All aboard Ontario’s holiday and Santa train rides

North America

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train

The popular CP Holiday Train rolls into train stations across North American communities to spread holiday excitement. The Ontario leg of the tour is from November 28 to December 3, 2022. The first stop will be Finch, Ontario, with free music performances on the route. Other Ontario stops include Woodstock and Cambridge. Check the Canadian Holiday Train Schedule for more information about upcoming dates and performances. Train routes can be followed on an interactive map.

Date: November 28–December 3, 2022 (Ontario dates)

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

Location: North America, including train stations in various Ontario communities 

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 19, 20, 26 and 27, and December 3, 4, 10, 17 and 18, 2022, 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

Muskoka

Portage Flyer Christmas Train 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 17, 2022 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

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 2022.

Dates: December 3,4,10 & 11, 2022

Details: Tickets sold at the Museum Gift Shop; adults, $20; Seniors (65+), $20;  Youth (4-17) $16; children under 4, $3; family pass (2 adults and 2 children), $60  

Location: Halton County Radial Railway Milton

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. The night train will be adorned with thousands of holiday lights. Both Vintage Christmas Train rides 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: November 17–December 18, 2022

Details: A Vintage Christmas tickets from $38.99 to $69.99; Christmas Lights Experience Train from $47.99 to $79.99; 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 near St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market; parking is available in the Value Village parking lot

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 with popular Christmas songs and carols.

Dates: December 3–23, 2022, Thursdays to Sundays at 7:00 p.m., and December 25–30, 2022, daily at 7:00 p.m.

Details: tickets for infants are $5, kids 2–15 are $16 and adults 16+ are $32; ticket pickup is at 208 Ontario Street (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

Central Ontario

Santa & Mrs. Claus Pancake Breakfast Train to the North Pole

Bring your appetite to savour the delicious pancake breakfast prepared by Mrs. Claus aboard one of York-Durham Heritage Railway's historical trains this holiday season. There will be plenty of time to share your stories when Santa pays a visit with gifts. The short trip will also include carol sing-alongs and a visit from Santa.

Dates: November 27 and December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 and 24, 2022, from 8:30–10:00 a.m.

Details: adult tickets are $59.99; tickets for kids aged 2 to 12 are $39.99

Location: Uxbridge Train Station, 19 Railway Street, Uxbridge

Santa Express Train Ride

Don’t miss this traditional holiday train ride, as it sells out early. The themed trip to the North Pole takes place in a heated York Durham Heritage Railway heritage train decked in festive decor. There will be lots of entertainment before Santa makes an appearance to bring seasonal cheer and excitement to all.

Dates: November 26 and 27, and December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18, 2022, from 1:00–2:00 p.m.

Details: adult tickets with children under 2 are $44.98; kids over 2 are $29.99; a regular adult ticket is $39.99

Location: Uxbridge Train Station, 19 Railway Street, Uxbridge

Victorian Christmas Tea: A Dickensian Classic

Take a classic train ride on the historic York-Durham Heritage Railway train, which will transport you to a Victorian-themed holiday celebration complete with elegance and first-class service. Enjoy scenic views of Oak Ridges Moraine during a cozy journey filled with delightful music, delicious pastries, puddings and traditional holiday desserts and drinks. Create memories by taking pictures with the train conductor and Santa Claus. This is a popular event that sells out quickly, so book your ticket early.

Dates: December 7, 14 and 21, 2022

Details: tickets are $79.99; public parking is available

Location: Uxbridge Train Station, 19 Railway Street, Uxbridge

The North Pole Light Up Express

Travel to the North Pole on York-Durham Heritage Railway's holiday train ride filled with excitement and the joyful anticipation of meeting Santa Claus. During the trip, Mrs. Claus will be joined by some of her friends for a fun-filled time that includes stories and music. Milk and cookies will be provided to guests on their way to meet Santa, who will have gifts for children.

Dates: November 25, 26 and 27, and December 2–4 and 8–10, 2022

Details: adult tickets with a child under 2 are $49.98; kids over 2 are $34.99; regular adults are $47.99; seniors are $34.99

Location: Uxbridge Train Station, 19 Railway Street, Uxbridge

Bethlehem Express The Nativity on Rails

The story behind the Nativity Scene is the focus of this York-Durham Heritage Railway train ride. The one-hour performance production incudes storytelling and music and will feature shepherds, the three wise men and much more.

Date: December 20, 2022

Details: adult tickets with a child under 2 are $47.98; kids over 2 are $19.99; regular adult tickets are $42.99

Location: Uxbridge Train Station, 19 Railway Street, Uxbridge

Niemi's Family Farm

Visit the Scandinavian Christmas market on Niemi’s Family Farm, a dreamy winter wonderland light festival complete with outdoor vendors, decorations and lots of 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 12–December 22, 2022

Details: tickets are available for adults, children and family and must be purchased online in advance; outdoor markets are on the property

Location: Mount Albert