Ignite the enchantment of the season with a special excursion that brings holiday movie magic to life for your whole family. Holiday train rides are waiting to take Portland families on Christmas-themed adventures through the scenic Pacific Northwest landscape. Think Polar Express, Portland style. Our suggestion? Don’t wait too long, as those golden tickets get snapped up fast. Grab your little railroad enthusiast, and get ready for one of the season’s most beloved experiences. Who knows? You might even meet Santa.

These Portland Holiday Train Rides Add Magic to the Season

Mt. Hood Railroad Christmas Train Ride

Head to the Hood River for a gorgeous mountain experience and an unforgettable holiday train ride. The Mt. Hood Christmas Train captures the magic and the spirit of the Christmas season with warmth and charm your family will love. Upon arrival your family will  be greeted by the cheery and festive staff before the conductor calls “All aboard! Characters from The Train to Christmas Town book are magically brought to life to welcome and accompany passengers on an entertaining trip to Christmas Town. Everyone is served hot chocolate and a cookie by the cast and The Train to Christmas Town story book is read aloud for all to enjoy. Your kiddos might even get a chance to meet Santa Clause and his elves.

110 Railroad St.
Hood River, OR
Online: mthoodrr.com

Chehalis Centralia Railroad & Museum Polar Express Train Ride

Families ride in comfort and privacy on this vintage railcar during their trip to the North Pole on THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, you and your little elves will relive the magic of the story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Hot chocolate and treats are served as you listen to the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Then Santa and his helpers greet passengers at the North Pole and then board the train, where each child is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. Chefs aboard each car lead passengers in singing Christmas carols on the ride back to the Depot. Tickets for all ages cost $39 and children under age of two are free but must be on adult's lap.

1101 S.W. Sylvenus St.
Chehalis, WA
Online: steamtrainride.com

 

ZooLights

For families who love holiday train rides this one runs year-round. It offers a six-minute excursion that is perfect for the littlest locomotive lovers in your household. The regular daytime zoo loop offers an overview of the animals and the rides last just long enough for the wiggliest ones in your crew. Best of all, you never have to wait longer than 15 to 20 minutes to catch this excursion. While you can take this train ride all year long, it turns into something special during the holiday season! The holidays just wouldn't be the holidays in Portland with out a spin on the Zoolights run. This ride gives you the best view of the dazzling display of more than 1.5 million lights in the zoo.

4001 S.W. Canyon Rd.
Portland
Online: www.oregonzoo.org

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad Candy Cane Express

During the winter, this beloved holiday train rides takes the area's natural beauty to the next level with the Candy Cane Express. Passengers take in spectacular views on this steam-powered trip while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies. Kids get to write letters to Santa while traveling along, and enjoying the lights! The train is lit up with Christmas lights to add festivity to the evening trips. Santa visits one-on-one with each family to spread the cheer. This round-trip excursion departs Garibaldi and runs to Rockaway Beach for a total of one hour.

Online: oregoncoastscenic.org

Oregon Rail Heritage Center The Holiday Express

Portland is the only U.S. city to own two operating steam locomotives. and you and your young train fanatics can explore and get up close to these giant marvels of the past. On Saturdays, you can hop aboard the charming, family-owned Oregon Pacific Railroad passenger train for the short trip down to the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. Trains travel on the Oregon Pacific Railroad along the Willamette River in SE Portland, but when the holiday season rolls around, you won't want to miss The Holiday Express! Join Santa Claus and his elves for a magical ride behind Portland’s famous steam locomotives. Santa joins every ride!

2250 S.E. Water Ave.
Portland
Online: orhf.org

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