All aboard! Hop on one of these holiday trains in Virginia in 2026.
Get into the spirit this year by hopping on one of these holiday trains in Virginia. While they may not be the Polar Express, they’re sure to get you jazzed for the most wonderful time of the year.
From trains that tour charming Christmas villages and festive zoos to ones with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and tons of hot chocolate and cookies, here are seven trips well worth the ticket price. All aboard!
1. The Santa Express
Location: 415 Bridge St., Staunton & 105 Church Ave., Louisa
When: Nov. 28-Dec. 23.
Cost: Starting at $53 (Staunton) and $69 (Louisa)
Whether you’re in Staunton or Louisa, you can enjoy some holiday fun by taking a ride on The Santa Express from Virginia Scenic Railway.
The 60-minute ride offers seasonal fun for the whole family, including sparkly Christmas décor, holiday music, and tasty treats. Plus, you’ll get a personal greeting from Santa.
Depending on the departure city, several options are available. Coach class includes a greeting from Santa, a cookie, hot chocolate, candy canes, and a souvenir Santa coin. The upper dome seating adds a bit more comfort to the experience, whereas the table car option gives you your own table and a photo-op with Santa.
If you’re planning on riding without a child, you might enjoy the Holiday Spirits adult Christmas celebration. The romantic ride features mixed seating and festive bartenders serving seasonal adult beverages. To help commemorate the ride, you’ll get a souvenir mug.
2. Crozet Trolley North Pole Express
Location: 5755 The Square, Crozet
When: Dec. 5-6, 12-13, and 19-20; 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Cost: Starting at $35
On the Crozet Trolley North Pole Express, children of all ages are invited to venture to the North Pole while enjoying reindeer games, hot chocolate, and cookies. As a bonus, each child will receive a small gift. Don’t miss a chance to tell Santa what you want for Christmas.
Since the North Pole is at Knight’s Gambit Vineyards, parents are welcome to relax with a glass of wine while their children enjoy the ride.
3. Ashland Santa Train
Location: 100 N Railroad Ave., Ashland
When: Dec. 5-6, 12-13, and 19-20; departs Ashland at 8:47 a.m. and returns at 5:47 p.m.
Cost: $125 for adults and $65 for children (ages 2-12)
Tiny Tim’s Trains & Toys‘ beloved Ashland Santa Train is a round-trip excursion to Colonial Williamsburg on reserved Amtrak passenger cars. During the trip, entertainment in the form of Santa, elves, Christmas caroling, and a Polar Express conductor will be offered.
Once you’re in Williamsburg, do some shopping in the Christmas market and dine in Merchants Square.
Arrive early to make the most of the experience (starting with complimentary coffee and cocoa with Santa and Mrs. Claus at 7:30 a.m.), and be sure to pre-order a commemorative ornament.
4. Christmas Town Express
Location: 1 Busch Gardens Blvd., Williamsburg
When: Nov. 13-Jan. 3.
Cost: Free with admission to Busch Gardens, which starts at $39.99
Visit Christmas Town to ride the Christmas Town Express, but stay for the endless supply of holiday fun. The train ride is the easiest way to take in all the wonders of the town, including more than 10 million lights, while singing your heart out to classic holiday tunes.
After scoping out the town, watch a festive show like “Christmas Town Live! A Holiday Special,” which transports the audience to the 1960s during a holiday TV special, or “Gloria,” a retelling of the story of the first Christmas.
Treat yourself to a German Christmas dinner at Das Festhaus, then do some holiday shopping at the Christmas Town Artisan Market. Don’t leave before watching the “Celebration of Lights at O’Tannenbaum,” a multi-colored light show with a 50-foot Christmas tree at its center.
5. Virginia Zoo Express
Location: 3500 Granby St., Norfolk
When: Dec. 13; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: $3
Go for a ride on the Virginia Zoo Express during the Holidays in the Wild: Holiday Market. It’s the one day of the year the zoo gets a festive makeover, giving visitors the chance to wander its trails with a warm beverage, meet animal ambassadors, and shop from local artisans.
Activities include the animal ambassador encounter from 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m., photo opportunities with Tango the Tiger from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and eco-friendly wrapping demonstrations from 2-2:30 p.m.
The event is free with general zoo admission or a small donation to the Norfolk Animal Care Center, including bags of dry pet food. Train rides, offered throughout the event, cost extra.
6. Santa Railway Express Train
Location: King Street Station: 110 Callahan Drive, Alexandria
When: Dec. 7, 14, 17, and 21
Cost: $29.99
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Santa Railway Express Train in Alexandria. Experience the annual tradition of riding with Santa and Mrs. Claus from Alexandria to Manassas and back.
During the ride, passengers will receive candy canes and can pose for photos with Santa.
Once you’ve reached the Manassas train station, you’ll exit the train for 30 minutes of questions and answers with Santa and story time with his elves, during which hot chocolate and cookies will be handed out.
7. VRE Santa Trains
Location: Manassas, Burke, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, & Woodbridge (addresses below)
When: Dec. 12
Cost: $10
The Virginia Railways Express Santa Train offers a chance to meet Santa and his friends, who will hand out candy canes and coloring books while promoting rail safety.
The trains help support the Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign. Riders are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys to the train stations for distribution to less fortunate Virginians.
Boarding stations are in Manassas at 9451 West St., Burke at 10399 Premier Ct., Fredericksburg at 425 Princess Anne St., Spotsylvania at 9442 Crossroads Pkwy., and Woodbridge at 1040 Express Way.
While the Manassas and Burke stations have multiple trains, the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania stations only have two. Be mindful that Woodbridge only has one train scheduled with a 10:30 a.m. departure time.
After riding the train in Manassas, head to the Harris Pavilion for an afternoon of ice skating.
