Take an excursion aboard one of the many holiday trains with the kids or grandkids this season.

Whether you’re young, old or somewhere in between and craving a memorable Christmas experience that doesn’t involve hours in the car searching for lights, gather your loved ones and climb aboard one of Texas’ many holiday trains. These festive excursions combine nostalgia and seasonal magic, offering an unforgettable way to see the Lone Star State sparkle.

The Lone Star State’s rail history dates all the way back to 1850, and though much of the track has changed over time, the romance of the rails remains. Today, several historic trains across the state invite passengers to slow down and savor the sights, sounds and tastes of the season—all from the comfort of a cozy railcar.

Known as the “Official Railroad of Texas,” the Texas State Railroad offers one of the state’s most beloved holiday experiences: The Polar Express Train Ride. Departing from the Palestine Depot, about two hours from Northeast Collin County, the hourlong journey brings Chris Van Allsburg’s classic story to life.

Once on board, chefs serve steaming hot chocolate and cookies while reading “The Polar Express.” Before long, passengers arrive at the North Pole, where Santa and his elves hop aboard to hand out silver sleigh bells—the first gift of Christmas. On the return trip, everyone joins in carols, laughter and plenty of photo ops.

The 2025 season runs select dates Nov. 14–Dec. 29, with a variety of seating classes available—from Coach to the elevated Dome and Presidential options. Tickets sell out quickly, so plan ahead at texasstaterailroad.net

In Central Texas, the Austin Steam Train Association’s North Pole Flyer offers a two-hour family adventure departing from the historic Bertram Depot, just south of Austin. Guests enjoy cookies, hot chocolate and a reading of The North Pole Flyer book while Santa and Mrs. Claus make their rounds, greeting every child and posing for photos.

This year’s rides run weekends from mid-November through Christmas Eve, featuring day and twilight departures. Families can make a full holiday getaway by pairing their excursion with a stay at the nearby Hyatt Place in Cedar Park or by exploring Austin’s festive downtown light displays.

Book tickets and lodging details at austinsteamtrain.org.

If you’d rather stay close to home, Grapevine’s North Pole Express is a can’t-miss classic. The city earns its title as “The Christmas Capital of Texas” with more than 1,400 events over 40 days.

Riding in beautifully restored 1925 coaches, passengers are greeted by Mrs. Claus before setting off for the North Pole. Each child receives a souvenir ticket, a keepsake bell, cookies, and milk in a collectible mug. The adventure includes a Broadway-style show in Santa’s Workshop and a stroll through a snowy Christmas Village Forest—ideal for families and photo ops.

For adults, Grapevine’s Christmas Wine Train offers a festive night out. The 90-minute journey includes two glasses of Texas wine, a commemorative glass, and seasonal bites, with an upgraded Premier option offering dinner service.

Extend your visit by exploring Grapevine’s many holiday attractions—Main Street’s synchronized light show, the Peace Plaza Ice Rink, or the Grapevine Christmas Passport: Elf Adventure, where visitors collect stamps while crafting ornaments and tin art at historic workshops. The fun continues after Christmas with After Christmas Trains (Dec. 26–30), featuring “The Great Train Heist,” a lighthearted interactive ride from Grapevine to the Fort Worth Stockyards.

Find train schedules, hotel packages and event listings at grapevinetexasusa.com.

If a coastal Christmas adventure sounds appealing, head south to the Galveston Railroad Museum for its magical version of The Polar Express Train Ride. This one-hour journey to the North Pole runs Nov. 14–Dec. 23 and brings the beloved story to life amid the island’s historic backdrop.

Passengers are treated to a lively pre-departure show before boarding the festively decorated railcars, where dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies as the conductor punches golden tickets. Children can follow along as the classic tale unfolds and—just like in the book—Santa boards the train to present each guest with a silver sleigh bell.

After your trip, stroll the nearby Strand Historic District, where holiday lights, shopping and coastal breezes complete the experience. Details and tickets are available at galvestonrrmuseum.org.

South of Houston, the city of Alvin offers a holiday favorite that draws visitors from across Texas—the Christmas Train at Victory Camp. This open-air train winds through a mile of dazzling light displays and animated scenes, making it a perfect outing for families and groups.

The experience feels like stepping into a small-town holiday movie, complete with photo ops, cozy snacks and cheerful music. Before or after your ride, enjoy festive treats such as pizza, popcorn, cookies and cocoa at Big Al’s Snack Bar, or browse the Christmas shop for last-minute gifts.

The Christmas Train runs select evenings from late November through December. For schedules and tickets, visit thechristmastrain.com.

Back home, the CPKC Holiday Train returns to downtown Wylie Dec. 5 from 6-7 p.m. with an updated program featuring a live music performance, using a modified boxcar as the train’s stage. Although the former Holiday Express has officially retired, Rudy’s spirit lives on, “beautifully immortalized in lights as part of a new CPKC Holiday Train mural.” Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or monetary donation to support your local foodbank. Cpkcr.com.

From sipping cocoa in Palestine to caroling in Grapevine, holiday trains promise adventure, nostalgia and wonder.

Don’t let the season race by without a little rail-bound joy. Step away from the screen, climb aboard, and make new memories that are truly on track for holiday fun.

By Carrie Dunlea, Special Contributor

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