Christmas trains 2026Syracuse · The Salt City

Christmas train rides near Syracuse, 2026.

We found three Christmas trains within a drive of Syracuse with 2026 dates posted: one Polar Express ride and two Santa trains. The closest, THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in Utica, is about 55 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, Utica, NY (321 Main St.) · about 55 miles from Syracuse: from Nov 22.1 rideWhere’s the Santa train?Santa Train: from Nov 27. Plus 1 more.2 trainsDo I need to book?Check each card for what the operator says about tickets.Check

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.

22NovSunTHE POLAR EXPRESS Train RidePolar Express · to Dec 20 · Utica, NY (321 Main St.) · about 55 miles from Syracuse27NovFriSanta TrainSanta train · to Nov 29 · Thendara, NY · about 100 miles from Syracuse28NovSatFinger Lakes Christmas TrainSanta train · to Dec 20 · Canandaigua, NY (25 Pleasant St.) · about 75 miles from Syracuse

Train rides

Polar Express, Santa and lights trains near Syracuse

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

Nov22to Dec 20

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride

Adirondack Railroad, Utica Union Station · Utica, NY (321 Main St.) · about 55 miles from Syracuse

Polar Express
When
Nov 22 – Dec 20
Time
4:30pm and 7pm; 1:30pm on select December weekends
Ages
All ages
Price
Coach $47 adults, $39 kids 2–12; first class $68 adults, $58 kids; under 2 ride free
Tickets
Buy online

Good to know: The story opens in the Union Station lobby, then families board for a ride north with hot chocolate and cookies and a Santa visit at the North Pole. The whole outing runs about 2 hours.

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Nov27to 29

Santa Train

Adirondack Railroad, Thendara Station · Thendara, NY · about 100 miles from Syracuse

Santa train
When
Nov 27–29
Time
1pm and 3pm
Ages
All ages
Price
No ticket listed
Tickets
Buy online

Good to know: A 90-minute ride from Thendara to Otter Lake. Santa and Mrs. Claus visit with each family.

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Nov28to Dec 20

Finger Lakes Christmas Train

Finger Lakes Rail Experience · Canandaigua, NY (25 Pleasant St.) · about 75 miles from Syracuse

Santa train
When
Nov 28–29; Dec 4–6, 11–13 and 18–20
Time
Departure times are on the booking page
Ages
All ages
Price
$40 to $100 per person depending on the car; kids 2 and under ride free without a seat
Tickets
Buy online

Good to know: A 70-minute ride with hot chocolate and a visit from Santa, who walks through the train. Kids can write letters to Santa on board, and each party gets a keepsake. Trains run snow or shine.

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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 Syracuse

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Good questions

Christmas trains near Syracuse: the FAQ

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in Utica, NY (321 Main St.) · about 55 miles from Syracuse: Nov 22 – Dec 20. Price: Coach $47 adults, $39 kids 2–12; first class $68 adults, $58 kids; under 2 ride free.

Santa Train (Thendara, NY · about 100 miles from Syracuse): Nov 27–29. Finger Lakes Christmas Train (Canandaigua, NY (25 Pleasant St.) · about 75 miles from Syracuse): Nov 28–29; Dec 4–6, 11–13 and 18–20.

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 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 Syracuse that weekend, holiday trains included.

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