Christmas trains 2026Lakeland · Swan City

Christmas train rides near Lakeland, 2026.

We found three Christmas trains within a drive of Lakeland with 2026 dates posted: one Santa train, one holiday lights train and one zoo or park holiday train. The closest, Holiday Train at Pasco Celebration of Lights in Shady Hills, is about 55 miles out.

The quick answersChecked
Is there a Polar Express ride?None with 2026 dates near here yet.Not yetWhere’s the Santa train?North Pole Express: 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.

27NovFriHoliday Train at Pasco Celebration of LightsLights train · to Dec 22 · Shady Hills, FL (11919 Alric Pottberg Rd) · about 55 miles from Lakeland27NovFriNorth Pole ExpressSanta train · to Dec 22 · Parrish, FL · about 60 miles from Lakeland4DecFriLake Eola Holiday TrainZoo & park train · to Dec 20 · Orlando, FL (Lake Eola Park, North East Lawn) · about 55 miles from Lakeland

Train rides

Polar Express, Santa and lights trains near Lakeland

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

Nov27to Dec 22

Holiday Train at Pasco Celebration of Lights

The Concourse · Shady Hills, FL (11919 Alric Pottberg Rd) · about 55 miles from Lakeland

Lights train
When
Nov 27–29, Dec 4–6, Dec 11–13 and Dec 18–20, plus bonus nights Dec 21–22 (Dec 23, 26 and 27 are drive-through only)
Time
Gates open 6–9 p.m., weather permitting
Ages
Not listed
Price
Train rides are $4 a rider at the depot; the event page doesn't list a gate price

Good to know: A volunteer-run Christmas night with drive-through lights, Santa and a small holiday train.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Nov27to Dec 22

North Pole Express

Florida Railroad Museum · Parrish, FL · about 60 miles from Lakeland

Santa trainBook early
Time
Select evenings; most at 5:15 and 7:15 p.m.
Ages
All ages
Price
Not listed
Tickets
Space is limited and popular departures sell out, the museum says
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec4to 20

Lake Eola Holiday Train

Lake Eola Park · Orlando, FL (Lake Eola Park, North East Lawn) · about 55 miles from Lakeland

Zoo & park train
When
Fri, Sat and Sun evenings Dec 4–20
Time
5:30–9 p.m.
Ages
Not listed
Price
Part of the city's free Downtown for the Holidays events; the page doesn't list a ride fee

Good to know: Santa visits the Eola House during Downtown for the Holidays.

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 Lakeland

November: things to do in LakelandEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in LakelandEvery dated listing for the month, by weekFree things to do in LakelandFree days, free events and places that never chargeThanksgiving weekend in LakelandParades, turkey trots and what’s open on ThursdayChristmas parades in LakelandParades and tree lightings with dates and start timesThe Nutcracker in LakelandBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flaggedChristmas markets in LakelandChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hoursThis week in LakelandDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every Thursday

Good questions

Christmas trains near Lakeland: the FAQ

Not one we could confirm with 2026 dates on an official page. The closest thing on this page is Holiday Train at Pasco Celebration of Lights, North Pole Express and Lake Eola Holiday Train.

North Pole Express (Parrish, FL · about 60 miles from Lakeland): Nov 27 – Dec 22.

Holiday Train at Pasco Celebration of Lights (Shady Hills, FL (11919 Alric Pottberg Rd) · about 55 miles from Lakeland): Nov 27–29, Dec 4–6, Dec 11–13 and Dec 18–20, plus bonus nights Dec 21–22 (Dec 23, 26 and 27 are drive-through only), Train rides are $4 a rider at the depot; the event page doesn't list a gate price. Lake Eola Holiday Train (Orlando, FL (Lake Eola Park, North East Lawn) · about 55 miles from Lakeland): Fri, Sat and Sun evenings Dec 4–20, Part of the city's free Downtown for the Holidays events; the page doesn't list a ride fee.

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 Lakeland that weekend, holiday trains included.

Lakeland skyline