Christmas trains 2026Fairfield County · Stamford, Norwalk and Bridgeport

Christmas train rides near Fairfield County, 2026.

We found six Christmas trains within a drive of Fairfield County with 2026 dates posted: two Polar Express rides, three Santa trains and one model-train holiday display. The closest, Holiday Train Show in Bronx, is about 30 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 90 miles from Stamford: from Nov 13.2 ridesWhere’s the Santa train?North Pole Express: from Nov 20. Plus 2 more.3 trainsDo I need to book?2 of 6 ask you to book ahead or warn they sell out.Book early

Last checked · 6 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 90 miles from Stamford14NovSatHoliday Train ShowModel trains · to Jan 10 · Bronx, NY · about 30 miles from Stamford20NovFriNorth Pole ExpressSanta train · to Dec 23 · Essex, CT · about 70 miles from Stamford21NovSatSanta ExpressSanta train · to Dec 20 · Flemington, NJ · about 80 miles from Stamford27NovFriSanta ExpressSanta train · to Dec 23 · Thomaston, CT · about 45 miles from Stamford27NovFriTHE POLAR EXPRESS Train RidePolar Express · to Dec 20 · Phillipsburg, NJ · about 85 miles from Stamford

Train rides

Polar Express, Santa and lights trains near Fairfield County

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 90 miles from Stamford

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
Nov20to Dec 23

North Pole Express

Essex Steam Train · Essex, CT · about 70 miles from Stamford

Santa trainBook early
Time
Fri–Sun Nov 20–22 and 27–29, Tue–Sun Dec 1–20, plus Dec 22–23; trains from 2 to 8 p.m.
Ages
All ages
Price
Not listed
Tickets
Sold online only; all sales final
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Nov21to Dec 20

Santa Express

Black River & Western Railroad · Flemington, NJ · about 80 miles from Stamford

Santa train
Time
Departures between 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. (evening trains on some dates)
Ages
Under 3 ride free as lap riders
Price
$36.99 ages 12+, $33.99 ages 3–11; premium options cost more
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Nov27to Dec 23

Santa Express

Railroad Museum of New England (Naugatuck Railroad) · Thomaston, CT · about 45 miles from Stamford

Santa train
Time
12 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Ages
All ages
Price
Coach seat for two $70; Hi-Level and Premium Coach for two $130; lounges cost more
Tickets
No cancellations without trip protection; a sensory-friendly train runs Nov 29
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Nov27to Dec 20

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride

Delaware River Railroad Excursions · Phillipsburg, NJ · about 85 miles from Stamford

Polar Express
Time
Fridays 6 and 8 p.m.; Saturdays 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m.; Sundays 2, 4 and 6 p.m.
Ages
All ages
Price
$48 adults, $38 children (subject to change)
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

Model trains

Holiday model train displays near Fairfield County

Most let you walk through at your own pace, so you can stay as long as little ones are interested.

Nov14to Jan 10

Holiday Train Show

New York Botanical Garden · Bronx, NY · about 30 miles from Stamford

Model trains
Time
Garden hours; evening hours on select nights
Ages
All ages
Price
Not listed
Tickets
Timed tickets

Good to know: Model trains run past nearly 200 New York landmarks built from bark, leaves and other plant parts.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
More to come.Model train shows often post late. We recheck every week through December.Email me when one’s added

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 Fairfield County

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Good questions

Christmas trains near Fairfield County: the FAQ

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in Kingston, NY (55 Kingston Plaza Rd) · about 90 miles from Stamford: 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 Phillipsburg, NJ · about 85 miles from Stamford: Next: Fri Nov 27, Sat Nov 28, Sun Nov 29, Fri Dec 4 and 8 more. Price: $48 adults, $38 children (subject to change).

North Pole Express (Essex, CT · about 70 miles from Stamford): Nov 20 – Dec 23. Santa Express (Flemington, NJ · about 80 miles from Stamford): Next: Sat Nov 21, Sun Nov 22, Fri Nov 27, Sat Nov 28 and 8 more. Santa Express (Thomaston, CT · about 45 miles from Stamford): Nov 27 – Dec 23.

Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden: Nov 14 – Jan 10.

Many do. Two of the six here ask you to book ahead or warn 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 Fairfield County that weekend, holiday trains included.

Fairfield County skyline