5 Holiday Express Train Rides You Won’t Want to Miss in the PNW

Have you ever been on a Holiday Express? Me, neither! But, what better way to meet Santa than on a train?

Several Holiday train rides are offered in Washington and Oregon. The holiday excursions are a wonderful way to celebrate with family and friends. Make plans to board one of the trains, it'll be a blast the kiddos won't forget!

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Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum

The Polar Express is a magical ride to the North Pole, as The Polar Express is read aloud. Everyone gets some cocoa and Santa is on board. According to the website:

Blankets, fuzzy jammies, and cozy scarves are encouraged. Our Depot Gift Shop offers a variety of Polar Express blankets, socks, and scarves along with ornaments, toys, and gift items that are not available through any other source, except those of us who host THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Tickets for the Polar Express Train Ride can be purchased here.

The Santa Holiday Train ride is about 30 minutes long and is in a vintage railcar. Kids can have their photos taken with Santa. The holiday train runs Saturdays and Sundays through December 19th. Tickets for the Santa Holiday Train can be purchased here.

As for Oregon, you can make reservations for the following Santa trains.

Mt. Hood Railroad

The Mt. Hood Christmas Train has all the spirit and magic of the Holiday season aboard! Your family will surely enjoy the 90-minute excursion featuring characters from The Train to Chrismas Town book. Guests are encouraged to wear pajamas! You'll enjoy cookies and sip hot cocoa on the way to Christmas Town. There, you'll get to see Santa and his elves. Book tickets here.

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad

A Special Tree Lighting Experience is your once-a-year opportunity to ride a steam-powered train from Garibaldi to Rockaway Beach, where you'll get to experience the Tree Lighting Festival on November 16th. The train will depart from Garibaldi at 5:30 PM, arrives in Rockaway Beach at 6:00 PM, then departs from Rockaway beach at 7:00 PM to return to Garibaldi by 7:30 PM.  Get tickets for A Special Tree Lighting Experience at Rockway Beach here.

The Candy Cane Express is where families can take in all the beauty of the Oregon coastline as you're sipping on hot cocoa and eating cookies. It's a one-hour ride leaving Garibaldi running to Rockway Beach and back. Rides on the Candy Cane Express run Saturdays and Sundays through December 19th. You can purchase tickets for the Candy Cane Express here.