Take an excursion aboard one of the many holiday trains with the kids or grandkids this season.<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re young, old or somewhere in between and craving a memorable Christmas experience that doesn\u2019t involve hours in the car searching for lights, gather your loved ones and climb aboard one of Texas\u2019 many holiday trains. These festive excursions combine nostalgia and seasonal magic, offering an unforgettable way to see the Lone Star State sparkle.<\/p>\n
The Lone Star State\u2019s 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\u2014all from the comfort of a cozy railcar.<\/p>\n
Known as the \u201cOfficial Railroad of Texas,\u201d the Texas State Railroad offers one of the state\u2019s 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\u2019s classic story to life.<\/p>\n
Once on board, chefs serve steaming hot chocolate and cookies while reading \u201cThe Polar Express.\u201d Before long, passengers arrive at the North Pole, where Santa and his elves hop aboard to hand out silver sleigh bells\u2014the first gift of Christmas. On the return trip, everyone joins in carols, laughter and plenty of photo ops.<\/p>\n
The 2025 season runs select dates Nov. 14\u2013Dec. 29, with a variety of seating classes available\u2014from Coach to the elevated Dome and Presidential options. Tickets sell out quickly, so plan ahead at texasstaterailroad.net<\/p>\n
In Central Texas, the Austin Steam Train Association\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s 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\u2019s festive downtown light displays.<\/p>\n
Book tickets and lodging details at austinsteamtrain.org.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019d rather stay close to home, Grapevine\u2019s North Pole Express is a can\u2019t-miss classic. The city earns its title as \u201cThe Christmas Capital of Texas\u201d with more than 1,400 events over 40 days.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Workshop and a stroll through a snowy Christmas Village Forest\u2014ideal for families and photo ops.<\/p>\n
For adults, Grapevine\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Extend your visit by exploring Grapevine\u2019s many holiday attractions\u2014Main Street\u2019s 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\u201330), featuring \u201cThe Great Train Heist,\u201d a lighthearted interactive ride from Grapevine to the Fort Worth Stockyards.<\/p>\n
Find train schedules, hotel packages and event listings at grapevinetexasusa.com.<\/p>\n
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\u2013Dec. 23 and brings the beloved story to life amid the island\u2019s historic backdrop.<\/p>\n
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\u2014just like in the book\u2014Santa boards the train to present each guest with a silver sleigh bell.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
South of Houston, the city of Alvin offers a holiday favorite that draws visitors from across Texas\u2014the 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Snack Bar, or browse the Christmas shop for last-minute gifts.<\/p>\n
The Christmas Train runs select evenings from late November through December. For schedules and tickets, visit thechristmastrain.com.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s stage. Although the former Holiday Express has officially retired, Rudy\u2019s spirit lives on, \u201cbeautifully immortalized in lights as part of a new CPKC Holiday Train mural.\u201d Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or monetary donation to support your local foodbank. Cpkcr.com.<\/p>\n
From sipping cocoa in Palestine to caroling in Grapevine, holiday trains promise adventure, nostalgia and wonder.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
By Carrie Dunlea, Special Contributor<\/p>\n