Christmas Train Rides in Vermont (2026)

Oct 14

16 min read

Vermont’s holiday trains are community events, run for a weekend or a single day by volunteers. The licensed Polar Express in Burlington is the Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation’s big fundraiser, two days only, with tickets handed out by lottery. Down south, the Okemo Valley chamber runs an hour-long Holiday Express from Chester Depot, and Bellows Falls firefighters run a Santa Train along the Williams River. Plan early; every one of them is short. For other states, see our Polar Express and Christmas train guide.

The short version

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Burlington: Dec 5 and 6, $40
Okemo Valley Holiday Express, Chester: Dec 19 and 20, Up to $34.74
Bellows Falls Santa Train, Bellows Falls: Nov 28, $29

Watercolor illustration: Rally the corgi stands on a red train seat looking out at falling snow, a lit Christmas tree and a white dove. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird! — Rally on a Christmas train ride, watching the snow and a lit tree go by.

Vermont holiday trains at a glance

Holiday trains: 3 confirmed for 2026
Licensed Polar Express: Burlington
Season: November 28 to December 20, 2026
Lowest fare: $29 (Bellows Falls Firefighters)
After Christmas: No rides found
Last checked: October 13, 2026

Plan your date

When each Vermont Christmas train runs

Bellows Falls Santa Train in Bellows Falls starts first, on November 28, and Okemo Valley Holiday Express in Chester runs the latest, to December 20. Each bar spans a ride’s season, not every day in it, so check the railroad’s calendar for exact dates.

Bellows Falls Santa TrainBellows Falls · Nov 28
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train RideBurlington · Dec 5 and 6
Okemo Valley Holiday ExpressChester · Dec 19 and 20

Look inside the book

Riding a Vermont 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.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Vermont's Holiday Trains for 2026

On the map

Where Vermont’s Christmas trains leave from

1Burlington: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
2Chester: Okemo Valley Holiday Express
3Bellows Falls: Bellows Falls Santa Train

Licensed Polar Express Other holiday trains. Faint dots are Vermont towns, for shape.

One licensed Polar Express and two community Santa trains, five days in all.

Vermont's 2026 holiday trains at a glance

Ride	Town	Season	Price	Tickets
Vermont Children's Trust Foundation	Burlington	Dec 5 and 6	$40	By lottery
Okemo Valley Chamber	Chester	Dec 19 and 20	Up to $34.74	On sale now
Bellows Falls Firefighters	Bellows Falls	Nov 28	$29	On sale now

Burlington: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride for the Vermont Children's Trust Foundation

Licensed Polar ExpressVermont Children's Trust Foundation · Burlington

Operator: Vermont Children's Trust Foundation(opens in a new tab)
Boards at: Wing Building, King Street (boarding) and Burlington Union Station, Burlington
Season: Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, 2026
Ride length: About 1 hour 15 minutes in all, including a 20-minute train ride
What's included: Cocoa and cookies from the chefs, a carol sing-along, the story read aloud at Union Station with the book's art on a big screen, and a bell from Santa
Price: $40 per person, limit five per order; children under 2 on a lap free; tickets by lottery or with a donation
Tickets: Lottery and donor tickets only
Best ages: All ages; under 2 free on a lap

Burlington’s Polar Express begins in the Wing Building lobby at the bottom of King Street. Conductors board families for a 20-minute ride to the “North Pole,” which is Union Station, while chefs serve cocoa and cookies and the conductors lead carols. At the station, kids walk through a line of cheering elves, hear the story read aloud with the book’s artwork on a big screen, and then Santa appears and hands each child a bell. Pajamas are encouraged.

The whole visit takes about an hour and 15 minutes. Tickets are $40, but you cannot just buy them: more than 700 go to the public by random draw from an interest list, and donors of $250 or more get access too, so sign up early. The event is accessible; email special services by December 1 with your train time. Kids with food allergies should bring their own cocoa and cookies, and there is a sensory-friendly train.

Check dates and tickets with Vermont Children's Trust Foundation(opens in a new tab)

Chester: the Okemo Valley Holiday Express

Santa trainOkemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce · Chester

Operator: Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce(opens in a new tab)
Boards at: Chester Depot, Chester
Season: Saturday and Sunday, December 19 and 20, 2026, at 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm
Ride length: About 1 hour
What's included: Cocoa and cookies, holiday singing, Santa and his elves, a keepsake ornament, a holiday songbook and a letter to Santa
Price: Up to $34.74 per ticket with fees on the chamber's ticket page
Tickets: On sale now
Best ages: All ages

The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce runs its Holiday Express from the old Chester Depot on the last weekend before Christmas. It is an hour-long ride through the winter countryside with hot cocoa and cookies, holiday singing and caroling, and a visit from Santa and his elves. Each ticket includes a keepsake ornament, a holiday songbook and a letter to Santa.

Check dates and tickets with Okemo Valley Chamber(opens in a new tab)

Bellows Falls: the Firefighters' Santa Train

Santa trainBellows Falls Firefighters' Association · Bellows Falls

Operator: Bellows Falls Firefighters' Association(opens in a new tab)
Boards at: Depot Street, Bellows Falls
Season: Saturday, November 28, 2026, at 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm
Ride length: About 45 minutes
What's included: A ride along the Williams River with Santa and friends, with hot cocoa, candy canes and cookies
Price: $29 per person with no added fees; 2 and under free on a lap
Tickets: On sale now on Eventbrite only
Best ages: All ages; 2 and under free on a lap

The Bellows Falls Firefighters’ Association runs this Santa Train once a year, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It is a 45-minute ride along the Williams River with Santa and friends on board, and every rider gets hot cocoa, a candy cane and cookies.

Tickets are $29 with no fees added at checkout, and kids 2 and under ride free on a lap. Buy only from the official Eventbrite page; the firefighters ask families not to buy from anyone else. Refunds are available up to seven days before the ride. There are no restrooms on the train, so use the ones at the station first.

Check dates and tickets with Bellows Falls Firefighters(opens in a new tab)

From the Rally Shop

Stocking stuffers for the train fan

After the cocoa and the sleigh bells, these two from our shop keep the train day going: one for the tree and one for the kitchen table on a snowy afternoon.

Rally the Corgi Watercolor Ornament
Glossy ceramic, about 3 inches across, with the same watercolor painting on both sides and a gold-colored string. A first ornament for a new baby, or a new one for the tree each year.
See the ornament: Rally the Corgi Watercolor Ornament
Rally Takes the Train Jigsaw Puzzle with Tin
Rally at the window of the red train as it heads into the tunnel, in 30 or 110 pieces, packed in a white metal tin with the painting on the lid. For ages 4 and up. 30 pieces for younger kids, 110 for big kids.
See the puzzle: Rally Takes the Train Jigsaw Puzzle with Tin

Painted by Leslie Dunn in real watercolor, made to order, with US delivery usually in 6 to 9 days. Browse the Rally Shop

Which Vermont Holiday Train Fits Your Family

Watercolor of Rally standing on a red train seat, looking out an arched window at the ocean and a white bird. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird! — Window seat, nose to the glass: the spot every kid on a Vermont holiday train will want.

Your kids love the book

Burlington’s Polar Express, if you win a ticket in the drawing.

You want a sure thing

The Okemo Valley Holiday Express or the Bellows Falls Santa Train, which both sell tickets to anyone.

Toddlers

The 45-minute Bellows Falls ride or the short Burlington train.

Early in the season

Bellows Falls on November 28, the earliest of the three.

Vermont Holiday Train Details Worth Knowing

Watercolor of a conductor in a blue suit shaking Rally's paw while Rally sits on a red seat holding his ticket in his mouth. Text: Hello Mr. Conductor, are you a new friend? Rally hoped this ride wouldn't end. — Ticket in his mouth, Rally meets the conductor, just like kids boarding a Vermont holiday train.

The Hartford Polar Express

The Rotary Club of White River Junction has also run a Polar Express in recent years, and its 2025 trains on December 13 and 14 sold out. It had not posted 2026 details when we checked.

Getting there by Amtrak

The Vermonter stops in Bellows Falls, White River Junction and Essex Junction, and the Ethan Allen Express runs to Burlington. See our Vermonter with kids guide.

How Far Vermont's Holiday Trains Are From Major Towns

Watercolor of Rally the corgi stretched out on a wooden floor beside his blue dog bed and a packed suitcase. Text: It was quite early to be out of bed, but Rally the Corgi had a big journey ahead. — Too excited to sleep: the night before a Vermont Christmas train ride.

Typical winter drive times on clear roads.

Starting from	To	Drive
Montpelier	Burlington	About 45 minutes
Rutland	Chester	About 45 minutes
Brattleboro	Bellows Falls	About 30 minutes
Burlington	Chester	About 2 hours 15 minutes
Keene, NH	Bellows Falls	About 30 minutes

If the Burlington drawing does not go your way, the licensed Polar Express rides on our New Hampshire page and our Massachusetts page are within a few hours of southern Vermont, and northwestern Vermont is close to the trains on our New York page.

Free to print

For a snow day at home

Free printable Rally pages with a red train, a maze and a word search.

Get the free printables

Hello, Cute White Bird

Watercolor page: Grandmommy and Papa greet Rally the corgi at the station. — Grandmommy and Papa waiting on the platform to greet Rally the corgi.

In our Christmas picture, Rally watches the snow and a white dove from his train window, and that is what a Vermont holiday train feels like to me: quiet, snowy and a little bit storybook. At the end of his ride, Grandmommy and Papa are waiting, which is my favorite page.

My mom started Rally’s story, and I finished it after she passed; our story page tells the rest. Print our free Rally coloring pages for a snow day at home.

A train story for Vermont 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 (opens in a new tab)

Watercolor view from inside a dark tunnel looking out at a sunny beach, cliffs and the train track. Text: And with his big ears, Rally heard the sound of happy cheers. Goodbye tunnel! You caused us no trouble. — Out of the tunnel and into the sunshine, from Rally Takes the Train.

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 New Hampshire
Christmas trains in Massachusetts
Christmas trains in New York
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

Checked against each railroad’s own pages on October 13, 2026. 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.

Vermont Christmas trains: questions parents ask

Is there a Polar Express train ride in Vermont?

Yes. The Vermont Children's Trust Foundation runs the licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in Burlington on December 5 and 6, 2026. The 20-minute ride goes from the Wing Building on King Street to Union Station, where the story is read and Santa gives each child a bell.

What Christmas train rides are in Vermont in 2026?

We confirmed three holiday train rides in Vermont for 2026: the Polar Express in Burlington; the Okemo Valley Holiday Express in Chester; the Bellows Falls Santa Train. One of the 3 Vermont rides is the licensed Polar Express. The season starts November 28 with the Bellows Falls Santa Train and ends December 20.

What Christmas events are there in Burlington, Vermont, this year?

For families, Burlington has THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from Vermont Children's Trust Foundation (December 5 and 6, $40). It includes cocoa and cookies from the chefs, a carol sing-along, the story read aloud at Union Station with the book's art on a big screen, and a bell from Santa. For other Burlington, Vermont, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.

What holiday events for kids are in Chester, Vermont, in 2026?

For families, Chester has Okemo Valley Holiday Express from Okemo Valley Chamber (December 19 and 20, up to $34.74). It includes cocoa and cookies, holiday singing, Santa and his elves, a keepsake ornament, a holiday songbook and a letter to Santa. Plan on about 1 hour. For other Chester, Vermont, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.

What Christmas events are happening in Bellows Falls, Vermont, in 2026?

For families, Bellows Falls has Bellows Falls Santa Train from Bellows Falls Firefighters (November 28, $29). It includes a ride along the Williams River with Santa and friends, with hot cocoa, candy canes and cookies. Plan on about 45 minutes. It runs on a single day, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and tickets are sold only on the official Eventbrite page. For other Bellows Falls, Vermont, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.

Where can families near Montpelier, Vermont find a Christmas train ride?

From Montpelier, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Burlington, about 45 minutes. Each Vermont ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Montpelier families can compare before they drive.

Where can families near Rutland, Vermont find a Christmas train ride?

From Rutland, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Chester, about 45 minutes. Each Vermont ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Rutland families can compare before they drive.

Where can families near Brattleboro, Vermont find a Christmas train ride?

From Brattleboro, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Bellows Falls, about 30 minutes. Each Vermont ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Brattleboro families can compare before they drive.

Where can families near Keene, NH find a Christmas train ride?

From Keene, NH, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Bellows Falls, about 30 minutes. Each Vermont ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Keene, NH families can compare before they drive.

How do you get Burlington Polar Express tickets?

Tickets are $40 each, with a limit of five per order, and children under 2 on a lap ride free. More than 700 are sold to the public by random drawing from an interest list on the foundation's site, and donors of $250 or more can also buy tickets.

When is the Okemo Valley Holiday Express?

The Okemo Valley Holiday Express runs from Chester Depot on December 19 and 20, 2026, with trains at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm. The hour-long ride includes cocoa, cookies, singing, Santa, a keepsake ornament and a songbook.

When is the Bellows Falls Santa Train?

The Bellows Falls Santa Train runs on Saturday, November 28, 2026, with departures at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm. The 45-minute ride costs $29 with no added fees, children 2 and under ride free on a lap, and tickets are sold only on Eventbrite.

Do any Vermont Christmas trains run after Christmas?

No Vermont holiday train we could confirm runs after Christmas in 2026. The last one on this page is the Okemo Valley Holiday Express in Chester, which runs until December 20. For a ride after the 25th, look at the states near Vermont in the drive-time table above. Every ticket comes with a keepsake ornament and a songbook, so kids go home with something to hang on the tree.

What is the cheapest Christmas train in Vermont?

The lowest posted 2026 fare we found in Vermont is for the Bellows Falls Santa Train: $29. At the top end is the Polar Express in Burlington: $40. Prices come from each Vermont railroad's own listing and can change, so confirm at checkout. For the Bellows Falls Santa Train: $29 per person with no added fees; 2 and under free on a lap.

Which Vermont Christmas train is best for toddlers?

The shortest Vermont ride, and usually the easiest for toddlers, is the Bellows Falls Santa Train: about 45 minutes. The longest is the Polar Express in Burlington, at about 1 hour 15 minutes in all, including a 20-minute train ride. Ages for the Bellows Falls Santa Train: all ages; 2 and under free on a lap.

Which Vermont Christmas trains have Santa?

All 3 Vermont rides on this page include Santa. The Polar Express in Burlington: cocoa and cookies from the chefs, a carol sing-along, the story read aloud at Union Station with the book's art on a big screen, and a bell from Santa. The Okemo Valley Holiday Express in Chester: cocoa and cookies, holiday singing, Santa and his elves, a keepsake ornament, a holiday songbook and a letter to Santa.

Can you take Amtrak to a Christmas train in Vermont?

The Vermonter stops in Bellows Falls, White River Junction and Essex Junction, and the Ethan Allen Express runs to Burlington. See our Vermonter with kids guide.

What happens on the Polar Express in Burlington?

The Polar Express in Burlington includes cocoa and cookies from the chefs, a carol sing-along, the story read aloud at Union Station with the book's art on a big screen, and a bell from Santa. For the Burlington ride, plan on about 1 hour 15 minutes in all, including a 20-minute train ride. More than 700 volunteers run it, and kids walk off the train through a crowd of cheering elves who call them by the name on their name tag.

How much is the Okemo Valley Holiday Express in Chester?

Fares for the Okemo Valley Holiday Express in Chester: Up to $34.74 per ticket with fees on the chamber's ticket page. The Okemo Valley Holiday Express runs Saturday and Sunday, December 19 and 20, 2026, at 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Okemo Valley Chamber tickets: on sale now. Okemo Valley Chamber age rules: all ages.

How much are tickets for the Bellows Falls Santa Train?

The Bellows Falls Santa Train costs $29 per person with no added fees; 2 and under free on a lap. The Bellows Falls Santa Train runs Saturday, November 28, 2026, at 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Bellows Falls Firefighters tickets: on sale now on Eventbrite only. Bellows Falls Firefighters age rules: all ages; 2 and under free on a lap.

Any tips for the Polar Express in Burlington with young kids?

How long is the Okemo Valley Holiday Express in Chester?

For the Chester ride, plan on about 1 hour. Included with the Okemo Valley Holiday Express in Chester: cocoa and cookies, holiday singing, Santa and his elves, a keepsake ornament, a holiday songbook and a letter to Santa. Every ticket comes with a keepsake ornament and a songbook, so kids go home with something to hang on the tree.

What is included with the Bellows Falls Santa Train?

The Bellows Falls Santa Train includes a ride along the Williams River with Santa and friends, with hot cocoa, candy canes and cookies. For the Bellows Falls ride, plan on about 45 minutes. It runs on a single day, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and tickets are sold only on the official Eventbrite page.

Do babies need a ticket for the Polar Express in Burlington?

Vermont Children's Trust Foundation lists ages as: all ages; under 2 free on a lap. On fares: children under 2 on a lap free. For the Burlington ride, plan on about 1 hour 15 minutes in all, including a 20-minute train ride. More than 700 volunteers run it, and kids walk off the train through a crowd of cheering elves who call them by the name on their name tag.

Where does the Okemo Valley Holiday Express in Chester leave from?

The Okemo Valley Holiday Express in Chester boards at Chester Depot, 563 Depot Street, in Chester. Okemo Valley Chamber tickets: on sale now. Every ticket comes with a keepsake ornament and a songbook, so kids go home with something to hang on the tree.

What should parents know before riding the Bellows Falls Santa Train?

Any tips for the Okemo Valley Holiday Express in Chester with young kids?

There are five trains each day, from 9 am to 5 pm. Chester Depot is on Depot Street off Route 103, a short drive from Ludlow and Okemo Mountain, so it fits easily into a ski weekend. Questions go to the chamber at 802-228-5830. It is an hour-long ride through the winter countryside with hot cocoa and cookies, holiday singing and caroling, and a visit from Santa and his elves.

christmas train ridesholiday train ridesvermonttrain rides with kids

Kelsey Cecil