Christmas Train Rides in Texas (2026)
The most common Texas mix-up is buying a Polar Express ticket and driving to the wrong town: the Texas State Railroad runs its regular trains out of both Rusk and Palestine, but the Polar Express only leaves Palestine, and the railroad makes you confirm that before checkout. The other licensed ride boards at Galveston’s 1932 Union Depot, a few blocks off the Strand. Those two are the only licensed rides in the state, and you can see how they compare with every other state on our Polar Express and Christmas train finder.
The short version
- 6 holiday trains in Texas for 2026, 2 of them the licensed Polar Express (Galveston, Palestine)
- First to run: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, Galveston, from November 13. Last: Santa's North Pole Express, Grapevine, until December 30
- Lowest fare: North Pole Flyer, Bertram, $12 to $67
- Book only on each railroad’s own site; every ride below links to it
Texas also has its own holiday trains with no license and plenty of personality: Grapevine’s bench seats, a two-hour vintage train in the Hill Country, and open-air coaches south of Houston.
Texas holiday trains at a glance
- Holiday trains
- 6 confirmed for 2026
- Licensed Polar Express
- Galveston, Palestine
- Season
- November 13 to December 30, 2026
- Lowest fare
- $12 to $67 (Austin Steam Train)
- After Christmas
- Texas State Railroad (to December 27), Grapevine Vintage RR (to December 30)
- Last checked
Plan your date
When each Texas Christmas train runs
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Galveston starts first, on November 13, and Santa's North Pole Express in Grapevine runs the latest, 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 RideGalveston · Nov 13 to Dec 23
- THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train RidePalestine · Mid Nov to late Dec
- The Christmas TrainAlvin · Nov 27 to Dec 23
- Santa's North Pole ExpressGrapevine · Nov 27 to Dec 30
- North Pole FlyerBertram · 3 weekends, Nov 28 to Dec 13
Look inside the book
Riding a Texas 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.
Galveston or Palestine: the Two Licensed Texas Rides
On the map
Where Texas’s Christmas trains leave from
- 1Grapevine: Santa's North Pole Express
- 2Palestine: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
- 3Bertram: North Pole Flyer
- 4Alvin: The Christmas Train
- 5San Antonio: Santa's Railroad Wonderland
- 6Galveston: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Licensed Polar Express Other holiday trains. Faint dots are Texas towns, for shape.
Both rides follow the licensed story: hot chocolate, the book read aloud, Santa at the North Pole and a silver bell. The museum on the coast and the railroad in the pines feel very different, though, and they are about three hours apart.
Every Texas holiday train at a glance
| Ride | Town | Season | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galveston RR Museum | Galveston | Nov 13 to Dec 23 | See ticket page | On sale now |
| Texas State Railroad | Palestine | Mid Nov to late Dec | From about $20 | On sale now |
| Grapevine Vintage RR | Grapevine | Nov 27 to Dec 30 | $90 to $100 per bench | On sale now |
| Austin Steam Train | Bertram | 3 weekends, Nov 28 to Dec 13 | $12 to $67 | On sale now |
| Christmas Train Alvin | Alvin | Nov 27 to Dec 23 | $12.50 to $15 | On sale now |
| Texas Transportation Museum | San Antonio | Dates not posted | Check museum | Not posted |
Galveston: the award-winning prologue at Union Depot
Licensed Polar ExpressGalveston Railroad Museum · Galveston
- Operator
- Galveston Railroad Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Galveston Railroad Museum, 1932 Union Depot, Galveston
- Season
- November 13 to December 23, 2026
- Ride length
- About 1 hour on the train; allow about 2 hours in all
- What's included
- Hot chocolate and a cookie, the story read aloud, carols, Santa and the first gift of Christmas; a pre-ride show, food and letters to Santa in the depot
- Price
- Coach (assigned rows) and First Class (tables of four with a souvenir mug); check the museum ticket page for 2026 prices
- Tickets
- On sale now through the museum
- Best ages
- Best for ages 3 to 9
Galveston’s ride starts before the train does. The museum asks families to arrive an hour early for food, a letters-to-Santa table and a short performance in the historic Union Depot, and that pre-show won the Polar Bell Award for Best Prologue in 2023. Final boarding is 10 minutes before departure, so do not cut it close.
The train itself is a 60-minute round trip to the North Pole with hot chocolate, a cookie, carols and Santa. After you roll back in, there are photo stops and the museum store. Several island hotels sell Polar packages with breakfast and a shuttle to the museum, which takes parking off your list on a busy December night.
For kids who find crowds and noise hard, the museum runs sensory-friendly cars on Tuesday, December 15 at 5:30 and 7:15 pm.
Check dates and tickets with Galveston RR Museum(opens in a new tab)Palestine: the Piney Woods depot and the Presidential cars
Licensed Polar ExpressTexas State Railroad · Palestine
- Operator
- Texas State Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot, Palestine
- Season
- Mid-November through late December 2026; the full calendar is on the railroad's Polar page
- Ride length
- About 1 hour; check in about 45 minutes early
- What's included
- Hot chocolate and cookies served by the chefs while they read the book, Santa and his elves, a silver sleigh bell, carols on the way back
- Price
- Six classes from Coach up to the Presidential cars; Coach has been listed from about $40 adult and $20 child, plus a $3 historical preservation fee per ticket
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- Best for ages 3 to 9
East Texas’s ride leaves the Texas State Railroad’s depot outside Palestine, in the Piney Woods about two hours southeast of Dallas. The railroad states the 2026 season is pulled by a diesel locomotive, and it is not the four-hour scenic run to Rusk, so do not plan a lunch stop.
This is the Texas ride with the widest choice of seats: Coach, First Class, Dome Deluxe and two Presidential cars, one with couches and one with tables and chairs. Every car has big windows for the first look at Santa and the North Pole.
One small touch worth the money: add the gift-wrapped book at checkout so your child unwraps it on board and reads along while the chefs recite the story. If anyone in your group needs the accessible car, call the reservations desk at 855-632-7729 rather than booking online.
Check dates and tickets with Texas State Railroad(opens in a new tab)Which Texas Christmas Train Is Closest to Houston, Dallas and Austin
Houston
Galveston is about an hour down I-45 and the obvious pick for the Polar Express. For a cheap weeknight with toddlers, The Christmas Train in Alvin is about 35 minutes away.
Dallas and Fort Worth
Grapevine is 30 minutes from either downtown and the easiest train in the state for a 2-year-old. For the licensed Polar Express, Palestine is about two hours southeast.
Austin and San Antonio
Bertram’s North Pole Flyer is about an hour from Austin and the most elaborate holiday train in Texas. San Antonio families have the transportation museum close to home, and Bertram about 1 hour 45 minutes north.
Cheapest and easiest to book
Alvin and the San Antonio museum are the budget picks. Of the bigger rides, Palestine’s coach seats are the cheapest licensed tickets, and Grapevine’s weekday benches are easier to land than its weekends.
Four More Texas Holiday Trains, No License Needed
These are not Polar Express rides, and none of them pretend to be. They are often cheaper, shorter and easier to book.
Grapevine: Santa's North Pole Express on a city-owned railroad
North Pole trainGrapevine Vintage Railroad · Grapevine
- Operator
- Grapevine Vintage Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Grapevine Vintage Railroad, Cotton Belt depot, Grapevine
- Season
- Day after Thanksgiving through December 30, 2026, most days; December 3 trains leave from the Fort Worth Stockyards
- Ride length
- About 45 minutes out and back
- What's included
- A ride to Reindeer Ridge to pick up Santa, who visits each bench; pajamas encouraged
- Price
- Sold by the bench (two seats): $90, $96 or $100 depending on day and time
- Tickets
- On sale since October 1, 2026
- Best ages
- Good for ages 2 to 8; the short ride suits toddlers
Grapevine calls itself the Christmas Capital of Texas, and its city-owned railroad runs its own trademarked holiday train, Santa’s North Pole Express. It is not a Polar Express ride, which is a good thing if your kids get antsy: the trip is about 45 minutes out to Reindeer Ridge and back.
Seats sell by the bench, two people per bench, so a family of four buys two. On Friday to Sunday nights in December, historic Main Street is closed to cars for the Christmas market, so follow the city’s parking signs and arrive early. On December 3 only, the train starts at the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Check dates and tickets with Grapevine Vintage RR(opens in a new tab)Bertram: the Austin Steam Train's two-hour North Pole Flyer
Santa trainAustin Steam Train Association · Bertram
- Operator
- Austin Steam Train Association(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Bertram Depot, Bertram
- Season
- November 28 and 29, December 5 and 6, and December 12 and 13, 2026, at 8:30 am, 12:00, 3:30 and 7:00 pm
- Ride length
- About 2 hours round trip
- What's included
- Santa and Mrs. Claus with a photo, all-you-can-drink cocoa, a local holiday cookie, balloon twisting, caroling, a story, and a wooden train whistle and coloring sheets for every child under 13
- Price
- Coach $57, lounge $67; children under 3 on a lap $12
- Tickets
- On sale since July 8, 2026
- Best ages
- Best for ages 3 to 10; under 3 ride on a lap for $12
The Austin Steam Train Association runs the longest holiday train in the state out of the little Bertram depot, about an hour northwest of Austin. Two hours on a vintage train through Hill Country ranch land is a lot for a 2-year-old and just right for a 6-year-old.
The 8:30 am train is the sleeper hit for families with early risers, and the railroad warns that the 7:00 pm run is too dark to see much outside. Every child under 13 gets a wooden train whistle and coloring sheets, so expect a loud ride home. Wheelchair seating is limited and has to be reserved ahead by phone.
The Flyer only runs three weekends, and the association says tickets sell quickly.
Check dates and tickets with Austin Steam Train(opens in a new tab)Alvin: open-air coaches at The Christmas Train, south of Houston
Christmas lights trainThe Christmas Train at Victory Camp · Alvin
- Operator
- The Christmas Train at Victory Camp(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Victory Camp, Alvin
- Season
- November 27 and 28, December 4 and 5, 10 to 12, and 14 to 23, 2026, 6:00 to 10:00 pm (6:00 to 9:00 pm on December 10 and 14 to 17); train tickets sold in 30-minute blocks
- Ride length
- A loop through the light displays
- What's included
- The train ride; the Great Elf Show, letters to Santa, a Lost Toys hunt and the lakeside walking trail are free with admission
- Price
- Train tickets $12.50 standard, $15 peak
- Tickets
- On sale now in 30-minute time blocks
- Best ages
- All ages
About 25 miles south of Houston, Victory Camp turns into a small Christmas park built around a train: open-air coaches loop through the light displays while the rest of the family waits at the free elf show or searches a miniature village for lost toys.
At $12.50 to $15 for the train, it is the cheapest holiday train ride near Houston, with go-karts, a 24-foot slide and Santa photos on site. In 2026 it runs from November 27 to December 23, nightly for the last ten days before Christmas; park admission and parking are free, and you only pay for the train.
Check dates and tickets with Christmas Train Alvin(opens in a new tab)San Antonio: Santa's Railroad Wonderland at the transportation museum
Santa trainTexas Transportation Museum · San Antonio
- Operator
- Texas Transportation Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Texas Transportation Museum, San Antonio
- Season
- 2026 dates not posted yet; last year it ran six December weekend nights, 5:30 to 9:00 pm
- Ride length
- Short train rides on the museum grounds
- What's included
- Decorated depot and model railroads, short train rides out to Wallaceville, and a visit with Santa
- Price
- Last season: adults $15; check the museum for 2026
- Tickets
- Check the museum for 2026
- Best ages
- Made for ages 2 to 8
San Antonio’s holiday train is a small, volunteer-sized evening at the Texas Transportation Museum on the north side of town: a decorated depot, model railroads lit for the season, and short train rides out to Wallaceville and back. Santa is there too.
The museum had not posted 2026 dates when we checked. Last December it ran on six weekend nights from 5:30 to 9:00 pm, so watch its events page from early November.
Check dates and tickets with Texas Transportation Museum(opens in a new tab)Drive Times From Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin
Typical evening drives without a crash on I-45 or I-35. Galveston and Grapevine both get heavy holiday traffic on weekend nights.
| Starting from | To | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | Galveston Union Depot | About 1 hour |
| Houston | Alvin (Victory Camp) | About 35 minutes |
| Houston | Palestine Depot | About 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Dallas | Palestine Depot | About 2 hours |
| Dallas | Grapevine | About 30 minutes |
| Fort Worth | Grapevine | About 25 minutes |
| Austin | Bertram Depot | About 1 hour |
| San Antonio | Bertram Depot | About 1 hour 45 minutes |
| San Antonio | Texas Transportation Museum | About 20 minutes |
North Texas families are about three hours from the Oklahoma Railway Museum’s ride, covered on our Oklahoma Polar Express page. From Beaumont, New Orleans is about four hours east, and that ride is on our Louisiana page.
Free to print
A long Texas drive needs a clipboard
Free Rally coloring pages, a train maze and a word search you can print at home. They fill the stretch of I-45 or US-79 nicely.
Print the free pagesGulf Wind, Hill Country Cold and Other Texas Notes
What to wear
Texas December is unpredictable. Galveston nights can be wet and windy on the platform even when it is mild in Houston, and the Hill Country can dip near freezing for the evening Flyer. Pajamas with a jacket over them cover both.
Arrival times
Galveston wants you there an hour early for the depot show, Palestine asks for about 45 minutes, and the Austin Steam Train assigns every seat ahead of time, so late arrivals cannot be moved.
Lap babies
Rules differ: the Austin Steam Train charges $12 for a child under 3 on a lap, and Grapevine sells whole benches. Check the age rules on each booking page before you pick seats.
What sells out first
Weekend nights at Galveston and Grapevine, the three Flyer weekends at Bertram, and First Class and Presidential seats in Palestine. Weeknights in late November are the easiest tickets in the state.
One more holiday train to watch for
On Saturday, December 5, the TNW Christmas Train stops at Brownwood’s depot civic center from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. It is a visiting lighted train to see, not ride.
The CPKC Holiday Train in Texas
The CPKC Holiday Train makes two free Texas stops: Texarkana on Sunday, November 29, at 4:45 pm (West 4th Street crossing) with Magic! and MARIS, and Port Arthur on Thursday, December 3, at 5:30 pm (607 Houston Avenue) with Chase Rice and Madeline Edwards. Each stop is a 30-minute concert from the lit-up train, not a ride, and CPKC collects food bank donations.
A daytime train instead
If a holiday trip to grandma’s is the real adventure, Amtrak covers Texas too: our Texas Eagle with kids guide runs from Dallas to San Antonio, and the Heartland Flyer page covers Fort Worth to Oklahoma City.
The Ticket Moment
There is a page in our book where Mr. Conductor, in his blue uniform, reaches out to shake Rally’s paw. Every time I read it to my kids, I think about how big that moment feels when you are small: a grown-up in a uniform, treating you like a real passenger.
My mom dreamed up this whole story before she passed, and I wrote it down so it would not be lost. That is the story behind Rally. If your kids are counting down to Galveston or Palestine, grab our printable conductor and train pages for the car ride.
A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in watercolor. About five minutes to read, $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 Oklahoma
- Christmas trains in Louisiana
- 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
- Galveston Railroad Museum: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride(opens in a new tab)
- Texas State Railroad: THE POLAR EXPRESS(opens in a new tab)
- Austin Steam Train Association: North Pole Flyer(opens in a new tab)
- The Christmas Train at Victory Camp, Alvin(opens in a new tab)
- Texas Transportation Museum: annual events(opens in a new tab)
- Grapevine Vintage Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- American-Rails: Texas Christmas Train Rides (2026)(opens in a new tab)
- American-Rails: Texas Polar Express Train Rides (2026)(opens in a new tab)
- Visit Brownwood: TNW Christmas Train(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.
Texas Christmas trains: questions parents ask
Does the Texas State Railroad Polar Express leave from Rusk or Palestine?
It leaves from Palestine only. The Texas State Railroad runs regular trains from both its Rusk and Palestine depots, but THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride departs from the Palestine depot at 789 Park Road 70. The railroad asks you to confirm the Palestine location when you book, and the 2026 season runs with a diesel locomotive.
What Christmas train rides are in Texas in 2026?
We confirmed six holiday train rides in Texas for 2026: the Polar Express in Galveston; the Polar Express in Palestine; Santa's North Pole Express in Grapevine; the North Pole Flyer in Bertram; The Christmas Train in Alvin; Santa's Railroad Wonderland in San Antonio. Two of the 6 Texas rides are the licensed Polar Express. The season starts November 13 with the Polar Express in Galveston and ends December 30.
What Christmas events are happening in Galveston, Texas, in 2026?
For families, Galveston has THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from Galveston RR Museum (November 13 to December 23, see ticket page). It includes hot chocolate and a cookie, the story read aloud, carols, Santa and the first gift of Christmas; a pre-ride show, food and letters to Santa in the depot. For other Galveston, Texas, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in Palestine, Texas, in 2026?
For families, Palestine has THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from Texas State Railroad (mid November to late December, from about $20). It includes hot chocolate and cookies served by the chefs while they read the book, Santa and his elves, a silver sleigh bell, carols on the way back. For other Palestine, Texas, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in Grapevine, Texas, in 2026?
For families, Grapevine has Santa's North Pole Express from Grapevine Vintage RR (November 27 to December 30, $90 to $100 per bench). It includes a ride to Reindeer Ridge to pick up Santa, who visits each bench; pajamas encouraged. Plan on about 45 minutes out and back. For other Grapevine, Texas, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Bertram, Texas, in 2026?
For families, Bertram has North Pole Flyer from Austin Steam Train (3 weekends, November 28 to December 13, $12 to $67). It includes Santa and Mrs. Claus with a photo, all-you-can-drink cocoa, a local holiday cookie, balloon twisting, caroling, a story, and a wooden train whistle and coloring sheets for every child under 13. For other Bertram, Texas, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in Alvin, Texas, in 2026?
For families, Alvin has The Christmas Train from Christmas Train Alvin (November 27 to December 23, $12.50 to $15). It includes the train ride; the Great Elf Show, letters to Santa, a Lost Toys hunt and the lakeside walking trail are free with admission. Plan on a loop through the light displays. For other Alvin, Texas, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in San Antonio, Texas, in 2026?
For families, San Antonio has Santa's Railroad Wonderland from Texas Transportation Museum (dates not posted, check museum). It includes decorated depot and model railroads, short train rides out to Wallaceville, and a visit with Santa. The short train ride runs out to a spot the museum calls Wallaceville, and the model railroads are dressed for December. For other San Antonio, Texas, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
Where can families near Houston, Texas find a Christmas train ride?
From Houston, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Galveston Union Depot, about 1 hour; Alvin (Victory Camp), about 35 minutes; Palestine Depot, about 2 hours 45 minutes. Each Texas ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Houston families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Dallas, Texas find a Christmas train ride?
From Dallas, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Palestine Depot, about 2 hours; Grapevine, about 30 minutes. Each Texas ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Dallas families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Fort Worth, Texas find a Christmas train ride?
From Fort Worth, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Grapevine, about 25 minutes. Each Texas ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Fort Worth families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Austin, Texas find a Christmas train ride?
From Austin, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Bertram Depot, about 1 hour. Each Texas ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Austin families can compare before they drive.
How early should we arrive for the Polar Express in Galveston?
Plan to arrive about an hour before your departure. The Galveston Railroad Museum uses that hour for food, a letters-to-Santa station and a short performance in the 1932 Union Depot. Final boarding is 10 minutes before the train leaves, and the whole visit, including the 60-minute ride, takes about two hours.
Is the Grapevine North Pole Express the same as the Polar Express?
No. Santa’s North Pole Express is the Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s own holiday train, not a licensed Polar Express ride. It is a shorter trip of about 45 minutes to Reindeer Ridge, tickets are sold by the two-seat bench for $90 to $100, and it runs from the day after Thanksgiving through December 30.
Do babies need a ticket for the North Pole Flyer in Bertram?
Yes, but it costs much less. The Austin Steam Train Association charges $12 for a child under 3 riding on a lap, while coach seats are $57 and lounge seats are $67. All seating is assigned ahead of time, so add the lap child when you book rather than at the depot.
Is there a sensory-friendly Polar Express in Texas?
Yes. The Galveston Railroad Museum runs sensory-friendly cars on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, at 5:30 and 7:15 pm. They are set aside for neurodiverse riders and their families. Ask the museum about these seats when you book, since they are separate from the regular coach and First Class tickets.
Are there any Texas Christmas trains after Christmas?
Yes. The Polar Express in Palestine runs until December 27; Santa's North Pole Express in Grapevine runs until December 30. Every other Texas ride on this page ends by Christmas Eve. The Polar Express in Palestine: mid-November through late December 2026; the full calendar is on the railroad's Polar page. Santa's North Pole Express in Grapevine: day after Thanksgiving through December 30, 2026, most days; December 3 trains leave from the Fort Worth Stockyards.
What is the cheapest Christmas train in Texas?
The lowest posted 2026 fare we found in Texas is for the North Pole Flyer in Bertram: $12 to $67. At the top end is Santa's North Pole Express in Grapevine: $90 to $100 per bench. Prices come from each Texas railroad's own listing and can change, so confirm at checkout. For the North Pole Flyer in Bertram: Coach $57, lounge $67; children under 3 on a lap $12.
Which Texas Christmas train is best for toddlers?
The shortest Texas ride, and usually the easiest for toddlers, is Santa's North Pole Express in Grapevine: about 45 minutes out and back. The longest is the North Pole Flyer in Bertram, at about 2 hours round trip. Ages for Santa's North Pole Express in Grapevine: good for ages 2 to 8; the short ride suits toddlers.
When do Texas Christmas train tickets go on sale?
On sale now: the Polar Express in Galveston; the Polar Express in Palestine; The Christmas Train in Alvin. Santa's North Pole Express in Grapevine: on sale since October 1, 2026. The North Pole Flyer in Bertram: on sale since July 8, 2026. Santa's Railroad Wonderland in San Antonio: check the museum for 2026. Popular Texas dates go first, so buy as soon as your ride opens.
Which Texas Christmas trains have Santa?
All 6 Texas rides on this page include Santa. The Polar Express in Galveston: hot chocolate and a cookie, the story read aloud, carols, Santa and the first gift of Christmas; a pre-ride show, food and letters to Santa in the depot. The Polar Express in Palestine: hot chocolate and cookies served by the chefs while they read the book, Santa and his elves, a silver sleigh bell, carols on the way back.
Are there steam-powered Christmas trains in Texas?
One Texas holiday train is listed with steam: the North Pole Flyer in Bertram. The North Pole Flyer in Bertram: Santa and Mrs. Claus with a photo, all-you-can-drink cocoa, a local holiday cookie, balloon twisting, caroling, a story, and a wooden train whistle and coloring sheets for every child under 13.
How much are tickets for the Polar Express in Galveston?
Fares for the Polar Express in Galveston: Coach (assigned rows) and First Class (tables of four with a souvenir mug); check the museum ticket page for 2026 prices. The Polar Express runs November 13 to December 23, 2026. Galveston RR Museum tickets: on sale now through the museum. Galveston RR Museum age rules: best for ages 3 to 9.
How much is the Polar Express in Palestine?
Fares for the Polar Express in Palestine: Six classes from Coach up to the Presidential cars; Coach has been listed from about $40 adult and $20 child, plus a $3 historical preservation fee per ticket. Season: Mid-November through late December 2026; the full calendar is on the railroad's Polar page. Texas State Railroad tickets: on sale now.
How much are tickets for Santa's North Pole Express in Grapevine?
Fares for Santa's North Pole Express in Grapevine: Sold by the bench (two seats): $90, $96 or $100 depending on day and time. Season: Day after Thanksgiving through December 30, 2026, most days; December 3 trains leave from the Fort Worth Stockyards. Grapevine Vintage RR tickets: on sale since October 1, 2026. Grapevine Vintage RR age rules: good for ages 2 to 8; the short ride suits toddlers.
What happens on the North Pole Flyer in Bertram?
The North Pole Flyer in Bertram includes Santa and Mrs. Claus with a photo, all-you-can-drink cocoa, a local holiday cookie, balloon twisting, caroling, a story, and a wooden train whistle and coloring sheets for every child under 13. For the Bertram ride, plan on about 2 hours round trip. It is the only holiday train in Texas with morning departures, and every child under 13 goes home with a wooden train whistle.
What does The Christmas Train in Alvin cost in 2026?
Fares for The Christmas Train in Alvin: Train tickets $12.50 standard, $15 peak. The Christmas Train runs November 27 and 28, December 4 and 5, 10 to 12, and 14 to 23, 2026, 6:00 to 10:00 pm (6:00 to 9:00 pm on December 10 and 14 to 17); train tickets sold in 30-minute blocks. Christmas Train Alvin tickets: on sale now in 30-minute time blocks.
What does Santa's Railroad Wonderland in San Antonio cost in 2026?
Fares for Santa's Railroad Wonderland in San Antonio: Last season: adults $15; check the museum for 2026. Santa's Railroad Wonderland runs 2026 dates not posted yet; last year it ran six December weekend nights, 5:30 to 9:00 pm. Texas Transportation Museum tickets: check the museum for 2026. Texas Transportation Museum age rules: made for ages 2 to 8.
What happens on the Polar Express in Galveston?
The Polar Express in Galveston includes hot chocolate and a cookie, the story read aloud, carols, Santa and the first gift of Christmas; a pre-ride show, food and letters to Santa in the depot. For the Galveston ride, plan on about 1 hour on the train; allow about 2 hours in all. Rail Events and Warner Bros. gave Galveston the 2023 Polar Bell Award for Best Prologue, the show families watch in the depot before boarding.
How long is the Polar Express in Palestine?
For the Palestine ride, plan on about 1 hour; check in about 45 minutes early. Included with the Polar Express in Palestine: hot chocolate and cookies served by the chefs while they read the book, Santa and his elves, a silver sleigh bell, carols on the way back. You can add the gift-wrapped official book to your order so your child opens it as their first gift of the season and reads along with the cocoa chefs.