Christmas Train Rides in Oklahoma (2026)
Oklahoma’s big holiday train is the licensed Polar Express at the Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City, running from November 20 almost to New Year’s. The other two are small and cheap: an 8-minute ride around Muskogee’s Depot Green for $2, and a $5 Santa Express through five million lights at Yukon’s Christmas in the Park. Late in November, the CPKC Holiday Train also stops in Stilwell and Heavener. For licensed rides in other states, see our state-by-state Christmas train guide.
The short version
- THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Oklahoma City: Nov 20 to Dec 31, from $54
- Depot Green Christmas Train, Muskogee: Dec 4 to 27, weekends, $2
- Santa Express Train, Yukon: Nov 21 to Dec 31, $5
Oklahoma holiday trains at a glance
- Holiday trains
- 3 confirmed for 2026
- Licensed Polar Express
- Oklahoma City
- Season
- November 20 to December 31, 2026
- Lowest fare
- $2 (Muskogee Parks)
- After Christmas
- Oklahoma Railway Museum (to December 31), Muskogee Parks (to December 27), Yukon Parks (to December 31)
- Last checked
Plan your date
When each Oklahoma Christmas train runs
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in Oklahoma City has the longest season, November 20 to December 31. 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 RideOklahoma City · Nov 20 to Dec 31
- Santa Express TrainYukon · Nov 21 to Dec 31
- Depot Green Christmas TrainMuskogee · Dec 4 to 27, weekends
Look inside the book
Riding a Oklahoma 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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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.
Oklahoma's Christmas Trains for 2026
On the map
Where Oklahoma’s Christmas trains leave from
- 1Muskogee: Depot Green Christmas Train
- 2Yukon: Santa Express Train
- 3Oklahoma City: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Licensed Polar Express Other holiday trains. Faint dots are Oklahoma towns, for shape.
One licensed Polar Express and two lights trains that cost $5 or less.
Oklahoma's 2026 holiday trains at a glance
| Ride | Town | Season | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Railway Museum | Oklahoma City | Nov 20 to Dec 31 | From $54 | On sale now |
| Muskogee Parks | Muskogee | Dec 4 to 27, weekends | $2 | Pay at the train |
| Yukon Parks | Yukon | Nov 21 to Dec 31 | $5 | Pay at the station |
Oklahoma City: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride at the Oklahoma Railway Museum
Licensed Polar ExpressOklahoma Railway Museum · Oklahoma City
- Operator
- Oklahoma Railway Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Oklahoma Railway Museum, Oklahoma City
- Season
- Select dates November 20 to December 31, 2026, with up to five departures a day between 11:30 am and 8:00 pm; no trains December 7, 8, 14, 15 or 25
- Ride length
- About 1 hour
- What's included
- Hot chocolate and Walker's Shortbread from dancing chefs, the book read aloud, caroling, and a silver sleigh bell from Santa; First Class adds a ceramic mug
- Price
- On value dates, Coach is $62 adults and $54 children 2 to 11, and First Class is $79 and $74, fees and tax included; standard and premium dates cost more; parking is $6 per car
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages; child fares cover ages 2 to 11
Oklahoma’s only licensed Polar Express leaves from the Oklahoma Railway Museum on the northeast side of Oklahoma City. Car hosts punch golden tickets, dancing chefs bring hot chocolate and Walker’s Shortbread, and everyone reads along with the book. Santa and his helpers come aboard to greet every rider and hand out a silver sleigh bell, and characters in each car lead the caroling.
Every seat is assigned when you check out, and prices are all-in, with fees and tax included. Coach on value dates is $62 for adults and $54 for kids; First Class rides in 1954 Canadian cars and adds a ceramic mug. Plan to arrive about an hour early to park ($6 per car) and check in, because the box office closes at showtime. Wheelchair spaces with companion seats are bookable online, and there is a sensory-friendly departure.
Check dates and tickets with Oklahoma Railway Museum(opens in a new tab)Muskogee: the Depot Green Christmas Train
Christmas lights trainMuskogee Parks and Recreation · Muskogee
- Operator
- Muskogee Parks and Recreation(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Depot Green, Muskogee
- Season
- Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, December 4 to 27, 2026, 5:30 to 8:30 pm; no rides on Christmas Day
- Ride length
- About 8 minutes; trains leave every 15 minutes
- What's included
- A short ride around Depot Green under holiday lights; hot chocolate, popcorn and treats are sold
- Price
- $2 per person per ride
- Tickets
- Pay at the train
- Best ages
- All ages
Muskogee’s parks department turns downtown’s Depot Green into a lit-up Christmas park in December, and the train is the centerpiece. It is a short, simple ride, about eight minutes around the green under the stars and lights, and at $2 a person it is the easiest holiday train in Oklahoma to say yes to. Trains leave every 15 minutes from 5:30 to 8:30 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Two nights are worth circling. The Lights On Ceremony opens the season on Friday, December 4, and on Sunday, December 6, the Reindeer Round Up brings live reindeer for photos, free, with the usual $2 train rides. Hot chocolate, popcorn and sweets are sold on site.
Check dates and tickets with Muskogee Parks(opens in a new tab)Yukon: the Santa Express at Christmas in the Park
Christmas lights trainCity of Yukon Parks and Recreation · Yukon
- Operator
- City of Yukon Parks and Recreation(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Santa Express Train Station, Chisholm Trail Park, Yukon
- Season
- Nightly, Saturday, November 21, through Thursday, December 31, 2026; the train runs 6:00 to 10:00 pm
- Ride length
- A short loop through the lights
- What's included
- A ride among the Christmas in the Park light displays
- Price
- $5 per person; driving or walking the lights is free
- Tickets
- Pay at the station; weather permitting
- Best ages
- All ages
Yukon’s Christmas in the Park, just west of Oklahoma City, is a free drive-through or walk-through of nearly three miles of lights. For $5 a person, the Santa Express Train gives kids the view from a train instead of a back seat. It boards in Chisholm Trail Park, on the west side of the “Oklahoma” parking lot, nightly from 6 to 10 pm, weather permitting.
Park in the Oklahoma lot if you plan to ride or walk. Santa visits the Character House on Friday and Saturday evenings, there are selfie stations at the train depot, and food trucks set up nearby.
Check dates and tickets with Yukon Parks(opens in a new tab)Which Oklahoma Christmas Train Fits Your Family
Your kids love the book
The Polar Express in Oklahoma City. It is the only one with the story, the chefs and Santa on board.
Tulsa and Green Country
Depot Green in Muskogee, under an hour from Tulsa.
Toddlers
Muskogee or Yukon. Both are short, and you can leave the moment someone gets cold.
After Christmas
The Polar Express and Yukon’s Santa Express both run through December 31.
The CPKC Holiday Train in Oklahoma
The lit-up CPKC Holiday Train makes two free stops in eastern Oklahoma on Saturday, November 28, with Magic! and MARIS playing from the stage car. Each show lasts about 30 minutes. There is no ride, and CPKC asks visitors to bring a food bank donation.
Saturday, November 28
Stilwell at 5:45 pm (Adair County Fairgrounds field, 471368 E 816 Road) and Heavener at 9:00 pm (403 W. 1st Street).
How Far Oklahoma's Holiday Trains Are From Major Cities
Typical drive times without holiday traffic.
| Starting from | To | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Tulsa | Oklahoma Railway Museum | About 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Lawton | Oklahoma Railway Museum | About 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Downtown Oklahoma City | Yukon Christmas in the Park | About 25 minutes |
| Tulsa | Muskogee Depot Green | About 50 minutes |
| Tulsa | Stilwell (CPKC) | About 1 hour 45 minutes |
Northern Oklahoma families are a short drive from Watson’s Christmas Express in Wichita on our Kansas page. Eastern Oklahoma is close to the A&M Holiday Express in Van Buren on our Arkansas page, and southern Oklahoma can reach Grapevine on our Texas page.
Free to print
For the hour before boarding
Free printable Rally pages with a red train, a maze and a word search.
Get the free printablesOklahoma Holiday Train Details Worth Knowing
The Bixby trolley
The Christmas Express in Bixby, an old-fashioned trolley ride from Charley Young Event Park to Santa at the Bixby Historical Society, had not announced 2026 details when we checked. In past years tickets went on sale December 1 and sold out.
What happened to the Dry Gulch Christmas Train
The Dry Gulch Christmas Train near Adair, which once drew about 60,000 people a year, no longer runs. Its locomotives, coaches and Bible story murals were moved to Doe River Gorge in Tennessee, which is aiming to reopen it in November 2027.
Getting there by Amtrak
The Heartland Flyer links Oklahoma City, Norman, Purcell, Pauls Valley and Ardmore with Fort Worth; see our Heartland Flyer with kids guide.
The Bell, the Ticket and the Seat by the Window
On Rally’s train in our book, the best moment might be the snack: Mom passes him a pretzel right at his seat. On the Polar Express it is cocoa and shortbread brought by dancing chefs, and I promise your kids will remember who handed it to them.
Rally’s story started with my mom, and I finished it after she passed; our story page has more. Our free Rally coloring pages fill the hour before boarding.
A train story for Oklahoma 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 Kansas
- Christmas trains in Arkansas
- Christmas trains in Texas
- 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
- Oklahoma Railway Museum: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride(opens in a new tab)
- Muskogee Parks: Depot Green Christmas(opens in a new tab)
- Yukon's Christmas in the Park(opens in a new tab)
- TulsaKids: Oklahoma Christmas Trains(opens in a new tab)
- Doe River Gorge: The Christmas Train(opens in a new tab)
- CPKC: U.S. Holiday Train schedule 2026(opens in a new tab)
Checked against each railroad’s own pages on . THE POLAR EXPRESS is a trademark of Warner Bros. Entertainment. Each ride is run by the railroad or museum named above; Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Rail Events or any railroad listed here. Book only through the operator’s own site, and confirm dates and prices there before you go.
Oklahoma Christmas trains: questions parents ask
Is there a Polar Express train ride in Oklahoma?
Yes. The Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City hosts the licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride on select dates from November 20 to December 31, 2026. It lasts about an hour, with hot chocolate, shortbread, the story read aloud and a sleigh bell from Santa.
What Christmas train rides are in Oklahoma in 2026?
We confirmed three holiday train rides in Oklahoma for 2026: the Polar Express in Oklahoma City; the Depot Green Christmas Train in Muskogee; the Santa Express Train in Yukon. One of the 3 Oklahoma rides is the licensed Polar Express. The season starts November 20 with the Polar Express in Oklahoma City and ends December 31.
What Christmas events are happening in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 2026?
For families, Oklahoma City has THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from Oklahoma Railway Museum (November 20 to December 31, from $54). It includes hot chocolate and Walker's Shortbread from dancing chefs, the book read aloud, caroling, and a silver sleigh bell from Santa; First Class adds a ceramic mug. For other Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Muskogee, Oklahoma, in 2026?
For families, Muskogee has Depot Green Christmas Train from Muskogee Parks (December 4 to 27, weekends, $2). It includes a short ride around Depot Green under holiday lights; hot chocolate, popcorn and treats are sold. Plan on about 8 minutes; trains leave every 15 minutes. For other Muskogee, Oklahoma, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Yukon, Oklahoma, in 2026?
For families, Yukon has Santa Express Train from Yukon Parks (November 21 to December 31, $5). It includes a ride among the Christmas in the Park light displays. Plan on a short loop through the lights. The train loops through a light show of about five million bulbs and more than 500 displays. For other Yukon, Oklahoma, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
Where can families near Tulsa, Oklahoma find a Christmas train ride?
From Tulsa, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Oklahoma Railway Museum, about 1 hour 40 minutes; Muskogee Depot Green, about 50 minutes; Stilwell (CPKC), about 1 hour 45 minutes. Each Oklahoma ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Tulsa families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Lawton, Oklahoma find a Christmas train ride?
From Lawton, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Oklahoma Railway Museum, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Each Oklahoma ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Lawton families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma find a Christmas train ride?
From Downtown Oklahoma City, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Yukon Christmas in the Park, about 25 minutes. Each Oklahoma ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Downtown Oklahoma City families can compare before they drive.
How much is the Polar Express in Oklahoma City?
On value dates, Coach costs $62 for adults and $54 for children 2 to 11, and First Class costs $79 and $74, with fees and tax included. Standard and premium dates cost more. Parking is an extra $6 per car, and seats are assigned at checkout.
How much is the Muskogee Christmas train?
The Depot Green Christmas Train in Muskogee costs $2 per person per ride. It runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, December 4 to 27, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, except Christmas Day. Each ride lasts about eight minutes, and trains leave every 15 minutes.
When does the CPKC Holiday Train come to Oklahoma?
The CPKC Holiday Train stops in Stilwell at 5:45 pm and Heavener at 9:00 pm on Saturday, November 28, 2026. Each stop is a free 30-minute concert from the train with Magic! and MARIS. It is not a ride, and CPKC collects food bank donations.
Are there any Oklahoma Christmas trains after Christmas?
Yes. The Polar Express in Oklahoma City runs until December 31; the Depot Green Christmas Train in Muskogee runs until December 27; the Santa Express Train in Yukon runs until December 31. All 3 Oklahoma rides on this page keep going after December 25. The Polar Express in Oklahoma City: select dates November 20 to December 31, 2026, with up to five departures a day between 11:30 am and 8:00 pm; no trains December 7, 8, 14, 15 or 25.
What is the cheapest Christmas train in Oklahoma?
The lowest posted 2026 fare we found in Oklahoma is for the Depot Green Christmas Train in Muskogee: $2. At the top end is the Polar Express in Oklahoma City: from $54. Prices come from each Oklahoma railroad's own listing and can change, so confirm at checkout. For the Depot Green Christmas Train in Muskogee: $2 per person per ride.
Which Oklahoma Christmas train is best for toddlers?
The shortest Oklahoma ride, and usually the easiest for toddlers, is the Depot Green Christmas Train in Muskogee: about 8 minutes; trains leave every 15 minutes. The longest is the Polar Express in Oklahoma City, at about 1 hour. Ages for the Depot Green Christmas Train in Muskogee: all ages. Trains leave every 15 minutes, so there is no booking and almost no wait.
When do Oklahoma Christmas train tickets go on sale?
On sale now: the Polar Express in Oklahoma City. The Depot Green Christmas Train in Muskogee: pay at the train. The Santa Express Train in Yukon: pay at the station; weather permitting. Popular Oklahoma dates go first, so buy as soon as your ride opens.
Which Oklahoma Christmas trains have Santa?
Two of the 3 Oklahoma rides on this page include Santa. The Polar Express in Oklahoma City: hot chocolate and Walker's Shortbread from dancing chefs, the book read aloud, caroling, and a silver sleigh bell from Santa; First Class adds a ceramic mug. The Santa Express Train in Yukon: a ride among the Christmas in the Park light displays.
Can you take Amtrak to a Christmas train in Oklahoma?
The Heartland Flyer links Oklahoma City, Norman, Purcell, Pauls Valley and Ardmore with Fort Worth; see our Heartland Flyer with kids guide.
How long is the Polar Express in Oklahoma City?
For the Oklahoma City ride, plan on about 1 hour. Included with the Polar Express in Oklahoma City: hot chocolate and Walker's Shortbread from dancing chefs, the book read aloud, caroling, and a silver sleigh bell from Santa; First Class adds a ceramic mug. The First Class cars were built for Canadian National in 1954 and later ran on VIA Rail before the museum bought them in 2020.
What is included with the Depot Green Christmas Train in Muskogee?
The Depot Green Christmas Train in Muskogee includes a short ride around Depot Green under holiday lights; hot chocolate, popcorn and treats are sold. For the Muskogee ride, plan on about 8 minutes; trains leave every 15 minutes. Trains leave every 15 minutes, so there is no booking and almost no wait.
How much is the Santa Express Train in Yukon?
The Santa Express Train in Yukon costs $5 per person; driving or walking the lights is free. Season: Nightly, Saturday, November 21, through Thursday, December 31, 2026; the train runs 6:00 to 10:00 pm. Yukon Parks tickets: pay at the station; weather permitting. Yukon Parks age rules: all ages. The train loops through a light show of about five million bulbs and more than 500 displays.
Where does the Polar Express in Oklahoma City leave from?
The Polar Express in Oklahoma City boards at Oklahoma Railway Museum, 3400 NE Grand Boulevard, in Oklahoma City. Plan to arrive about an hour early to park ($6 per car) and check in, because the box office closes at showtime. Oklahoma Railway Museum tickets: on sale now. The First Class cars were built for Canadian National in 1954 and later ran on VIA Rail before the museum bought them in 2020.
Any tips for the Depot Green Christmas Train in Muskogee with young kids?
Two nights are worth circling. The Lights On Ceremony opens the season on Friday, December 4, and on Sunday, December 6, the Reindeer Round Up brings live reindeer for photos, free, with the usual $2 train rides. Hot chocolate, popcorn and sweets are sold on site. It is a short, simple ride, about eight minutes around the green under the stars and lights, and at $2 a person it is the easiest holiday train in Oklahoma to say yes to.
How long is the Santa Express Train in Yukon?
Yukon Parks ride length: a short loop through the lights. Included with the Santa Express Train in Yukon: a ride among the Christmas in the Park light displays. The train loops through a light show of about five million bulbs and more than 500 displays.
Any tips for the Polar Express in Oklahoma City with young kids?
Every seat is assigned when you check out, and prices are all-in, with fees and tax included. Coach on value dates is $62 for adults and $54 for kids; First Class rides in 1954 Canadian cars and adds a ceramic mug. Plan to arrive about an hour early to park ($6 per car) and check in, because the box office closes at showtime.
Where do you board the Santa Express Train in Yukon?
The Santa Express Train in Yukon boards at Santa Express Train Station, Chisholm Trail Park, 2200 S. Holly Avenue, in Yukon. Park in the Oklahoma lot if you plan to ride or walk. Yukon Parks tickets: pay at the station; weather permitting. The train loops through a light show of about five million bulbs and more than 500 displays.
Is the Polar Express in Oklahoma City good for toddlers?
Oklahoma Railway Museum lists ages as: all ages; child fares cover ages 2 to 11. For the Oklahoma City ride, plan on about 1 hour. The First Class cars were built for Canadian National in 1954 and later ran on VIA Rail before the museum bought them in 2020.