Christmas Train Rides in Virginia (2026)
Virginia has more ways to ride with Santa than most people realize. The Virginia Scenic Railway runs its Santa Express from Staunton in the Shenandoah Valley and, new last season, from Louisa in central Virginia. In Northern Virginia, VRE commuter trains carry Santa for one Saturday at $6 a seat, and a hobby shop in Alexandria runs its own Santa train to Manassas. From Ashland, a toy store charters Amtrak cars for a Santa day trip to Colonial Williamsburg. There is no licensed Polar Express in Virginia; see our Polar Express and Christmas train guide for the nearest.
The short version
- The Santa Express, Staunton: Nov 28 to Dec 23, from $50
- The Santa Express, Louisa: Nov 28 to Dec 23, $65
- VRE Santa Trains, Manassas: Dec 12, $6
- Ashland Santa Train, Ashland: Six December days, from $65
- Santa Railway Express, Alexandria: Dec 7 to 21, Under $30
- No licensed Polar Express runs in Virginia in 2026; the closest options are in the drive-time table
Virginia holiday trains at a glance
- Holiday trains
- 5 confirmed for 2026
- Licensed Polar Express
- None in Virginia in 2026
- Season
- November 28 to December 23, 2026
- Lowest fare
- $6 (VRE)
- After Christmas
- No rides found
- Last checked
Plan your date
When each Virginia Christmas train runs
The Santa Express in Staunton has the longest season, November 28 to December 23. Each bar spans a ride’s season, not every day in it, so check the railroad’s calendar for exact dates.
- The Santa ExpressStaunton · Nov 28 to Dec 23
- The Santa ExpressLouisa · Nov 28 to Dec 23
- Ashland Santa TrainAshland · Six December days
- Santa Railway ExpressAlexandria · Dec 7 to 21
- VRE Santa TrainsManassas · Dec 12
Look inside the book
Riding a Virginia 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.
Virginia's Santa Trains for 2026
On the map
Where Virginia’s Christmas trains leave from
- 1Alexandria: Santa Railway Express
- 2Manassas: VRE Santa Trains
- 3Staunton: The Santa Express
- 4Louisa: The Santa Express
- 5Ashland: Ashland Santa Train
Licensed Polar Express Other holiday trains. Faint dots are Virginia towns, for shape.
Five ways to ride with Santa, from the Shenandoah Valley to the Potomac.
Virginia's 2026 holiday trains at a glance
| Ride | Town | Season | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Scenic Railway | Staunton | Nov 28 to Dec 23 | From $50 | Some sold out |
| Virginia Scenic Railway | Louisa | Nov 28 to Dec 23 | $65 | Selling out |
| VRE | Manassas | Dec 12 | $6 | On sale Nov 30 |
| Tiny Tim's Trains & Toys | Ashland | Six December days | From $65 | Call the store |
| Whistle Stop Hobbies | Alexandria | Dec 7 to 21 | Under $30 | In store only |
Staunton: the Santa Express on the Virginia Scenic Railway
Santa trainVirginia Scenic Railway (Buckingham Branch Railroad) · Staunton
- Operator
- Virginia Scenic Railway (Buckingham Branch Railroad)(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Virginia Scenic Railway, Staunton, Staunton
- Season
- Tuesdays to Sundays, November 28 to December 23, 2026; up to six departures a day from 10:00 or 11:00 am into the evening
- Ride length
- About 1 hour
- What's included
- Hot chocolate and a holiday cookie, holiday music, a visit from Santa, and a goody bag with candy canes, a coloring sheet and a Santa coin
- Price
- Coach $50 per person, upper dome $60, table seating $65; 2 and under free on a lap
- Tickets
- On sale now; some departures sold out
- Best ages
- All ages; 2 and under free on a lap
The Virginia Scenic Railway is better known for its long Shenandoah Valley trips, but the Santa Express is about what happens inside the train. For about an hour, families get a holiday cookie at boarding, warm hot chocolate, holiday music and a visit from Santa as he walks through every car. Kids in Coach get a goody bag with mini candy canes, a coloring sheet and a souvenir Santa coin.
There are three ways to ride. Coach is $50, with forward-facing seats and tray tables. The upper dome is $60, and table seating with plated cookies and table service is $65. The railroad assigns seats, and lap riders 2 and under are free. Arrive 30 minutes early and dress warmly for the wait on the platform. Some departures were already sold out when we checked.
Check dates and tickets with Virginia Scenic Railway(opens in a new tab)Louisa: the Santa Express in Central Virginia
Santa trainVirginia Scenic Railway (Buckingham Branch Railroad) · Louisa
- Operator
- Virginia Scenic Railway (Buckingham Branch Railroad)(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Virginia Scenic Railway, Louisa, Louisa
- Season
- Tuesdays to Sundays, November 28 to December 23, 2026
- Ride length
- About 1 hour
- What's included
- Plated cookies, hot chocolate or coffee at your table, holiday music, a Santa coin and a personal visit from Santa
- Price
- $65 per person at reserved tables; 2 and under free on a lap
- Tickets
- On sale now; most early dates sold out
- Best ages
- All ages; 2 and under free on a lap
The Virginia Scenic Railway opened a second station in Louisa last year on a restored historic platform, and its Santa Express runs here too, about an hour from Richmond. In Louisa it is the table experience: reserved tables for two or four, plated cookies, your choice of hot chocolate or coffee, holiday music, a souvenir Santa coin and a personal visit from Santa.
Tickets are $65 per person. Parking at the station is free. Louisa is the easier drive for Richmond and Charlottesville families, and it was selling faster than Staunton when we checked, with most departures on the first weekends gone.
Check dates and tickets with Virginia Scenic Railway(opens in a new tab)Northern Virginia: VRE Santa Trains
Santa trainVirginia Railway Express · Manassas
- Operator
- Virginia Railway Express(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Manassas VRE station, Manassas
- Season
- Saturday, December 12, 2026; trains from several VRE stations, on the schedule VRE posts
- Ride length
- A short round trip on a VRE commuter train
- What's included
- Santa and friends on board, with helpers handing out candy canes and coloring books
- Price
- $5 cash or $6 card in person from November 30; $6 online from December 1; every rider needs a ticket, infants too
- Tickets
- In person November 30; online December 1
- Best ages
- All ages; everyone needs a ticket, infants included
VRE calls Santa Trains its biggest day of the year. On one Saturday in December, the commuter railroad runs special trains with Santa and friends on board, and helpers hand out candy canes and coloring books. The point is fun with a lesson: the event promotes Operation Lifesaver’s “Look, Listen and Live” rail safety message.
Tickets are cheap and go fast. In-person sales open Monday, November 30, at designated vendors for $5 cash or $6 by card, and online sales on Eventbrite start December 1 at $6. Everyone needs a ticket, babies included, with a limit of six per person and no refunds. Check VRE’s schedule for the stations and times.
Check dates and tickets with VRE(opens in a new tab)Ashland: the Ashland Santa Train to Colonial Williamsburg
Santa train day tripTiny Tim's Trains & Toys · Ashland
- Operator
- Tiny Tim's Trains & Toys(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Ashland Amtrak station, Ashland
- Season
- December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20, 2026; leaves Ashland at 8:47 am and returns at 5:47 pm
- Ride length
- A full day: about 2 hours each way, with the middle of the day in Williamsburg
- What's included
- Coffee and cocoa with Mrs. Claus at the station, reserved Amtrak cars, Santa, elves and carols on board, and free time in Colonial Williamsburg
- Price
- $125 adults and $65 children 2 to 12, according to the store's ticket post; infants under 2 ride on a lap
- Tickets
- Sold in the store or by phone, 804-368-0063
- Best ages
- All ages; under 2 on a lap
Tiny Tim’s Trains & Toys sits on Railroad Avenue in Ashland, where the store counts about 60 trains a day passing its front door, and its Santa Train is a full day out. Families meet Mrs. Claus for coffee and cocoa at the Ashland Amtrak station, ride reserved Amtrak cars to Williamsburg with Santa, elves and carols on board, spend the middle of the day in Colonial Williamsburg and Merchants Square, and ride back in the late afternoon.
The 2026 schedule leaves Ashland at 8:47 am, reaches Williamsburg at 10:36, leaves again at 4:07 pm and gets home at 5:47. Tickets are sold only through the store at 104 S. Railroad Avenue or by phone at 804-368-0063. Pack snacks and a stroller for the walk around town; it is a long, happy day for little kids.
Check dates and tickets with Tiny Tim's Trains & Toys(opens in a new tab)Alexandria: the Santa Railway Express to Old Town Manassas
Santa trainWhistle Stop Hobbies · Alexandria
- Operator
- Whistle Stop Hobbies(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- King Street Station, Alexandria
- Season
- Mondays, December 7, 14 and 21, and Thursday, December 17, 2026; leaves at 1:30 pm, back at 4:30 pm
- Ride length
- About 3 hours, including about 1 hour 15 minutes in Manassas
- What's included
- Mr. and Mrs. Claus on board with a treat, then hot chocolate, cookies, story time and a Q&A with Santa at the Manassas station
- Price
- Just under $30 per person; everyone needs a ticket, infants included
- Tickets
- On sale now, in person only at Whistle Stop Hobbies
- Best ages
- All ages; infants need a ticket
Whistle Stop Hobbies has run its Santa Railway Express for 20 years. The train leaves King Street Station in Alexandria at 1:30 pm with Mr. and Mrs. Claus on board greeting kids with a holiday treat. In Old Town Manassas everyone gets off for about an hour and 15 minutes of hot chocolate, cookies and water, story time inside the station and a Q&A with Santa on the platform, then rides back by 4:30.
Tickets are just under $30 for everyone, including babies, and each train holds 200 people. You have to buy them in person at the shop. The rides fall on weekdays, so this one suits preschoolers and homeschool families best.
Check dates and tickets with Whistle Stop Hobbies(opens in a new tab)Which Virginia Santa Train Fits Your Family
Toddlers
The one-hour Santa Express in Staunton or Louisa, or a short VRE Santa Train.
Northern Virginia on a budget
VRE Santa Trains, $5 or $6 a seat, if you are quick when tickets open.
A day to remember
The Ashland Santa Train to Colonial Williamsburg.
Richmond families
Louisa’s Santa Express, about an hour away, or Ashland, about 20 minutes north.
More Holiday Train Traditions in Virginia
The CSX Santa Train
On Saturday, November 21, the CSX Santa Train makes its 84th run, a tradition since 1943, through the mountains of Kentucky, southwest Virginia and Tennessee. Santa hands out gifts from the back of the train at stops along the way; you watch rather than ride.
Getting there by Amtrak
The Cardinal stops at Staunton’s downtown depot, near the Santa Express boarding area, and the Northeast Regional stops in Ashland and Alexandria. See our Cardinal with kids guide.
How Far Virginia's Santa Trains Are From Major Cities
Typical drive times without holiday traffic.
| Starting from | To | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville | Staunton | About 45 minutes |
| Richmond | Louisa | About 1 hour |
| Richmond | Ashland | About 25 minutes |
| Roanoke | Staunton | About 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Washington, DC | Alexandria King Street Station | About 20 minutes |
The nearest licensed Polar Express rides are on our Maryland page and our North Carolina page. Western Virginia families can also look at the trains on our West Virginia page.
Free to print
For a long train day
Free printable Rally pages with a red train, a maze and a word search.
Get the free printablesA Real Train, a Real Day Out
Rally’s trip in our book is a real train ride on a regular train, with a real destination and family waiting at the station. The Ashland Santa Train is the closest thing I’ve seen to that for little kids: board in a small town, ride Amtrak, and step off somewhere new.
My mom dreamed up Rally’s first adventure, and I finished the book after she passed; our story page tells how. Our free Rally coloring pages fit in a backpack for a long train day.
A train story for Virginia 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 Maryland
- Christmas trains in North Carolina
- Christmas trains in West Virginia
- 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
- Virginia Scenic Railway: The Santa Express(opens in a new tab)
- VRE: Santa Trains 2026(opens in a new tab)
- Downtown Ashland: Ashland Santa Train raffle and itinerary(opens in a new tab)
- Whistle Stop Hobbies: Annual Santa Train(opens in a new tab)
- American-Rails: Virginia Christmas Train Rides (2026)(opens in a new tab)
Checked against each railroad’s own pages on . THE POLAR EXPRESS is a trademark of Warner Bros. Entertainment. Each ride is run by the railroad or museum named above; Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Rail Events or any railroad listed here. Book only through the operator’s own site, and confirm dates and prices there before you go.
Virginia Christmas trains: questions parents ask
Is there a Polar Express train ride in Virginia?
No. Virginia has no licensed Polar Express ride in 2026. Its Santa trains include the Virginia Scenic Railway's Santa Express in Staunton and Louisa, VRE Santa Trains, the Ashland Santa Train and the Santa Railway Express from Alexandria. The nearest licensed rides are in Maryland and North Carolina.
What Christmas train rides are in Virginia in 2026?
We confirmed five holiday train rides in Virginia for 2026: The Santa Express in Staunton; The Santa Express in Louisa; VRE Santa Trains in Manassas; the Ashland Santa Train; the Santa Railway Express in Alexandria. None of them is a licensed Polar Express ride, which Virginia does not have in 2026. The season starts November 28 with The Santa Express in Staunton and ends December 23.
What Christmas events are happening in Staunton, Virginia, in 2026?
For families, Staunton has The Santa Express from Virginia Scenic Railway (November 28 to December 23, from $50). It includes hot chocolate and a holiday cookie, holiday music, a visit from Santa, and a goody bag with candy canes, a coloring sheet and a Santa coin. For other Staunton, Virginia, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in Louisa, Virginia, in 2026?
For families, Louisa has The Santa Express from Virginia Scenic Railway (November 28 to December 23, $65). It includes plated cookies, hot chocolate or coffee at your table, holiday music, a Santa coin and a personal visit from Santa. Plan on about 1 hour. Louisa offers the table seating experience only, so every family gets its own table for two or four. For other Louisa, Virginia, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Manassas, Virginia, in 2026?
For families, Manassas has VRE Santa Trains from VRE (December 12, $6). It includes Santa and friends on board, with helpers handing out candy canes and coloring books. Plan on a short round trip on a VRE commuter train. Bring an unwrapped toy: the Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg, Manassas, Burke Centre and Woodbridge stations collect for Toys for Tots that day. For other Manassas, Virginia, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are there in Ashland, Virginia, this year?
For families, Ashland has Ashland Santa Train from Tiny Tim's Trains & Toys (six December days, from $65). It includes coffee and cocoa with Mrs. Claus at the station, reserved Amtrak cars, Santa, elves and carols on board, and free time in Colonial Williamsburg. Plan on a full day: about 2 hours each way, with the middle of the day in Williamsburg. For other Ashland, Virginia, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are there in Alexandria, Virginia, this year?
For families, Alexandria has Santa Railway Express from Whistle Stop Hobbies (December 7 to 21, under $30). It includes Mr. and Mrs. Claus on board with a treat, then hot chocolate, cookies, story time and a Q&A with Santa at the Manassas station. Plan on about 3 hours, including about 1 hour 15 minutes in Manassas. For other Alexandria, Virginia, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
Where can families near Charlottesville, Virginia find a Christmas train ride?
From Charlottesville, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Staunton, about 45 minutes. Each Virginia ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Charlottesville families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Richmond, Virginia find a Christmas train ride?
From Richmond, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Louisa, about 1 hour; Ashland, about 25 minutes. Each Virginia ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Richmond families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Roanoke, Virginia find a Christmas train ride?
From Roanoke, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Staunton, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Each Virginia ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Roanoke families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Washington, DC find a Christmas train ride?
From Washington, DC, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Alexandria King Street Station, about 20 minutes. Each Virginia ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Washington, DC families can compare before they drive.
How much is the Virginia Scenic Railway Santa Express?
In Staunton, Coach seats cost $50 per person, upper dome seats $60 and table seating $65. Louisa offers table seating only, at $65, and lap kids 2 and under are free. Each ride lasts about an hour with cocoa, cookies and a visit from Santa.
When are the VRE Santa Trains in 2026?
VRE Santa Trains run on Saturday, December 12, 2026. In-person tickets go on sale Monday, November 30, for $5 cash or $6 by card, and online tickets go on sale December 1 for $6. Every rider needs a ticket, including infants, and tickets sell out.
What is the Ashland Santa Train?
The Ashland Santa Train is a day trip run by Tiny Tim's Trains & Toys in reserved Amtrak cars from Ashland to Colonial Williamsburg, with Santa, elves and carols on board. It runs December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20, 2026. Tickets are sold through the store.
Do any Virginia Christmas trains run after Christmas?
No Virginia holiday train we could confirm runs after Christmas in 2026. The last one on this page is The Santa Express in Staunton, which runs until December 23. For a ride after the 25th, look at the states near Virginia in the drive-time table above. Coach seats all face forward with tray tables, which the railroad says are made for coloring and cookie nibbling.
What is the cheapest Christmas train in Virginia?
The lowest posted 2026 fare we found in Virginia is for VRE Santa Trains in Manassas: $6. At the top end is the Ashland Santa Train: from $65. Prices come from each Virginia railroad's own listing and can change, so confirm at checkout. For VRE Santa Trains in Manassas: $5 cash or $6 card in person from November 30; $6 online from December 1; every rider needs a ticket, infants too.
Which Virginia Christmas train is best for toddlers?
The shortest Virginia ride, and usually the easiest for toddlers, is The Santa Express in Staunton: about 1 hour. The longest is the Santa Railway Express in Alexandria, at about 3 hours, including about 1 hour 15 minutes in Manassas. Ages for The Santa Express in Staunton: all ages; 2 and under free on a lap.
When do Virginia Christmas train tickets go on sale?
On sale now: The Santa Express in Staunton; The Santa Express in Louisa; the Santa Railway Express in Alexandria. VRE Santa Trains in Manassas: in person November 30; online December 1. The Ashland Santa Train: sold in the store or by phone, 804-368-0063. Popular Virginia dates go first, so buy as soon as your ride opens.
Which Virginia Christmas trains have Santa?
All 5 Virginia rides on this page include Santa. The Santa Express in Staunton: hot chocolate and a holiday cookie, holiday music, a visit from Santa, and a goody bag with candy canes, a coloring sheet and a Santa coin. The Santa Express in Louisa: plated cookies, hot chocolate or coffee at your table, holiday music, a Santa coin and a personal visit from Santa.
Can you take Amtrak to a Christmas train in Virginia?
The Cardinal stops at Staunton’s downtown depot, near the Santa Express boarding area, and the Northeast Regional stops in Ashland and Alexandria. See our Cardinal with kids guide.
What happens on The Santa Express in Staunton?
The Santa Express in Staunton includes hot chocolate and a holiday cookie, holiday music, a visit from Santa, and a goody bag with candy canes, a coloring sheet and a Santa coin. For the Staunton ride, plan on about 1 hour. Coach seats all face forward with tray tables, which the railroad says are made for coloring and cookie nibbling.
How long is The Santa Express in Louisa?
For the Louisa ride, plan on about 1 hour. Included with The Santa Express in Louisa: plated cookies, hot chocolate or coffee at your table, holiday music, a Santa coin and a personal visit from Santa. Louisa offers the table seating experience only, so every family gets its own table for two or four.
What do VRE Santa Trains in Manassas cost in 2026?
VRE Santa Trains in Manassas cost $5 cash or $6 card in person from November 30; $6 online from December 1; every rider needs a ticket, infants too. VRE Santa Trains run Saturday, December 12, 2026; trains from several VRE stations, on the schedule VRE posts. VRE tickets: in person November 30; online December 1.
How much are tickets for the Ashland Santa Train?
The Ashland Santa Train costs $125 adults and $65 children 2 to 12, according to the store's ticket post; infants under 2 ride on a lap. The Ashland Santa Train runs December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20, 2026; leaves Ashland at 8:47 am and returns at 5:47 pm. Tiny Tim's Trains & Toys tickets: sold in the store or by phone, 804-368-0063.
How much are tickets for the Santa Railway Express in Alexandria?
Fares for the Santa Railway Express in Alexandria: Just under $30 per person; everyone needs a ticket, infants included. The Santa Railway Express runs Mondays, December 7, 14 and 21, and Thursday, December 17, 2026; leaves at 1:30 pm, back at 4:30 pm. Whistle Stop Hobbies tickets: on sale now, in person only at Whistle Stop Hobbies.
Where do you board The Santa Express in Staunton?
The Santa Express in Staunton boards at Virginia Scenic Railway, Staunton, 415 Bridge Street, in Staunton. Arrive 30 minutes early and dress warmly for the wait on the platform. Virginia Scenic Railway tickets: on sale now; some departures sold out. Coach seats all face forward with tray tables, which the railroad says are made for coloring and cookie nibbling.
Any tips for The Santa Express in Louisa with young kids?
Tickets are $65 per person. Parking at the station is free. Louisa is the easier drive for Richmond and Charlottesville families, and it was selling faster than Staunton when we checked, with most departures on the first weekends gone. In Louisa it is the table experience: reserved tables for two or four, plated cookies, your choice of hot chocolate or coffee, holiday music, a souvenir Santa coin and a personal visit from Santa.
What happens on VRE Santa Trains in Manassas?
VRE Santa Trains in Manassas include Santa and friends on board, with helpers handing out candy canes and coloring books. VRE ride length: a short round trip on a VRE commuter train. Bring an unwrapped toy: the Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg, Manassas, Burke Centre and Woodbridge stations collect for Toys for Tots that day.
What happens on the Ashland Santa Train?
The Ashland Santa Train includes coffee and cocoa with Mrs. Claus at the station, reserved Amtrak cars, Santa, elves and carols on board, and free time in Colonial Williamsburg. Tiny Tim's Trains & Toys ride length: a full day: about 2 hours each way, with the middle of the day in Williamsburg. It is a real Amtrak train: the group rides reserved cars on the regular schedule to Williamsburg and back.