Spoil your family with a Christmas Train ride this winter. They bring magic and machines together for a joyous holiday experience. You may even get to see Santa Claus himself! These scenic train rides are the perfect holiday experience for families with a pint-size locomotive fan under their roof!
Whether you have got a kid obsessed with trains or your family longs to replicate a Polar Express train ride, these holiday railway rides will be ideal for making core memories. Here in the GTA, we are lucky enough to have some magical options for holiday train rides and experiences on the rails! You might not make it to the North Pole, but you will feel like you’re heading in the right direction! Here are all the best local train rides to experience this holiday season.
Waterloo Central Railway Christmas Train Experience
The Waterloo Central Railway offers two Christmas train experiences. The daytime ride is “Santa’s Countryside Ride” and the evening one is “Santa’s Christmas Caboose”. Both are a one-hour round-trip ride on a magical journey to the North Pole. Santa, elves and reindeer await your arrival. You can expect singing, storytime, and on the evening experience, you get to take in the sights of over 15,000 Christmas lights!
Where: St Jacobs, ON (train departs at the station right near the St. Jacobs Farmers Market)
Cost: Starting at $24.99 for children and $29.99 for adults for daytime in November.
When: Events run until December 23rd
York-Durham Heritage Railway – 5 Rides To Choose From!
The York Durham Heritage Railway offers several unique and exciting Christmas train experiences! There is something for everyone to be found on these rails. They are offering a North Pole Light Up Express, Premium North Pole Experience, a Nutcracker Evening High Tea and a Victorian Christmas Tea. Santa, Mrs Claus, singing & dancing elves, chocolate milk & cookies and lots of festive fun await you on the York-Durham Heritage Railway!
Where: Uxbridge, ON
Cost: Starting at $44.99 for children and $54.99 for adults
When: Experiences run until December 24th
Halton County Radial Railway Christmas Train Ride
The Halton County Radial Railway is offering one last hurrah for the 2023 season; a Christmas on the Rails event! Board the train for a ride through the woods with snow on the trees and Christmas carols in the air. There’s also a big man in red scheduled to make an appearance!
Where: Milton, ON
Cost: $18 for children and $24 for adults
Family pass:: $70 for 2 adults and 2 children
When: December 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 2023 from 1pm to 8pm
Free Rides On The Winter Twinkle Express in Downtown Milton
The Downtown Milton tourism agency is offering free Christmas Train rides through the downtown core. The Winter Twinkle Express will get you in the holiday spirit with music, fun activities and of course, train rides! Take in the seasonal light displays and the beautifully decorated storefronts, or enjoy a hot chocolate as you stroll the streets!
Where: Milton, ON
Cost: Free
When: pending confirmation for 2023.
Ride The R.B.G. Express Christmas Train Ride at Royal Botanical Gardens
Royal Botanical Gardens: The RBG is offering Christmas train rides on the RBG Express! Don’t miss a ride on the train during a day visit to the gardens. Purchase tickets at the door to take a round-trip ride throughout Hendrie Park. Tip: purchase your train tickets as soon as you arrive – they do sell out!
Where: Burlington, ON
Cost: $10 + HST per car on top of admission; up to four people per train car.
When: Running Nov. 23, 2023 until January 7, 2024 from 10:15 am to 2:45 pm
Botanical Train Display
One of our favourite holiday traditions is to check out the Botanical Train Display at RBG.
Upcoming Events For Train Fans
Burlington Cruisin’ Car Show
Burlington Centre 777 Guelph Line, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaJoin us Monday nights at the Cruisin’ Car Show in the Canadian Tire/Burlington Centre Parking LotMay 12 to Sept 29 20255PM-8PM excluding long weekendsOur mission is to create a vibrant […]
Oakville’s Cruze Nights Classic Car Show
Oakville Place Mall 240 Leighland Avenue, Burlington, ONClassic and Antique Cars, DJ, Door Prizes, 50/50 draws, raffles.
Burlington Model Railway Open House
Burlington Model Railway Club 1137 Hidden Valley Road, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaLocated in Hidden Valley Park, the Burlington Model Railway Club (BMRC) operates out of a building that was previously used as a swimming pool office and change house. The BMRC's […]
Burlington Cruisin’ Car Show
Burlington Centre 777 Guelph Line, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaJoin us Monday nights at the Cruisin’ Car Show in the Canadian Tire/Burlington Centre Parking LotMay 12 to Sept 29 20255PM-8PM excluding long weekendsOur mission is to create a vibrant […]
Celebrate the Lancaster’s 80th Birthday
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum 9280 Airport Rd, Mount Hope, Ontario, CanadaHappy birthday to our Lancaster – 80 years young! Come join us on Canada Day as we celebrate this Canadian icon. Lancaster FM213 rolled off the production line at Victory […]
Canada Day at HMCS Haida
HMCS Haida Pier 9, 658 Catharine St N, Hamilton, ON, CanadaCelebrate Canada Day at HMCS Haida! Step aboard Canada's most fightingest warship, hear stories of brave sailors, and take in beautiful views of Lake Ontario. Join us on July 1 […]
Oakville’s Cruze Nights Classic Car Show
Oakville Place Mall 240 Leighland Avenue, Burlington, ONClassic and Antique Cars, DJ, Door Prizes, 50/50 draws, raffles.
Train Days at the Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology
Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology 900 Woodward Ave, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaCatch a ride on a miniature train, operated by the Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers! Various model engines will be running on the miniature railroad track at the museum. Make sure to […]
Burlington Cruisin’ Car Show
Burlington Centre 777 Guelph Line, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaJoin us Monday nights at the Cruisin’ Car Show in the Canadian Tire/Burlington Centre Parking LotMay 12 to Sept 29 20255PM-8PM excluding long weekendsOur mission is to create a vibrant […]
Fire Safety Storytime
Oakville Public Library - various branchesJoin us for this special fire safety storytime and enjoy a visit from our community helpers from the Oakville Fire Department! Stop by the library for a special storytime, led […]
Oakville Fire’s Summer Splash
Oakville Parks Ontario, CanadaThis summer, Oakville Fire crews will be visiting splash pads around Town as they connect with the community though the Summer Splash campaign. Starting July 9, families are invited to […]
Oakville’s Cruze Nights Classic Car Show
Oakville Place Mall 240 Leighland Avenue, Burlington, ONClassic and Antique Cars, DJ, Door Prizes, 50/50 draws, raffles.
HCMS Haida Artillery Experience
HMCS Haida Pier 9, 658 Catharine St N, Hamilton, ON, CanadaExperience history like never before with the Enhanced Artillery Experience at HMCS Haida this summer. Step into the shoes of a wartime gun crew, get into authentic gear, and fire […]
Club Roma Classic Car Show
Club Roma 125 Vansickle Road, St Catharines, ON, CanadaGet ready for a spectacular day of vintage cars, great food, and family fun at the Club Roma Classic Car Show! Whether you're a car enthusiast, collector, or just love […]
Burlington Cruisin’ Car Show
Burlington Centre 777 Guelph Line, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaJoin us Monday nights at the Cruisin’ Car Show in the Canadian Tire/Burlington Centre Parking LotMay 12 to Sept 29 20255PM-8PM excluding long weekendsOur mission is to create a vibrant […]
Fire Safety Storytime
Oakville Public Library - various branchesJoin us for this special fire safety storytime and enjoy a visit from our community helpers from the Oakville Fire Department! Stop by the library for a special storytime, led […]
Oakville Fire’s Summer Splash
Oakville Parks Ontario, CanadaThis summer, Oakville Fire crews will be visiting splash pads around Town as they connect with the community though the Summer Splash campaign. Starting July 9, families are invited to […]
Oakville’s Cruze Nights Classic Car Show
Oakville Place Mall 240 Leighland Avenue, Burlington, ONClassic and Antique Cars, DJ, Door Prizes, 50/50 draws, raffles.
HMCS Haida Behind the Scenes Tour
HMCS Haida Pier 9, 658 Catharine St N, Hamilton, ON, CanadaThis summer, go beyond the deck with the exclusive Behind the Scenes Tour at HMCS Haida. Experience Canada's most fightingest ship like never before with the Behind the Scenes Tour. […]
Burlington Cruisin’ Car Show
Burlington Centre 777 Guelph Line, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaJoin us Monday nights at the Cruisin’ Car Show in the Canadian Tire/Burlington Centre Parking LotMay 12 to Sept 29 20255PM-8PM excluding long weekendsOur mission is to create a vibrant […]
Trains, Tuk Tuks and Trams – Transit Around the World
HPL - selected branchesLearn about different forms of transportation used around the world. Transportation-themed activities focused on bikes, trains, tuk tuks and more. Explore modes of transportation used all around the world. Tuesday, […]
Oakville Fire’s Summer Splash
Oakville Parks Ontario, CanadaThis summer, Oakville Fire crews will be visiting splash pads around Town as they connect with the community though the Summer Splash campaign. Starting July 9, families are invited to […]
Oakville’s Cruze Nights Classic Car Show
Oakville Place Mall 240 Leighland Avenue, Burlington, ONClassic and Antique Cars, DJ, Door Prizes, 50/50 draws, raffles.
Fire Safety Storytime
Oakville Public Library - various branchesJoin us for this special fire safety storytime and enjoy a visit from our community helpers from the Oakville Fire Department! Stop by the library for a special storytime, led […]
Away we Go: Transportation Adventure!
Milton Public Library - Sherwood Branch 6355 Main St W, Milton, ON, CanadaFor children 7-10 years of age. Please note: Each child requires their own library card to register. All aboard! Explore how people get around the world—from tuk-tuks in Thailand to bullet trains in Japan […]
Women of War: HMCS Haida
HMCS Haida Pier 9, 658 Catharine St N, Hamilton, ON, CanadaWomen of War Weekend at HMCS Haida will commemorate and celebrate the many ways that women contributed to Canada's war effort during the Second World War. Special programming will provide […]
Kitchener Touch a Truck
Kitchener Memorial Auditorium 400 East Ave, Kitchener, ON, CanadaCome together with fellow industry professionals for an engaging, educational event for families in your area. Both children and parents will have the chance to interact closely with different types […]
Burlington Model Railway Open House
Burlington Model Railway Club 1137 Hidden Valley Road, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaLocated in Hidden Valley Park, the Burlington Model Railway Club (BMRC) operates out of a building that was previously used as a swimming pool office and change house. The BMRC's […]
Train Days at the Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology
Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology 900 Woodward Ave, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaCatch a ride on a miniature train, operated by the Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers! Various model engines will be running on the miniature railroad track at the museum. Make sure to […]
Burlington Cruisin’ Car Show
Burlington Centre 777 Guelph Line, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaJoin us Monday nights at the Cruisin’ Car Show in the Canadian Tire/Burlington Centre Parking LotMay 12 to Sept 29 20255PM-8PM excluding long weekendsOur mission is to create a vibrant […]
Trains, Tuk Tuks and Trams – Transit Around the World
HPL - selected branchesLearn about different forms of transportation used around the world. Transportation-themed activities focused on bikes, trains, tuk tuks and more. Explore modes of transportation used all around the world. Tuesday, […]
Scientists in School: Things with Wings
Milton Public Library - Beaty Branch 945 Fourth Line, Milton, Ontario, CanadaFor children 5-8 years of age, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Have you ever wished you could fly like a bird or hover like a dragonfly? Let’s explore all the […]
Oakville Fire’s Summer Splash
Oakville Parks Ontario, CanadaThis summer, Oakville Fire crews will be visiting splash pads around Town as they connect with the community though the Summer Splash campaign. Starting July 9, families are invited to […]
Oakville’s Cruze Nights Classic Car Show
Oakville Place Mall 240 Leighland Avenue, Burlington, ONClassic and Antique Cars, DJ, Door Prizes, 50/50 draws, raffles.
Trains, Tuk Tuks and Trams – Transit Around the World
HPL - selected branchesLearn about different forms of transportation used around the world. Transportation-themed activities focused on bikes, trains, tuk tuks and more. Explore modes of transportation used all around the world. Tuesday, […]
Oakville Fire’s Summer Splash
Oakville Parks Ontario, CanadaThis summer, Oakville Fire crews will be visiting splash pads around Town as they connect with the community though the Summer Splash campaign. Starting July 9, families are invited to […]
Oakville’s Cruze Nights Classic Car Show
Oakville Place Mall 240 Leighland Avenue, Burlington, ONClassic and Antique Cars, DJ, Door Prizes, 50/50 draws, raffles.
Train Days at the Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology
Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology 900 Woodward Ave, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaCatch a ride on a miniature train, operated by the Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers! Various model engines will be running on the miniature railroad track at the museum. Make sure to […]
Burlington Cruisin’ Car Show
Burlington Centre 777 Guelph Line, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaJoin us Monday nights at the Cruisin’ Car Show in the Canadian Tire/Burlington Centre Parking LotMay 12 to Sept 29 20255PM-8PM excluding long weekendsOur mission is to create a vibrant […]
Fire Safety Storytime
Oakville Public Library - various branchesJoin us for this special fire safety storytime and enjoy a visit from our community helpers from the Oakville Fire Department! Stop by the library for a special storytime, led […]
Oakville Fire’s Summer Splash
Oakville Parks Ontario, CanadaThis summer, Oakville Fire crews will be visiting splash pads around Town as they connect with the community though the Summer Splash campaign. Starting July 9, families are invited to […]
Oakville’s Cruze Nights Classic Car Show
Oakville Place Mall 240 Leighland Avenue, Burlington, ONClassic and Antique Cars, DJ, Door Prizes, 50/50 draws, raffles.
HCMS Haida Artillery Experience
HMCS Haida Pier 9, 658 Catharine St N, Hamilton, ON, CanadaExperience history like never before with the Enhanced Artillery Experience at HMCS Haida this summer. Step into the shoes of a wartime gun crew, get into authentic gear, and fire […]
Fire Safety Storytime
Oakville Public Library - various branchesJoin us for this special fire safety storytime and enjoy a visit from our community helpers from the Oakville Fire Department! Stop by the library for a special storytime, led […]
Burlington Cruisin’ Car Show
Burlington Centre 777 Guelph Line, Burlington, Ontario, CanadaJoin us Monday nights at the Cruisin’ Car Show in the Canadian Tire/Burlington Centre Parking LotMay 12 to Sept 29 20255PM-8PM excluding long weekendsOur mission is to create a vibrant […]
Oakville Fire’s Summer Splash
Oakville Parks Ontario, CanadaThis summer, Oakville Fire crews will be visiting splash pads around Town as they connect with the community though the Summer Splash campaign. Starting July 9, families are invited to […]
Oakville’s Cruze Nights Classic Car Show
Oakville Place Mall 240 Leighland Avenue, Burlington, ONClassic and Antique Cars, DJ, Door Prizes, 50/50 draws, raffles.
Away we Go: Transportation Adventure!
Milton Public Library - Sherwood Branch 6355 Main St W, Milton, ON, CanadaFor children 7-10 years of age. Please note: Each child requires their own library card to register. All aboard! Explore how people get around the world—from tuk-tuks in Thailand to bullet trains in Japan […]
HMCS Haida Behind the Scenes Tour
HMCS Haida Pier 9, 658 Catharine St N, Hamilton, ON, CanadaThis summer, go beyond the deck with the exclusive Behind the Scenes Tour at HMCS Haida. Experience Canada's most fightingest ship like never before with the Behind the Scenes Tour. […]
HMCS Haida Birthday Weekend
HMCS Haida Pier 9, 658 Catharine St N, Hamilton, ON, CanadaOn August 23 and 24, “Canada’s fightingest ship” celebrates the 81st anniversary of its commissioning. We are thrilled to invite you to make this commemoration a cherished end-of-summer tradition. Come […]
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