Best Christmas Train Ride 2026

1. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
| Peninsula, OH

Ohio's Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad transforms into the North Pole Adventure, a festive trip through the national park's winter woods. Kids write letters to Santa and watch scenes unfold outside frosted windows as elves lead sing-alongs inside. It's pure Midwestern magic—part storybook, part sleigh ride on steel rails—filled with laughter, cocoa and wonder from start to finish.

2. East Broad Top Railroad | Rockhill Furnace, PA

Pennsylvania's East Broad Top Railroad transforms into Christmas in Coal Country, with decorated vintage coaches warmed by old-fashioned stoves and a glow that feels straight from the past. Steam drifts through crisp air as Santa greets families and the Aughwick Valley shimmers outside the windows. The preserved 19th-century setting and volunteer-driven restoration add heart, making this nostalgic ride a living tradition where history, community and holiday cheer travel together.

3. Santa Margarita Ranch Historic Steam Trains
| Santa Margarita, CA

At California's Santa Margarita Ranch, vintage steam locomotives, including cars once used at Disneyland and an engine from Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, whisk guests through a living holiday story. Elves deliver gifts from a C-47 plane, and a new North Pole Village brings small-town magic to life. Family-run and community-minded, the event supports local nonprofits while reviving timeless, analog traditions of wonder, warmth and togetherness.

4. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Polar Express
| Bryson City, NC

Set against the Smokies' misty peaks, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad re-creates The Polar Express with hot chocolate, cookies and carols along the Tuckasegee River. Families choose from multiple service levels, all sharing the same breathtaking scenery and Santa visit at journey's end. It's mountain serenity wrapped in sparkle, an Appalachian Christmas classic that delights every age.

TIE 5. Strasburg Rail Road Christmas Trains
| Strasburg, PA

In Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Strasburg Rail Road rolls out holiday excursions aboard beautifully restored 19th-century cars. Santa's Paradise Express, The Night Before Christmas Train and festive dining experiences pair carols and cocoa with lantern-lit farmland views. America's oldest continuously operating railroad turns cherished rituals into motion, blending craft, history and warm hospitality for a timeless Christmas ride through the countryside.

TIE 5. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
| Cumberland, MD

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad's North Pole Express delivers cocoa, carols and story time aboard vintage coaches, with a silver sleigh bell keepsake for passengers. As the train climbs through Appalachian valleys behind steam, families settle into an old-fashioned rhythm of lights and song. With inclusive initiatives like Certified Autism Center status, the nonprofit railroad pairs holiday magic with genuine community care.

7. Texas State Railroad | Palestine to Rusk, TX

Deep in the Piney Woods, the historic Texas State Railroad runs its own Polar Express each holiday season. Families climb aboard vintage cars to hear the story, meet Santa and enjoy cocoa on a moonlit ride between small towns. With 19th-century locomotives and pine-scented air, it's a Lone Star holiday steeped in nostalgia and adventure.

8. New Hope Railroad | New Hope, PA

Bucks County's New Hope Railroad runs Santa's North Pole Express through a wintry landscape of forests and farms. Families enjoy cocoa, carols and visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus aboard vintage coaches. Twinkling lights line the route as bells ring in each car. It's small-town Pennsylvania charm in motion.

9. Napa Valley Wine Train | Napa, CA

For more than 30 years, the Napa Valley Wine Train has celebrated the season with its beloved Santa Train—pairing gourmet dining and local vintages with storytelling, music and holiday décor. Guests meet Santa, write wish lists and toast to giving, with proceeds supporting Napa Firewise and Expressions for Hope. Blending vintage charm with modern care for its community and landscape, the Wine Train turns every ride into a heartfelt holiday journey.

10. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway | Blue Ridge, GA

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway's Holiday Express offers a one-hour round-trip through North Georgia's winter woods. Families enjoy Christmas music and a reading of "The Night Before Christmas," while children receive a jingle bell and candy cane. Hot chocolate and snacks are sold onboard, and Santa often appears to greet passengers. Vinyl windows keep the vintage cars cozy for the ride's festive journey.

FINALISTS
Conway Scenic Railroad | North Conway, NH
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad | Durango, CO
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat | Essex, CT
Grand Canyon Railway Polar Express | Williams, AZ
Skunk Train Magical Christmas Train | Fort Bragg, CA

About Newsweek Readers' Choice™ Awards

Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readers.choice@newsweek.com.

Our Featured Panelists

Linnea Bailey

Linnea Bailey is an award-winning journalist specializing in travel and tourism. Her freelance work can be found in Southern Living, The Palm Beach Post, Florida Weekly, Modern Luxury, art&culture magazine, The Palm Beaches Blog and more. A former newspaper reporter, she now owns a communications company in West Palm Beach. Linnea is an active member of The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), the North American Travel Journalists Association, the International Travel Writers Alliance, The Family Travel Association and The Adventure Travel Trade Association. She is a graduate of the University of Central Florida's journalism school. Learn more about her travels at www.linneabailey.com.

Julie Bielenberg

Julie Bielenberg is a Colorado-based writer producing over 75 pieces a year for outlets such as AAA, Family Vacationist, Rachel Ray in Season, Spoke + Blossom, USA Today, Vail Daily and numerous others. She has been the State's #1 agritourism for ten consecutive years and is always in search of field, farm, forest and forage. Julie has three children and two pandemic pooches and is married to an avid outdoorsman. Follow her on Instagram.

Chez Chesak

Chez Chesak is an award-winning adventure travel writer, 29-year veteran of the outdoor industry, Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America and President of The Society of American Travel Writers' Central States Chapter. Learn more about him at www.chezconnects.com.

Laurie Jo Miller Farr

An award-winning contributor to luxury lifestyle and travel magazines, Laurie Jo Miller Farr specializes in deluxe hotels and destination marketing. Based in New York City, she is a dual U.S./U.K. citizen, having spent half a lifetime in London. Formerly serving as the tourism promotion director for the city's official tourism boards in both NYC and Boston, she recently relocated from San Francisco, where she edited a weekly travel newsletter and co-hosted a podcast. Follow her @lauriejmfarr.

Anietra Hamper

Having worked in television news as an anchor and investigative reporter, Anietra Hamper is now an award-winning outdoor writer specializing in global fishing. Anietra writes for travel and outdoor publications and is a vetted member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). She does public speaking and production work, and she is the author of Secret Columbus (Reedy Press), 100 Things To Do In Columbus Before You Die (Reedy Press) and a contributing author to the bi-lingual book Yangzhou Through American Eyes. Anietra is based in Gahanna, Ohio, and is the owner of ThreeWordPress. Follow her @anietrahamper or on Facebook.

Mary Jo Manzanares

Mary Jo Manzanares is a digital travel content creator, author and avid traveler. She's at home in Seattle, with bags packed, ready for the next great adventure. She writes at www.travelingwithmj.com and is a member of SATW.

Liz Mays

Liz Mays is a travel writer and content creator with an insatiable curiosity for exploring the U.S.—one road trip at a time. Passionate about solo travel, cultural experiences and outdoor adventures, she seeks out off-the-beaten-path destinations and quirky hidden gems. Follow here adventures at getlostintheusa.com.

Catherine Parker

Catherine Parker has a passion for travel that's driven her across North America, visiting all 50 states, seven Canadian provinces and seven Mexican states as well as top destinations in the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. After graduating from the University of Houston, Catherine started her career in travel and tourism as a flight attendant. A writer for over 10 years, she maintains an active roster of national publications. Catherine also publishes a travel website, CarfulOfKids.com. Her favorite places are national parks, museums and sidewalk cafés. She's torn between a weekend in the mountains or the beach.

Jill Robbins

Jill Robbins is an expert writer focusing on family and adventure travel as well as practical tips to help everyone get the most value out of their vacation experience. Jill's work has appeared in AAA Texas, Southern Living, Business Insider, Fodor's Travel and more. She lives in San Antonio with her husband and two sons, but she's usually somewhere else. Learn more about her travels at www.jillgoes.com.

Jill Schildhouse

Jill Schildhouse is an award-winning writer and editor with 23 years of experience in print and digital publishing. She regularly contributes to Travel + Leisure, Brides, TripSavvy, Insider, USA TODAY, Reader's Digest, Taste of Home, and Southern Living. Based in Phoenix, Jill has traveled to 38 countries and is always dreaming of her next adventure. Follow her @the_globalglutton.

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie Davis Smith is a writer and attorney from Philadelphia who now calls Washington, D.C. home. She's traveled to more than 90 countries, often bringing her children along on her adventures. Her work can be found in The Washington Post, National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, Afar, The Huffington Post, USA Today and many other publications. Jamie can be contacted at byjamiesmith@gmail.com, and posts about her travels on Instagram.

Robin Smith

Robin O'Neal Smith is a freelance writer covering food, travel, wine and lifestyle topics. A "foodie," she enjoys savoring the food and wine wherever her travels take her and finding the hidden gems in destinations to share with her readers. She resides in Pennsylvania, and her work has appeared in Potomac Lifestyle, Travel Awaits, She Buys Travel, Extended Weekend Getaways and many others. Robin has appeared on various podcasts as an expert on travel topics. She is a TravMedia member and serves on the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association board. Follow her adventures at robinonealsmith.com.

Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.