Holiday Train Rides

If you have a train lover in the house, there’s nothing like introducing them to the magic of a holiday train! There are options close to home and some that you can make into a day or weekend trip.

Guide to Holiday Train Rides

Cowtown Santa Express (Abilene)

We don’t go to the North Pole, but we can still give your family a magical holiday experience! Ride the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad’s “Cowtown Santa Express” this holiday season! Our train will be decked in holiday lights on the outside, and on the inside, our vintage heated passenger coaches will be filled with the holiday spirit, as Santa makes his 2023 debut, while you enjoy Christmas cookies and hot chocolate as we glide through the Smoky Hill River Valley! Make this a Christmas that kids of all ages will always remember!  Trains leave for Enterprise from Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot at 5 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.on the following days: November 22, 24, 25, 26 and December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23. Get tickets.

Polar Express Train (Branson)

This is a ride to the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus. During the trip the book “The Polar Express” is read aloud, and hot chocolate and cookies are served by the chefs. Santa joins the ride at the North Pole and visits each car, giving each passenger a special gift. Christmas carolers and the hobo are also on board the train. The ride lasts 1 hour 15 minutes. For all the details, check out the Branson Railway FAQ section.

Mini Holiday Express Train (Kansas City)

Take a ride on the miniature train at Union Station in Kansas City! Often referred to as the Jones Store Train and beloved by generations at the holidays, it was once a popular attraction at the Jones Store in downtown KC. Riders must be under 48″ tall (approximately 5-6 years of age and under). Accessible with paid admission to Holiday Reflections, the Union Station’s walk-thru village.