Picture this: a cup of hot cocoa in your hands, snow-covered countryside views, the glow of twinkling lights, and the sound of your favourite Christmas carols. These holiday train rides will give you all of that and much more, all in one place. Let’s check out the best festive train rides in Ontario this holiday season!

Polar Express at Niemi Family Farm

All aboard the Polar Express! Niemi Family Farm’s Christmas Land has returned for the holidays and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight to Santa’s hometown.

You’ll get to climb aboard the Polar Express and travel around the magical village, saying hello to the farm animals along the way.

Once you’ve done all of that, you can warm up by the bonfire and treat yourself to some tasty s’mores, shop at the holiday market, say hello to Santa in his workshop, and much more.

When: November 17th to December 23rd, 2023 (Fridays and Saturdays, with extra days leading to the 23rd)
Where: Niemi Family Farm, 18463 ON-48, Mount Albert
Cost: $19.99 per adult, $12.99 for children

Halton County Radial Railway: Christmas on the Rails

 

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All aboard the Christmas train! The Halton County Radial Railway offers magical trips through the woods on vintage streetcars and it’s a must-do this holiday season.

Board the historic streetcar decked out in holiday lights and get whisked back in time to the 1920s.

Whether you’re a locomotive enthusiast or a lover of all things festive, Christmas on the Rails will not disappoint!

When: December 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th, 2023 (1 PM to 8 PM)
Where: 13629 Guelph Line, Campbellville
Cost: Tickets sold at the door

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Santa Treats Train Rides

Elgin County’s longest running tourist attraction is the Port Stanley Terminal Rail, and it is hosting Santa Treats Train Rides.

“Enjoy a ride through Elgin County in early winter from the warmth of a heated car,” states the Port Stanley Terminal Rail. “Santa has treats for the kids! Watch your children’s anticipation grow as we near our destination to meet Santa. Live entertainment may appear on some trains.”

Where: 309 Bridge Street, Port Stanley
When: November 18th until December 17th, 2023 (Select dates)
Cost: $20 for 15 and over, and $12.50 for children 2-14

Waterloo Central Railway’s Christmas Train Experiences


The Waterloo Central Railway is offering two magical experiences.

Both train rides will have visits from Santa, with one taking place during the daytime, and the other being an evening ride.

First up, we have the “magical daytime ride with Santa.” And for the evening production, we have Santa’s Christmas Caboose.

When: Select dates from November 16th to December 23rd, 2023
Where: St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market Station, 330 Farmers Market Road, Waterloo
Cost: $24.99-$69.99

Portage Flyer Christmas Train Ride to Santa

The Portage Flyer Christmas Train Ride to Santa is the most wholesome way to celebrate this cozy time of year.

Located at Muskoka Heritage Place, this historic antiquated railway train dates way back to 1904. This scenic trip takes you along the Muskoka River on The Portage Flyer locomotive.

In December, the authentic open-air coaches will be decked out in a thousand twinkling lights. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring a snuggly wrap along for the ride.

When: December 23rd, 2023, 4:30 PM to 8 PM
Where: Muskoka Heritage Place Rotary Village Station, 100 Forbes Hill Drive, Huntsville
Cost: $5 per person

Christmas Lights Trolley Tour

Sing along to Christmas carols on this 75-minute trolley ride to all of the gorgeous light displays and decorations around Kingston.

When: Thursday to Sunday from December 1-24th, then daily from Dec 25-31st
Where: Kingston Trolley Tours, 248 Ontario Street, Kingston
Cost: $38 per adult, $19 per child