All aboard Ontario’s holiday and Santa train rides 2025
CPKC holiday express train | South Eastern Ontario
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.
Details: Watch entertainers perform on the CPKC Holiday Train.
Date: November 28–December 3, 2025
Location: Various train stations across Ontario
Greater Toronto Area
Harbourfront Express
The Harbourfront Express is back by popular demand at Harbourfront Centre’s Winterfest. Choose from one of two classic trains for a ride through a frosted fairyland around West Campus. For added fun and more savings, consider purchasing a combo ticket with the Harbourfront Express and the Winter Maze—an experience where you can wander through a maze of sparkling lights.
Details: Mini train ride around Harbourfront Centre
When: November 29‒December 31, 2025
York, Durham and Headwaters
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.
Details: Holiday ride
Dates: select days between November 14–December 20, 2025
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).
Details: Train ride adventure
Date: December 20, 2025
Location: 100 Forbes Hill Drive, Huntsville
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
Waterloo Central Railway
Take an entertaining daytime or evening journey to the North Pole aboard a vintage train with lots of activities to enjoy.
Choose the Merry Mission Dayliner for daytime fun, or the Christmas Cheerlight Charter for an enjoyable evening ride. Both trains feature entertainment, storytelling, music and appearances by popular toys and famous Christmas characters. Wear your holiday best to an event that will bring out lots of seasonal cheer.
Grown-ups can have fun too. Santa’s Nightcap offers a unique train experience for adults 19 and over. The ride includes delicious snacks, holiday swag and a complimentary alcoholic beverage.
Board the train at the Farmers Market Station near St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market. Parking is available in the Value Village parking lot.
Details: Train ride adventure
Dates: select days in November and December 2025
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 6, 7, 13 and14, 2025
Location: 13629 Guelph Line, Milton
Southeastern Ontario
North Pole Express, the 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.
Details: Ride on a vintage train
When: November 29, December 6, December 13
Location: 90 William Street West, Smiths Falls
Christmas Light 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.
Details: Trolley ride
Dates: select days in December, starting December 4, 2025
Location: 248 Ontario Street, Kingston
Get into the holiday spirit with festive rides featuring activities and entertainment or enjoy the seasonal excitement as the holiday train brings the show to your community.
Last updated: November 29, 2025