork Trolley Polar Express on a real train?
No, it uses vintage trolleys instead of a train. The North Fork Trolley Company’s licensed ride leaves the Scott’s Pointe trolley station in Calverton for about an hour, with a read-along, hot chocolate, a theatrical show at the North Pole and Santa. The smaller trolleys make it calmer for toddlers, but tickets sell quickly.
Which New York Christmas train is best for a 2 year old?
A short ride is best at that age. The Rochester and Genesee Valley Railroad Museum’s caboose rides cover a mile and a half each way, and the Candy Cane Express and North Fork trolley both run about an hour. Longer trips like Arcade’s 2 hour 20 minute steam ride or Cooperstown’s 2.5 hours suit kids 4 and up.
Does the Polar Express in New York run after Christmas?
Yes, one does. The Catskill Mountain Railroad in Kingston runs through December 30, 2026, and Medina has a December 27 date. Utica and Calverton finish before Christmas. The post-Christmas nights in Kingston are often easier to book than mid-December weekends.
What is the cheapest Christmas train in New York?
The lowest posted 2026 fare we found in New York is for Santa's Silver Sleigh in Arkville: from about $25. At the top end is the Adirondack Christmas Train in Utica: $40 to $150. Prices come from each New York railroad's own listing and can change, so confirm at checkout. For Santa's Silver Sleigh in Arkville: listed from $25 in past seasons; check the railroad for 2026.
Which New York Christmas train is best for toddlers?
The shortest New York ride, and usually the easiest for toddlers, is the Polar Express in Kingston: about 1 hour. The longest is the Santa Claus Express in Milford, at about 2.5 hours, Milford to Cooperstown and back. Ages for the Polar Express in Kingston: best for ages 3 to 9. It is one of the few Polar Express rides that keeps running after Christmas, through December 30, and locals in Ulster County get $10 off every ticket.
When do New York Christmas train tickets go on sale?
On sale now: the Polar Express in Kingston; the Polar Express in Medina; the Polar Express in Calverton; the Candy Cane Express in Corinth; Santa's Wonderland Express in Arcade; the Santa Claus Express in Milford and 2 more. The Polar Express in Utica: on sale since April 1, 2026. Santa Trains to the North Pole in Rush: check the museum site.
Which New York Christmas trains have Santa?
Nine of the 12 New York rides on this page include Santa. The Polar Express in Kingston: golden tickets punched by the conductor, a read-along of the book, hot chocolate and cookies from the dancing chefs, Santa and the first gift of Christmas. The Polar Express in Utica: Opening scene in Union Station, hot chocolate and cookies, onboard performers and sing-alongs, Santa and a silver bell.
What is included with the Polar Express in Kingston?
The Polar Express in Kingston includes golden tickets punched by the conductor, a read-along of the book, hot chocolate and cookies from the dancing chefs, Santa and the first gift of Christmas. For the Kingston ride, plan on about 1 hour. It is one of the few Polar Express rides that keeps running after Christmas, through December 30, and locals in Ulster County get $10 off every ticket.
How much is the Polar Express in Utica?
Fares for the Polar Express in Utica: Coach $47 adult (13+), $39 child (2 to 12); First Class costs more; under 2 free on a lap. Season: Late November through December 20, 2026; departures at 2:00 (select weekends), 5:00 and 7:30 pm. Adirondack Railroad tickets: on sale since April 1, 2026. Adirondack Railroad age rules: best for ages 3 to 9.
What does the Polar Express in Medina cost in 2026?
Fares for the Polar Express in Medina: Coach from $49 and First Class from $65, plus fees; under 2 free on a lap. The Polar Express runs November 21 to December 27, 2026, on weekends plus December 22 and 27; several departures a day. Medina RR Museum tickets: on sale now. Medina RR Museum age rules: best for ages 3 to 9.
What does the Polar Express in Calverton cost in 2026?
North Fork Trolley posts current Polar Express fares on its booking page rather than a single price list. Season: About November 20 to December 23, 2026; check the trolley site for exact times. North Fork Trolley tickets: on sale now; public sale opened September 15, 2026. North Fork Trolley age rules: great for ages 2 to 8; smaller and calmer than a full train.
How much is the Candy Cane Express in Corinth?
Candy Cane Express posts current Candy Cane Express fares on its booking page rather than a single price list. The Candy Cane Express runs November 27 to December 20, 2026. Candy Cane Express tickets: on sale now. Candy Cane Express age rules: all ages. About 10,000 people ride it every year, and groups of up to 15 can book a private heated lounge or the caboose.
How much is Santa's Wonderland Express in Arcade?
Arcade & Attica posts current Santa's Wonderland Express fares on its booking page rather than a single price list. Santa's Wonderland Express runs November 21 to December 20, 2026. Arcade & Attica tickets: on sale now. Arcade & Attica age rules: best for ages 3 to 10. It is the only regularly operating steam passenger excursion in New York State, and the stop at Currier's Station has live reindeer.
How much is the Santa Claus Express in Milford?
Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley posts current Santa Claus Express fares on its booking page rather than a single price list. The Santa Claus Express runs November 27 to December 20, 2026. Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley tickets: on sale now. Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley age rules: best for ages 4 and up. Parents can sneak a small wrapped gift with their child's name into the Reindeer Shack before boarding, and Santa hands it over on the train.
How much are tickets for Santa Trains to the North Pole in Rush?
R&GV RR Museum posts current Santa Trains to the North Pole fares on its booking page rather than a single price list. Santa Trains to the North Pole runs December 4, 5, 11 and 12, 2026, with four departures each day. R&GV RR Museum tickets: check the museum site. R&GV RR Museum age rules: made for ages 1 to 7.
What does the Santa Express Train Ride in Gowanda cost in 2026?
NY & Lake Erie RR posts current Santa Express Train Ride fares on its booking page rather than a single price list. The Santa Express Train Ride runs November 28 to December 13, 2026. NY & Lake Erie RR tickets: on sale now. NY & Lake Erie RR age rules: all ages. This is the railroad used for the train scenes in Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and the depot and village appear in The Natural.
What does the Adirondack Christmas Train in Utica cost in 2026?
Fares for the Adirondack Christmas Train in Utica: Coach from $55 adult and $40 child; Diamond Class from $150. The Adirondack Christmas Train runs November 27 and 28, 2026, departing 10:00 am. Adirondack Christmas Train tickets: on sale now. Adirondack Christmas Train age rules: best for ages 6 and up. It is a full-day trip into the Adirondacks timed to Old Forge's Christmas on Main Street celebration.
How much are tickets for Santa's Silver Sleigh in Arkville?
Fares for Santa's Silver Sleigh in Arkville: Listed from $25 in past seasons; check the railroad for 2026. Santa's Silver Sleigh runs 2026 dates not posted yet; last season began November 28. Delaware & Ulster tickets: check the railroad site. Delaware & Ulster age rules: all ages. The ride follows the old Ulster and Delaware line through the Catskill Mountains.
What is included with the Holiday Nostalgia Rides in New York?
The Holiday Nostalgia Rides in New York include rides on restored vintage subway cars. Transit Museum ride length: hop on and off along the route. You ride restored vintage subway cars for the cost of a normal fare, with no ticket to book.