Christmas trains 2026Rochester · The Flower City

Christmas train rides near Rochester, 2026.

We found three Christmas trains within a drive of Rochester with 2026 dates posted: one Polar Express ride and two Santa trains. The closest, Santa Train Rides to the North Pole, is in Rush. 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, Medina, NY (530 West Ave) · about 40 miles away: from Nov 21.1 rideWhere’s the Santa train?Santa's Wonderland Express: from Nov 21. Plus 1 more.2 trainsDo I need to book?3 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.

21NovSatTHE POLAR EXPRESS Train RidePolar Express · to Dec 27 · Medina, NY (530 West Ave) · about 40 miles away21NovSatSanta's Wonderland ExpressSanta train · to Dec 20 · Arcade, NY · about 55 miles away · Sold out4DecFriSanta Train Rides to the North PoleSanta train · to Dec 12 · Rush, NY · Sold out

Train rides

Polar Express, Santa and lights trains near Rochester

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

Nov21to Dec 27

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride

Medina Railroad Museum · Medina, NY (530 West Ave) · about 40 miles away

Polar ExpressBook early
When
Saturdays and Sundays Nov 21–Dec 20, plus Tuesday, Dec 22 and Sunday, Dec 27
Time
About an hour round trip; pick up tickets an hour before departure
Ages
Child tickets ages 2–12; lap infants under 2 free
Price
Coach from $49 plus fees; First Class from $65 plus fees
Tickets
Tickets do sell out quickly, so book ahead

Good to know: First Class adds a souvenir mug, table seating, a frosted sugar cookie and more time with Santa.

Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Nov21to Dec 20

Santa's Wonderland Express

Arcade & Attica Railroad, 278 Main Street · Arcade, NY · about 55 miles away

Sold outSanta train
Time
Weekend runs at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30, 2:30, 5 and 6 p.m.; weeknight runs at 5 and 6 p.m.
Ages
Under 2 ride free on a lap
Price
$33 ages 2-12, $40 ages 13-61
Tickets
Every 2026 run shows sold out on the railroad's booking calendar
Official page ↗Checked Report a problem
Dec4to 12

Santa Train Rides to the North Pole

Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum · Rush, NY

Sold outSanta train
Time
Afternoon and evening
Ages
Age 4 and under ride free on laps
Price
$28 per person
Tickets
Sold out for 2026
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 Rochester

November: things to do in RochesterEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in RochesterEvery dated listing for the month, by weekFree things to do in RochesterFree days, free events and places that never chargeIndoor play in RochesterIndoor playgrounds, toddler times, museums and classes, with pricesLibrary storytimes in RochesterBaby, toddler and preschool storytimes by day and branchIce skating in RochesterHoliday and indoor rinks, skate aids and pricesThanksgiving weekend in RochesterParades, turkey trots and what’s open on ThursdayNoon Year’s Eve in RochesterKid-friendly countdowns, home by napChristmas parades in RochesterParades and tree lightings with dates and start timesThe Nutcracker in RochesterBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flaggedChristmas markets in RochesterChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hoursChristmas break in RochesterWhat’s open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1This week in RochesterDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every Thursday

Good questions

Christmas trains near Rochester: the FAQ

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in Medina, NY (530 West Ave) · about 40 miles away: Next: Sat Nov 21, Sun Nov 22, Sat Nov 28, Sun Nov 29 and 8 more. Price: Coach from $49 plus fees; First Class from $65 plus fees. Book ahead: the operator sells these as timed tickets or warns they sell out.

Santa's Wonderland Express (Arcade, NY · about 55 miles away): Next: Sat Nov 21, Sun Nov 22, Fri Nov 27, Sat Nov 28 and 12 more. Santa Train Rides to the North Pole (Rush, NY): Fri Dec 4, Sat Dec 5, Fri Dec 11 and Sat Dec 12.

Many do. Every one on this page 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 Rochester that weekend, holiday trains included.

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