All aboard Ontario’s holiday and Santa train rides 2024
Credit: St. Jacobs | Waterloo Region Tourism
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 and enjoy exciting family entertainment, holiday treats and yuletide cheer.
Note that some train tours are weather-dependent. Before you travel, check the operator’s social media or website for tour updates or schedule changes.
Across North America
Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday Train
The popular CPKC Holiday Train rolls into train stations across North American communities 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.
Through the Holiday Train, The CPKC helps support food banks across North America by raising money, food and awareness for food insecurity.
Dates: 2024 train details coming soon
Southwestern Ontario
Santa Treats Train Ride, Port Stanley Terminal Rail
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: 2024 details coming soon
Location: 309 Bridge Street, Port Stanley
York, Durham and Headwaters
Niemi's Christmas Market, Niemi's Christmas Market
The Scandinavian Christmas market at Niemi Family Farm is a dreamy winter wonderland light festival complete with outdoor vendors, decorations, delicious festive treats and a Christmas train tour.
Climb aboard the Polar Express and see farm animals on a train journey around the property. Don’t miss Santa in his workshop in Christmas Land.
Entrance to the market area is free. However, tickets must be purchased to ride the Polar Express. You can book the Christmas train ride online starting November 15, 2024.
Dates: select days between November 15–December 21, 2004
Location: 18463 ON-48, Mount Albert
Algonquin Park, Muskoka and Parry Sound
Portage Flyer Christmas Train Ride to Santa , Muskoka Heritage Place
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.
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.
Purchase your tickets before boarding the train at Muskoka Heritage Place Rotary Village Station (advance purchase is not available).
Date: December 21, 2024
Location: 100 Forbes Hill Drive, Huntsville
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
Christmas Train Ride Experiences,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 Candy Crossing (night train) will be adorned with thousands of holiday lights. Santa's Jolly Journey (day train) will also 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.
Board the train at the Farmers Market Station near St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market. Parking is available in the Value Village parking lot.
Dates: select days in November and December 2024
Location: 330 Farmers Market Road, St. Jacobs
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Christmas on the Rails, Halton County Railway
Ride a festive vintage streetcar from Halton County Railway one last time until spring. This event includes Christmas carols and treats.
Purchase tickets at the venue.
Dates: December 7, 8, 14 and15, 2024
Location: 13629 Guelph Line, Milton
Southeastern Ontario
North Pole Express, Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario
Get your tickets to enjoy a ride aboard a vintage caboose decorated for the magical season.
Remember to bring your holiday wish list to share with Santa, who will be waiting to take photos in the 1899 dining car. The fun continues at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario’s grounds. Enjoy hot chocolate by the fire, holiday music, face painting, games, shopping and more.
When: November 30, December 7 and 14, 2024
Where: 90 William Street West, Smiths Falls
Christmas Lights Trolley Tour, Kingston Trolley Tours
Hop aboard Kingston’s holiday red trolley for a 75-minute sightseeing tour of holiday lights throughout the city.
The excursion features spectacular sights of dazzling, twinkling and sparkling lights accompanied by popular Christmas songs and carols.
Parking is available at Hanson Garage at 105 Brock Street and Chown Garage at 175 Brock Street.
Dates: select days, starting December 6, 2024
Location: 209 Ontario Street, Kingston
Last updated: October 21, 2024