# Christmas train rides near Stockton–Modesto, 2026

> We found three Christmas trains within a drive of Stockton–Modesto with 2026 dates posted: two Polar Express rides and one holiday lights train. The closest, Train of Lights in Fremont and Sunol, 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.

- Last checked: 2026-10-30
- 3 Christmas trains with 2026 dates
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## Train rides

- **THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride** at California State Railroad Museum, Old Sacramento, Sacramento, CA · about 48 miles from Stockton. When: Nov 13 – Dec 21. Time: Evenings; Dec 21 runs only the 3:30, 5 and 6:30 p.m. trains. Price: Coach $80–$85, First Class $100–$110 per passenger; tables of four $320–$440. Ages: All ages. Booking: Timed tickets for each train. Type: Polar Express. Official page: https://www.californiarailroad.museum/events/polar-express (checked 2026-10-30)
- **THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride** at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, Jamestown, CA · about 50 miles from Modesto. When: Nov 27 – Dec 20. Time: Select dates Nov 27 to Dec 20. Price: Coach $85 per person. Ages: All ages. Booking: Timed tickets for each train. Type: Polar Express. Official page: https://www.railtown1897.org/visit/events/polar (checked 2026-10-30)
- **Train of Lights** at Niles Canyon Railway, Fremont (Niles) and Sunol, CA · about 45 miles from Stockton. When: Next: Fri Nov 20, Sat Nov 21, Sun Nov 22, Mon Nov 23 and 20 more. Time: Leaves Niles at 4:30 p.m. and Sunol at 7:30 p.m. Price: $40 general seating, ages 3 and up. Ages: All ages; under 3 free on a lap. Booking: The railway says every 2026 ticket is sold out. Type: Lights train. Official page: https://www.ncry.org/ride/train-of-lights/ (checked 2026-10-30). SOLD OUT (still listed; check the official page for a waitlist or added dates)

## About this list
- Published by Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/). Free weekly lists for kids ages 0–6, city by city.
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## FAQ

### Is there a Polar Express train ride near Stockton–Modesto in 2026?
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in Sacramento, CA · about 48 miles from Stockton: Nov 13 – Dec 21. Price: Coach $80–$85, First Class $100–$110 per passenger; tables of four $320–$440. THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in Jamestown, CA · about 50 miles from Modesto: Nov 27 – Dec 20. Price: Coach $85 per person. Book ahead: the operator sells these as timed tickets or warns they sell out.

### Are there holiday light trains or zoo trains near Stockton–Modesto?
Train of Lights (Fremont (Niles) and Sunol, CA · about 45 miles from Stockton): Next: Fri Nov 20, Sat Nov 21, Sun Nov 22, Mon Nov 23 and 20 more, $40 general seating, ages 3 and up.

### Do Christmas train rides sell out?
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.

### How do you check these train rides?
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](https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/).