Two kids seated on a train, enjoying a conversation.

York Durham Heritage Railway | Ontario Central Counties

All aboard Ontario’s holiday and Santa train rides 2023

Two kids seated on a train, enjoying a conversation.

York Durham Heritage Railway | Ontario Central Counties

Secure your tickets for a magical rail journey on board a Santa train to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus or a Christmas train filled with exciting family entertainment, holiday treats and yuletide cheer.

NOTE: Please contact the operator in advance or check their social media and website for any updates or schedule changes.

North America

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday Train

The popular CPKC Holiday Train rolls into train stations across North American communities for its 25th anniversary to spread holiday excitement. Musical guests perform on the festive train's stage at each stop on its journey in celebration of the holiday season and in support of local foodbanks. Through the Holiday Train, The CPKC helps support food banks across North America by raising money, food and awareness for food insecurity. The Ontario leg of the tour runs from November 22 to December 2, makings various stops across the province. 

Date: November 22 to December 2, 2023. View the schedule for the list of dates and performers. 

Details: Food donations are welcome in support of local food banks.

Location: Various train stations across Ontario. Visit the website for an interactive map and view the full schedule of stops.

Southwestern Ontario

Santa Treats Train Ride

Board a restored and well-heated train car on the historic Port Stanley Terminal Rail (PSTR) and travel across Elgin County’s countryside to meet Santa. En route to the final exciting destination, passengers enjoy games, activities and special treats for kids.

Dates: November 18, 19, 25 and 26, and December 2. 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Details: $20 for adults 15+; $12.50 for kids 2 to 14; infants are free

Location: Port Stanley Terminal Railway at 309 Bridge Street, Port Stanley

Central Ontario

Christmas High Tea & Train Ride

Embark on a nostalgic journey aboard the charming York-Durham Heritage Railway Train, decorated at its best for the Christmas season. Enjoy scenic countryside views as you travel through the beautiful Oak Ridges Moraine while enjoying delightful music and the renowned Christmas tea white glove service.

Plan to book early, as tickets to this special event are expected to sell out quickly.

Dates: November 24 and December 1, 8 and 15, 2023, from 11:00 a.m.

Details: Tickets for adults are $89.99 and seniors (65+) are $79.99. Trains depart from the Uxbridge Station at 11:00 a.m. and return at 12:30 p.m.

Location: York-Durham Heritage Railway, 19 Railway Street, Uxbridge

Premium North Pole Experience & Train Ride

Get ready for a train ride to the North Pole that will elevate your holiday spirit. Delicious treats and hot beverages will be available to enjoy. There will also be a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus on Santa's Exclusive Train.  

Dates: November 24–26, and December 1–3, 8 and 9, 2023. Trains depart at 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Details: Adult tickets are $59.99, and children (2–12 years) are $39.99.

Location: York-Durham Heritage Railway, 19 Railway Street, Uxbridge

North Pole Experience & Train Ride

Climb aboard the festive holiday train conducted by Santa's elves for an evening of song, dance and many activities. There will be many chances to take pictures and capture special memories.

Dates: November 25–26, and December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17, 2023. Trains depart at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., noon and 1:00 p.m.

Details: Adult tickets are $54.99, and children (2–12 years) are $44.99. Please plan at least a two-hour window for this experience, including the grounds show, the train boarding and other unique elements.

Location: York-Durham Heritage Railway, 19 Railway Street, Uxbridge

Niemi's Christmas Market

Visit the Scandinavian Christmas market at Niemi Family Farm, a dreamy winter wonderland light festival complete with outdoor vendors, decorations, and many delicious festive treats. Climb aboard the Polar Bear Express to visit the animals on the farm. Don't forget to visit Santa in his workshop on Fridays and Saturdays.

Dates: November 17–December 23, 2023

Fridays, 3:00–8:00 p.m.

Saturdays, noon–8:00 p.m.

Details: Entrance to the market area is free. However, charges for the Polar Express, Santa meet and greet, and other outdoor events are as follows: adults (13+) $19.99, children (2–12) $12.99, infants (one year and under) no charge.

Location: 18463 ON-48, Mount Albert

 

Lanark County and the Ottawa Region

North Pole Express at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario

Get your tickets to enjoy a ride on board a vintage caboose decorated for the magical season. Don't forget to bring your holiday wishlist to share with Santa, who will be waiting to take photos in the 1899 dining car. The fun continues at the grounds of the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario. Everyone can enjoy hot chocolate by the fire, holiday music, face painting, games, shopping and more.

Details: Tickets are $20.00 plus fees

When: November 25, December 2, and December 9

Where: 90 William Street West, Smiths Falls

Muskoka

Portage Flyer Christmas Train Ride to Santa

Before you board this festively decorated heritage train, get acquainted with the word “super-magicated.” It describes the fun you will experience on the short trip to Purser’s Cabin from Muskoka Heritage Place Rotary Village Station. The occasion also includes carol sing-alongs, cookies, hot chocolate and scenic views of Muskoka from the train. Santa will also make a special appearance.

Date: December 23, 2023 from 4:30–8:00 p.m.

Details: get your tickets right before boarding the train (advance purchase is not available); tickets are $5 per person, and babies in arms are free

Location: Muskoka Heritage Place Rotary Village Station at 100 Forbes Hill Drive, Huntsville

Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington

A Vintage Christmas and Vintage Christmas Lights Experience Train (Waterloo Central Railway)

Take a daytime or a nighttime train ride to visit Santa at the North Pole on board a vintage train. Santa's Christmas Caboose (night train) will be adorned with thousands of holiday lights. Additionally, the Santa’s Countryside Ride (day train) will feature lots of entertainment, such as stories, music and appearances by popular toys and famous Christmas characters. Wear your festive clothes and don’t forget to bring your letter for Santa.

Dates:

Night train: November 16–December 17, 2023

Day train: November 18–December 17, 2023

Details: Ticket prices vary depending on the day you book. Night train costs between $44.99 to $49.99 for adults and $34.99 to $39.99 for children. Day train costs between $29.99 to $34.99 for adults and $24.99 to $29.99 for children. More ticket information is available online for first-class and coach train cars.

Location: board the train at the Farmers Market Station (330 Farmers Market Road) near  St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market; parking is available in the Value Village parking lot

Halton

Christmas on the Rails

Take a festive train ride with Halton County Railway one last time until spring. It’s an event that will include Christmas carols, treats. Please note that tickets will not be sold online in 2023 and need to be purchased at the door.

Dates: December 2, 2023 (from 1:00–8:00 p.m.)

December 3, 2023 (from 1:00–7:00 p.m.)

December 9, 2023 (from 1:00–8:00 p.m.)

December 10, 2023 (from 1:00–7:00 p.m.)

Details: adults, $24; Seniors (65+), $22;  youth (4-17) $18; free admission for children under 4; family pass (max 2 adults and 2 children), $70

Location:  13629 Guelph Line, Milton

Southeastern Ontario

Christmas Lights Trolley Tour

Hop aboard Kingston’s holiday red trolley for a 75-minute sightseeing tour of holiday lights throughout the city. It’s an excursion filled with the spectacular sights of dazzling, twinkling and sparkling lights accompanied by popular Christmas songs and carols.

Dates: December 1–24, 2023, Thursdays to Sundays at 7:00 p.m., and December 25–31, 2023, daily at 7:00 p.m.

Details: Tickets for infants are $5, kids 2–15 are $19 and adults 16+ are $38. (no parking is available at this location; nearby parking lots include Hanson Garage at 105 Brock Street and Chown Garage at 175 Brock Street.)

Location: tours depart from 209 Ontario Street, Kingston

Last updated: January 2, 2024

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