Best Santa Train Ride Experiences in Ontario 2024
Looking for a unique Santa Train ride in Ontario? If you have ever watched The Polar Express, you will understand the desire to hop aboard an antique steam train and ride to the North Pole to see Santa.
Here in Ontario, we are lucky enough to be able to do just that. Well… maybe not the ‘going to the North Pole’ part, but you get the idea!
In fact, over the years we have taken our 4 children on several different Santa Train experiences. And they have all been pretty magical!
With so many different experiences available, you can choose the best Santa Train ride to suit your family.
Best Places to Go for a Santa Train Ride in Ontario
It’s never too soon to start exploring your options for the perfect festive experience for your family!
Ontario is rich in both history and scenery, which makes it the perfect place for your Christmas Train ride.
And although there isn’t an official Polar Express Train ride in Ontario, so many of the rail companies we talk about, offer an experience that definitely comes close in terms of the magical feeling!
1. Santa Treats Train Rides – Port Stanley Terminal Railway
Hop aboard Elgin County’s longest-operating tourist railway. Enjoy a winter ride through the scenic lakeside village of Port Stanley from the warmth of a heated car.
Enjoy some live entertainment and treats as the train nears its destination and the highly anticipated meeting with Santa!
And if you have a large group, you can actually book the Caboose for a private ride! Accommodating up to 22 people, the caboose must be booked at least 24 hours prior to your ride.
2. Santa’s Jolly Journey – Waterloo Central Railway
Enjoy an exciting train ride on the Waterloo Central Railway this Christmas season. Family and friends looking to get into the holiday spirit can hitch a ride on Santa’s very own Christmas train.
Hop on board the festive train at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market Station, located on Farmers Market Drive adjacent to the Farmers Market.
As you are whisked away to the North Pole, you and your family will enjoy contests, music, and a narrated presentation by a talented group of professional actors.
Once you arrive at the North Pole, Santa will come on board so that he can spend some wonderful time with all of the families on the train.
The total duration of the event is approximately 1 hour.
3. Santa’s Candy Crossing – Waterloo Central Railway
The Waterloo Central Railway’s Santa’s Candy Crossing is spectacular, featuring more than 15,000 lights. The train offers passengers a view of Waterloo’s scenic countryside as well as treating them to a visit from Santa and his elves.
Holiday magic comes to life during this evening event! Passengers are asked to wear their best Christmas attire or pyjamas. And, of course, don’t forget to bring your letter to Santa!
4. Portage Flyer Christmas Train Ride
Hop onboard the Portage Flyer locomotive and authentic coaches.
This holiday train sparkles with a thousand twinkling lights, creating a magical winter experience.
While you wait for the train, you can enjoy a cup of free hot chocolate and cookies (while supplies last) and sing along to the carols.
The journey takes you alongside the scenic Muskoka River to The Purser’s Cabin
There, your family will have a chance to visit with Santa.
The best part is, if you want to stay longer, you can always catch the next train back
5. North Pole Express
Bring the whole family down to Smith Falls and celebrate the North Pole Express at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario. Get ready to hop aboard the Christmas cabooses for a scenic ride along the snowy tracks.
The kids will get excited when they see Santa arriving by train to visit with them! Rides will be every 20 minutes, with 3 round trips per hour, with a limited amount of tickets sold for each ride.
All riders, 4 and older must have a valid ticket. Children, 3 and under, sitting on a parent’s lap, do not need a ticket. Tickets sell out fast for this experience!
6. Christmas on the Rails – Halton County Radial Railway
Take a ride into the holiday season with Halton County Radial Railway. Imagine a magical train ride through snow-covered woods, with Christmas carols in the air.
Top the ride off with a visit from Santa, and you have the recipe for a festive and unique family experience.
All tickets are sold at the door. Rides are approximately 20 minutes in length.
7. Santa Claus Express South Simcoe Railway
Board the South Simcoe Railway’s annual Santa Claus Express to the “North Pole” for a truly magical Christmas experience.
The gorgeous 1920s coaches let you experience the beauty of the Beeton Creek Valley in December while enjoying a visit from Santa and his elves.
Pulled by a historic diesel locomotive, the ride includes a visit from Santa and his elves.
Each child gets a personal visit with Santa as he comes through the train and hears what they want for Christmas. The ride concludes with a sweet finish, as the elves hand out candy canes to every guest.
8. Christmas Light Trolley Tour
Not exactly a train ride, but still quite festive and fun, is the Christmas Light Trolley Tour in Kingston.
Hop aboard Kingston’s holiday red trolley for a 75-minute sightseeing tour of holiday lights throughout the city.
The trolley ride features amazing sights of dazzling, twinkling and sparkling lights accompanied by popular Christmas songs and carols.
🎅🏻 Looking for other FESTIVE Things to Do in Ontario Around Christmastime?
Tips for Taking a Santa Train Ride in Ontario
A Santa Train ride can be an awesome experience for a family, especially for the kids. We do have a few pointers to keep in mind if you are thinking of adding one of these excursions to your festive bucket list:
- Research which experience is right for your family. Some of these Santa Train rides offer experiences that others may not (ie. storytime with Santa)
- Book your experience well in advance! Many of these Santa Train rides sell out really fast and you don’t want to be disappointed.
- Arrive early! We have found the Santa Train rides to be very punctual on their departure time, so you don’t want to arrive late and miss your train!
- Dress up! Wearing your Christmas-themed clothing, or PJs makes the experience feel more festive and fun!
- If your Santa Train experience does not come with the Polar Express ticket or sleigh bell that your child may be expecting, you can always purchase a set ahead of time and bring it along.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Go for a Santa Train Ride in Ontario
We thoroughly enjoyed our Santa Train ride with the kids. And it doesn’t matter how old you are, sitting on a train, listening to Christmas music, sipping a cup of hot cocoa, and watching the snow-covered scenery slowly go by, just never disappoints!
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