Illuminated Christmas Train Rides in Ontario 2026: Ride With Santa and Explore Charming Towns

Celebrate the festive season with a ride aboard Ontario’s beloved Christmas trains, where holiday cheer meets scenic winter landscapes. From the snow-covered woods of Milton to the frosty countryside of Waterloo and Port Stanley, families can enjoy nostalgic rail journeys filled with twinkling lights, carols, and a special visit from Santa himself.

These seasonal excursions, offered by heritage railways across the province, promise warm memories, festive treats, and a touch of old-fashioned Christmas magic for passengers of all ages.

Why not make a day of it? Many of these Christmas trains are located near charming small towns, historic downtowns, independent shops and scenic walking areas. Depending on your destination, you could browse for Christmas gifts, enjoy a leisurely lunch, stop for hot chocolate or take a winter stroll before or after your train ride. We’ve included a few nearby places to explore with each train experience to help you plan a festive day trip.

The Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday Train will also visit various Ontario locations this year, returning to Ontario from November 20 to December 3, 2026. The brightly illuminated CPKC Holiday Train is bringing free live concerts to communities including Milton, Hamilton, London, Toronto, Sudbury and Thunder Bay. Performers include MAGIC!, MARIS, American Authors and Tyler Shaw. Visitors are encouraged to bring food bank donations. The train is for viewing and concerts only, not passenger rides.

Santa Treats Train Rides – Port Stanley Terminal Railway

Enjoy a ride through Elgin County in early winter from the warmth of a heated car. Santa has treats for the kids! Watch your children’s anticipation grow as we near our destination to meet Santa. Details

Various days, November 21 to December 26, 2026

Port Stanley Terminal Rail, Bridge Street, Port Stanley

$14 to $21.50

Make a Day of It: Explore Port Stanley

Port Stanley may be best known as a summer destination, but its harbour, small-town shops and lakeside scenery make it a pleasant place to explore in winter, too. The railway station is conveniently located near the village centre.

• Christmas shopping: Browse the independent boutiques and specialty stores along Bridge Street and Main Street. Look for gifts, home accessories and local finds at shops such as James Street Home Décor and Pepper Tree Spice Co.
• Take a waterfront walk: Stroll around the harbour or head toward the main beach for views of Lake Erie. Bundle up, as winter winds can make the waterfront particularly chilly.
• Stop for lunch: Plan a relaxed meal or hot chocolate at one of the village’s restaurants or cafés before boarding the train.

For more ideas, browse the Port Stanley shopping guide.

Christmas Train Rides – Waterloo Central Railway

Join Waterloo Central Railway as Santa hops aboard the heritage train ride through the wintry Waterloo countryside from St. Jacobs north toward Elmira and back while enjoying festive carols and a visit from Santa!

Waterloo Central Railway is offering three festive train adventures this holiday season, including the Daylight Christmas Express; the Nightlight Christmas Special, an evening lights ride; and Santa’s Nightcap (19+), an adults-only experience featuring festive drinks, games, and holiday cheer aboard a heritage train.

November 14 to December 20, 2026

St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market Station, 330 Farmers Market Road, Waterloo

$27.81 & up

Make a Day of It: Christmas Shopping in St. Jacobs

This is one of the easier train outings to turn into a Christmas shopping trip. St. Jacobs is known for its village shops, local food and traditional small-town atmosphere.

• Shop for Christmas gifts: Visit the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market when open, or explore the village’s independent stores. The Book Loft, Toy Soup and St. Jacobs Mennonite Quilts are among the places to consider for gifts.
• Enjoy the Christmas atmosphere: The St. Jacobs Sparkles holiday shopping event takes place November 12–15 and 19–22, 2026, with festive activities and special shopping opportunities.
• Take a village stroll: Wander through the historic village streets, admire the decorated storefronts and explore the local art galleries and shops.
• Where to eat: Consider stopping at Stone Crock Bakery & Market, EcoCafe or Jacob’s Grill for coffee, baked goods or a meal.

Good to know: Trains depart from the Farmers Market Station, while the village shopping area is a separate destination.

Christmas on the Rails – Halton County Radial Railway

Ride into the holiday season with Halton County Radial Railway. There’s nothing like riding the rails through the woods with snow on the trees, Christmas carols in the air, and a visit from Santa! Details

December 5, 6, 12, 13, 2026

Halton County Radial Railway Museum, 13629 Guelph Line, Milton

Regular Admission

Make a Day of It: Explore Milton

Set in the countryside outside Milton, Halton County Radial Railway offers a different kind of Christmas outing, with vintage streetcars travelling through a woodland setting. If you’re making the trip from Toronto or elsewhere in the GTA, consider exploring Milton before your railway visit.

• Christmas shopping: Head to historic downtown Milton to explore local boutiques, gift shops and independent businesses along Main Street.
• Enjoy a meal: Stop at a downtown café or restaurant for lunch before heading to the railway museum.
• Explore nearby conservation areas: Before your Christmas train ride, consider visiting Rockwood Conservation Area for a winter walk among limestone cliffs, wooded trails and scenic views of the Eramosa River. Families looking for a shorter, quieter outing can explore Robert Edmondson Conservation Area, which features a woodland and wetland trail with a boardwalk. Both are separate driving destinations from the railway museum. Check winter opening conditions, admission fees and trail closures before visiting.

Good to know: The railway museum is on Guelph Line, outside downtown Milton. You’ll need to drive between the locations.

North Pole Express – Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario

Bring the whole family down and celebrate the North Pole Express at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario in Smiths Falls. Get ready to hop aboard on Christmas cabooses for a ride along the snowy tracks. Keep an eye out for Santa who will be arriving by train to meet all the good girls and boys. Details

November 28, December 5, 12, 2026

Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, 90 William Street West, Smiths Falls

Make a Day of It: Discover Downtown Smiths Falls

There’s more to see in Smiths Falls than the railway museum. Its historic downtown, independent shops and Rideau Canal setting make it worth exploring before or after the North Pole Express.

• Shop for Christmas gifts: Browse Beckwith Street and surrounding downtown streets for local stores, including Arlie’s Bookstore and Special Greetings Card & Gifts.
• Enjoy lunch: Stop at C’est Tout Bakery & Bistro or choose another downtown restaurant or café.
• Take a winter walk: Explore the Rideau Canal area or nearby Victoria Park for a short stroll if weather conditions permit.
• Enjoy the downtown: Take time to admire the town’s historic architecture while browsing local businesses.

Find additional ideas in the Smiths Falls Downtown Guide.

Portage Flyer Christmas Train – Muskoka

Enjoy a Christmas train ride alongside the Muskoka River to The Purser’s Cabin on the Portage Flyer locomotive decorated with thousands of lights. Enjoy a cup of free hot chocolate and cookies (while supplies last), sing along to the carols, and meet Santa while you wait to board.

Details

December 19, 2026 | 4:30 PM, rides begin at 5 PM until 8 PM (last train leaves the station at 7:30 PM)

Muskoka Heritage Place Rotary Village Station, 100 Forbes Hill Drive, Huntsville

$5.00 per person, babes in arms are free

Make a Day of It: Explore Huntsville and Arrowhead Provincial Park

With the Christmas train running in the evening, there’s plenty of time to explore Huntsville and its surroundings before heading to Muskoka Heritage Place.

• Explore Arrowhead Provincial Park: Visit Arrowhead Provincial Park, approximately 8 km from Muskoka Heritage Place, for winter scenery, forest walks or snowshoeing if conditions permit. The popular forest skating trail usually opens later in the winter, depending on weather conditions.
• Visit Muskoka Museum: Explore the Muskoka Museum during daytime hours before your train ride. On December 19, the museum is scheduled to be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last admission at 3:30 p.m. Admission is free during the winter season. The Pioneer Village is closed.
• Christmas shopping: Browse downtown Huntsville’s independent shops along Main Street, including Cedar Canoe Books and Minds Alive Muskoka, for books, toys and holiday gifts.
• Enjoy a sweet treat: Stop at The Nutty Chocolatier or one of the downtown cafés for hot chocolate, baked goods or other treats.
• Have an early dinner: Choose a downtown restaurant before heading to Rotary Village Station for the evening Christmas train.

Good to know: Arrowhead Provincial Park, downtown Huntsville and Muskoka Heritage Place are separate locations. Allow sufficient driving time between stops, and check park conditions, museum hours and winter road conditions before travelling.

See the Downtown Huntsville Business Directory for shops and dining options.

Before You Go: Tips for Planning Your Christmas Train Ride

• Book early: Christmas train rides are popular family outings, and weekend departures may sell out well in advance. Check the operator’s official website for ticket availability and reservation requirements.
• Check for weather-related changes: Winter weather can affect railway operations. Look for schedule updates, delays or cancellations on the operator’s website or social media pages before leaving home.
• Confirm local business hours: If you’re planning to shop, have lunch or visit nearby attractions, check opening hours in advance. Some small-town businesses have limited Sunday or winter hours.
• Allow extra travel time: Christmas shopping traffic, busy parking areas and winter road conditions can slow your journey. Plan to arrive at the railway station early, especially if advance check-in is required.
• Dress for winter: Even when train cars are heated, boarding platforms and waiting areas may be outdoors. Bring warm layers, hats, gloves and suitable winter footwear.
• Plan your day around the departure time: Check whether nearby attractions are within walking distance or require driving. Allow enough time for meals, shopping and getting back to the station.

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