Christmas trains 2026Albany · The Capital Region

Christmas train rides near Albany, 2026.

We found three Christmas trains within a drive of Albany with 2026 dates posted: two Polar Express rides and one Santa train. The closest, The Tinseliner in Adams, is about 45 miles out. Each card has the dates, times, the ages it suits, the price as the operator lists it and whether you need to book ahead.

The quick answersChecked
Is there a Polar Express ride?THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Kingston, NY (55 Kingston Plaza Rd) · about 55 miles from Albany: from Nov 13.2 ridesWhere’s the Santa train?The Tinseliner: from Nov 27.1 trainDo I need to book?1 of 3 ask you to book ahead or warn they sell out.Book early

Last checked · 3 trains · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every Christmas train, by first date

Filter by kind of ride, then tap one for dates, ages, price and how to book.

13NovFriTHE POLAR EXPRESS Train RidePolar Express · to Dec 30 · Kingston, NY (55 Kingston Plaza Rd) · about 55 miles from Albany22NovSunTHE POLAR EXPRESS Train RidePolar Express · to Dec 20 · Utica, NY (321 Main St.) · about 95 miles from Albany27NovFriThe TinselinerSanta train · to Dec 19 · Adams, MA · about 45 miles from Albany

Train rides

Polar Express, Santa and lights trains near Albany

Dates, ages, price and booking notes come from each railroad, zoo or park’s own page. The area line shows where you board.

Nov13to Dec 30

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride

Catskill Mountain Railroad, Westbrook Lane Station · Kingston, NY (55 Kingston Plaza Rd) · about 55 miles from Albany

Polar Express
When
Nov 13 – Dec 30
Time
Departure times are on the booking page
Ages
All ages
Price
Off-peak $48 adults, $38 kids; peak $58 adults, $48 kids; under 2 free on a lap
Tickets
Buy online

Good to know: The train ride runs just over an hour. Dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and a cookie, the book is read aloud, and Santa boards at the North Pole to give each guest a silver sleigh bell. Pajamas are welcome. There are no restrooms on the train, only portable ones at the station. Parking is free.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Nov22to Dec 20

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride

Adirondack Railroad, Utica Union Station · Utica, NY (321 Main St.) · about 95 miles from Albany

Polar Express
When
Nov 22 – Dec 20
Time
4:30pm and 7pm; 1:30pm on select December weekends
Ages
All ages
Price
Coach $47 adults, $39 kids 2–12; first class $68 adults, $58 kids; under 2 ride free
Tickets
Buy online

Good to know: The story opens in the Union Station lobby, then families board for a ride north with hot chocolate and cookies and a Santa visit at the North Pole. The whole outing runs about 2 hours.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Nov27to Dec 19

The Tinseliner

Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum (Hoosac Valley Explorer) · Adams, MA · about 45 miles from Albany

Santa train
Time
Two or three departures a day between 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Ages
Not listed
Price
Not listed
Tickets
Book through the museum's FareHarbor calendar
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Know one we missed?Send us the railroad’s or venue’s page and we’ll check the dates and add it.Suggest a train

Before you go

Three things that make train day easier

TicketsBook as soon as you canPolar Express and Santa trains often sell out weeks ahead, weekend evenings first.
DressPajamas are part of itMany Polar Express rides invite kids to come in pajamas. Bring a warm layer for the platform.
TimingPick a ride before bedtimeEarly departures are easier with toddlers. Late lights trains are better for older kids.

Keep planning

More for little kids in Albany

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Good questions

Christmas trains near Albany: the FAQ

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in Kingston, NY (55 Kingston Plaza Rd) · about 55 miles from Albany: Nov 13 – Dec 30. Price: Off-peak $48 adults, $38 kids; peak $58 adults, $48 kids; under 2 free on a lap. THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in Utica, NY (321 Main St.) · about 95 miles from Albany: Nov 22 – Dec 20. Price: Coach $47 adults, $39 kids 2–12; first class $68 adults, $58 kids; under 2 ride free.

The Tinseliner (Adams, MA · about 45 miles from Albany): Next: Fri Nov 27, Sun Nov 29, Sat Dec 5, Sun Dec 6 and 2 more.

Many do. One of the three here asks you to book ahead or warns that seats sell out. Each card says what the operator posts about tickets.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 30, 2026, and we recheck them every week through December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Albany that weekend, holiday trains included.

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