Christmas trains 2026Pittsburgh · The Steel City

Christmas train rides near Pittsburgh, 2026.

We found four Christmas trains within a drive of Pittsburgh with 2026 dates posted: one Polar Express ride, two Santa trains and one zoo or park holiday train. The closest, Gingerbread Express at Holiday Lights in West Mifflin, is about 10 miles out.

The quick answersChecked
Is there a Polar Express ride?THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Dennison, OH · about 70 miles away: from Dec 3.1 rideWhere’s the Santa train?The North Pole Adventure: from Nov 13. Plus 1 more.2 trainsDo I need to book?Check each card for what the operator says about tickets.Check

Last checked · 4 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.

13NovFriGingerbread Express at Holiday LightsZoo & park train · to Jan 3 · West Mifflin, PA · about 10 miles away13NovFriThe North Pole AdventureSanta train · to Dec 22 · Independence, OH (Rockside Station) · about 110 miles away27NovFriSanta TrolleySanta train · to Dec 20 · Washington, PA · about 20 miles away3DecThuTHE POLAR EXPRESS Train RidePolar Express · to Dec 13 · Dennison, OH · about 70 miles away

Train rides

Polar Express, Santa and lights trains near Pittsburgh

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

Nov13to Jan 3

Gingerbread Express at Holiday Lights

Kennywood · West Mifflin, PA · about 10 miles away

Zoo & park train
When
Fri–Sun Nov 13 to Dec 13, then daily Dec 18 to Jan 3, 2027 (closed Dec 24 and 25)
Time
Kennywood doesn't post ride times on the event page; check its Holiday Lights calendar
Ages
Not listed
Price
Included with Holiday Lights admission; prices vary by date
Tickets
Dated tickets online; rides are weather permitting

Good to know: The Olde Kennywood Railroad runs as the Gingerbread Express during Holiday Lights. There's also a big model train display in the Penny Arcade, and Santa at Celebration Station.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Nov13to Dec 22

The North Pole Adventure

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad · Independence, OH (Rockside Station) · about 110 miles away

Santa train
Time
Select dates; see the booking calendar
Ages
All ages
Price
$60–$110 per person
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Nov27to Dec 20

Santa Trolley

Pennsylvania Trolley Museum · Washington, PA · about 20 miles away

Santa train
Time
9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Ages
All ages
Price
Not listed
Tickets
A sensory-friendly session runs the morning of Nov 29
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec3to 13

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride

Dennison Railroad Depot Museum · Dennison, OH · about 70 miles away

Polar Express
Time
Thu–Fri 6 and 8 p.m.; Sat–Sun 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m.
Ages
Not listed
Price
$53–$84 per ticket plus a $4 fee
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem

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 Pittsburgh

November: things to do in PittsburghEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in PittsburghEvery dated listing for the month, by weekFree things to do in PittsburghFree days, free events and places that never chargeFree museum days in PittsburghFree days, Museums on Us and EBT discounts, with who gets inIndoor play in PittsburghIndoor playgrounds, toddler times, museums and classes, with pricesLibrary storytimes in PittsburghBaby, toddler and preschool storytimes by day and branchIce skating in PittsburghHoliday and indoor rinks, skate aids and pricesThanksgiving weekend in PittsburghParades, turkey trots and what’s open on ThursdayNoon Year’s Eve in PittsburghKid-friendly countdowns, home by napChristmas parades in PittsburghParades and tree lightings with dates and start timesThe Nutcracker in PittsburghBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flaggedChristmas markets in PittsburghChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hoursBirthday party places in PittsburghStarting prices, ages and what’s includedThis week in PittsburghDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every Thursday

Good questions

Christmas trains near Pittsburgh: the FAQ

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in Dennison, OH · about 70 miles away: Next: Thu Dec 3, Fri Dec 4, Sat Dec 5, Sun Dec 6 and 4 more. Price: $53–$84 per ticket plus a $4 fee.

The North Pole Adventure (Independence, OH (Rockside Station) · about 110 miles away): Nov 13 – Dec 22. Santa Trolley (Washington, PA · about 20 miles away): Next: Fri Nov 27, Sat Nov 28, Sun Nov 29, Sat Dec 5 and 5 more.

Gingerbread Express at Holiday Lights (West Mifflin, PA · about 10 miles away): Fri–Sun Nov 13 to Dec 13, then daily Dec 18 to Jan 3, 2027 (closed Dec 24 and 25), Included with Holiday Lights admission; prices vary by date.

None on this page warns about it right now. 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 29, 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 Pittsburgh that weekend, holiday trains included.

Pittsburgh skyline