Halloween is officially behind us, and that means it’s time to shift our attention to all-things Christmas! Holiday-themed train rides make for the perfect family bonding experience (think traditional carols, festive decor, visits from Santa and tons of tasty treats). To help you sort through all the dazzling holiday rides, here are some of Ontario’s most festive train experiences to look forward to in 2026!
CPKC Holiday Train | Toronto
One of Canada’s most amazing holiday traditions is rolling back into Toronto in late November! The annual CPKC Holiday Train will be covered from top to bottom in thousands of twinkling lights, and will make a pit stop in Toronto on the evening of Nov. 29, 2026, with a free concert featuring Tyler Shaw and the American Authors. You can’t actually board the train, but you can watch the performances from a specially designed stage built into one of the train cars. The event is free, but guests are encouraged to bring monetary or non-perishable food donations to support local food banks.
Look out for the train on Sun. Nov. 29, from 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cost: Free. 750 Runnymede Rd., Toronto.
The Redpath Express | Harbourfront Centre
Toronto’s waterfront is transforming into a winter wonderland this holiday season, complete with a magical train ride that’s completely free! The Redpath Express takes passengers on a journey through Harbourfront Centre’s HarbourFrost celebrations, surrounded by twinkling lights and seasonal decorations. While you’re there, enjoy the holiday markets, fire performances and other festive attractions throughout the waterfront campus.
The train operates Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 20 to Dec. 20, with evening rides on Fridays and Saturdays. Cost: Free, no tickets needed! Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., Toronto.
North Pole Express | Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario
Step into a festive world of wonder as you board the North Pole Express: this magically decorated vintage train will make you feel like you’re in a holiday movie! Santa will be waiting to greet children (from ages one to 92) and take professional photos in the 1899-style dining car. Don’t forget to bring your kids’ wish lists as Santa’s elves will ensure your messages reach the North Pole from their telegraph office via a Santa-gram! When you’re done riding the train, take a stroll through the holiday station and museum grounds, featuring crackling fire pits, carolers, delicious refreshments, reindeer games and more! Cost: Approximately $22.60 to $25.57, depending on ticket type.
The train rides run on Saturdays, Nov. 28, Dec. 5 and Dec. 12. Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, 90 William St. W., Smiths Falls.
Christmas train ride experiences | Waterloo Central Railway
The Waterloo Central Railway Christmas train is offering three holiday experiences this year! All three depart from the WCR Farmers’ Market Station, 330 Farmers Market Rd., beside the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market:
Hop on board the Daylight Christmas Express for a magical, 60-minute daytime journey filled with festive characters, music, storytelling and the big man in red! This vintage-inspired train ride is perfect for families (there will even be a special gift for every passenger). Fair warning: guests are encouraged to wear their fave Christmas pajamas! The train runs every Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 14 to Dec. 20, with departures at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. On opening weekend (Nov. 14 and 15), the train will even be pulled by historic Steam Locomotive No. 9! Cost: From $33.16 for adults and $27.81 for children in November.
Next up, climb aboard the Nightlight Christmas Special, it’ll take you on a glowing journey through the countryside after dark. There will be tons of twinkling lights, festive music and even cute woodland characters who’ll bring the Christmas story to life through interactive performances and storytelling. Of course, Santa will also make a special appearance. Cost: From $49.21 for adults and $38.51 for children in November.
For a more adult-themed holiday train ride, check out Santa’s Night Cap: The Last Call Limited, for adults aged 19+! Guests will join Santa for a festive night out filled with lively entertainment, interactive characters and tons of holiday cheer. So, hop on board to celebrate the season with friends or maybe just enjoy a unique Christmas date night as you travel aboard a train decorated with glowing lights. Cost: From $59.91 for coach seating.
Christmas Train | Niemi Family Farm
Up for a little Scandinavian Christmas magic? The Niemi Family Farm in Mount Albert, just under a 1-hour drive from Toronto, is bringing back its festive Christmas Market, complete with a Christmas-themed train ride around the property! Climb aboard the Christmas Train and you’ll enjoy a journey past farm animals as the Christmas story plays along the way. As part of the farm’s GnomeVille experience, you’ll meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, explore a magical illuminated forest path and search for 26 hidden gnomes! The Christmas Market is free to enter, but GnomeVille admission (which includes the train ride) costs $29.99 for adults and $19.99 for children ages two to 12 and seniors.
Dates: Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 13 to Dec. 19, from noon to 8 p.m. Niemi Family Farm, 18463 Highway 48, Mount Albert.
Christmas on the Rails | Halton County Railway
Ride the rails with Santa this holiday season on a vintage streetcar! You’ll trek through the woods and admire winter scenery as traditional Christmas carols ring through the air. Bonus: the streetcars, buildings and grounds will all be decorated for the season. Rides are about 20 minutes, and you can purchase cider, hot chocolate, coffee and delicious cookies on-site.
Dates: Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Cost: $26 for adults, $20 for youth (10-17) and $14 for children (4-9), plus HST. Children under four enter free. 13629 Guelph Line, Milton.
Christmas Lights Trolley Tour | Kingston Trolley Tours
Join this 75-minute Christmas light viewing trolley tour and experience Kingston lit up for the holidays! It’s a perfectly festive family activity where you’ll carol along to Christmas classics as you travel throughout the city on a vintage red trolley. Bonus: an elf and driver will guide you through some of Kingston’s most beautifully decorated neighbourhoods, and the heated trolley will keep you nice and warm!
Tours operate Wednesday to Sunday from Dec. 2 to 20, then daily from Dec. 21 to 31. Departures are scheduled for 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Cost: $19.50 for children (2–15) and $39.50 for adults (16+), plus HST. Tickets have to be picked up at 248 Ontario St. before boarding. Boarding takes place at 209 Ontario St. Kingston and Pembroke Railway Station, 209 Ontario St., Kingston.
Santa Treats Train Ride | Port Stanley Terminal Rail
Head to southwestern Ontario for this vintage holiday train ride! Enjoy a ride across Elgin County’s countryside from the warmth of a heated train car. Santa will bring treats for the kids and there will be tons of games, activities, and live entertainment on some trains.
The train rides run on Nov. 21, 22, 28 and 29, and Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20, with departures at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Cost: $21.50 for adults and $14 for children ages two to 14, plus tax. Port Stanley Terminal Rail. 309 Bridge St., Port Stanley.
Portage Flyer Christmas Train Ride | Muskoka Heritage Place
Head to Huntsville for a magical evening Christmas train ride through the heart of Muskoka! The historic Portage Flyer locomotive and its vintage coaches will be illuminated with a thousand festive lights as part of the Portage Flyer Christmas Train Ride. Before boarding, warm up with complimentary hot chocolate and cookies and sing along to Christmas carols. The train will take you to Purser’s Cabin, where Santa will be waiting for a special holiday photo!
The event takes place on Dec. 19, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the last departure at 7:30 p.m. A sensory-friendly ride is also scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Cost: $5 per person, with babies in arms riding free. Tickets are available on-site only, and the coaches are open-air (so dress warmly!). Rotary Village Station, 100 Forbes Hill Dr., Huntsville.