Best Puget Sound Area Santa Trains for Kids
Would you like to do a Santa Train ride this season? We’ve rounded up Puget Sound area Santa train rides for you to choose from. I think these are great fun if you have a little train lover.
I would probably save my money for a different splurge event (and some of these are BIG splurges) if your kiddos aren’t that into trains, but that’s just me….
Quite a few readers have asked what the best Santa Train ride is, and honestly, I don’t have an opinion on that for you. All of them are charming, and most of them are quite pricey. If you can fit it in your budget, I’d probably pick the Mt.Rainier Railroad one in Elbe because it’s a bit closer, it’s heated, and you can reserve your seats.
If you have done any of these trains, I’d LOVE for you to leave a comment with your thoughts!
Polar Express, Mount Rainier Railroad
The magic of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ comes to life in Elbe, Washington. This story of a child’s Christmas Eve journey comes alive on-board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. All ages can enjoy the warmth and fun of the Christmas season as you depart for a trip to the North Pole.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, like the movie, is a 90-minute roundtrip immersive theatrical experience. Passengers will be entertained by Chefs, enjoy Hot Chocolate and Cookies, and listen to a reading of THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa will board the train and give each child the first gift of Christmas (a silver bell). This event will surely become an annual tradition for the whole family. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride and join in on the magic of Christmas!
Santa Train, Northwest Railway Museum
Santa Train begins at the North Bend Depot, located at 205 E McClellan Street. The Depot faces the Shell Station in the town of North Bend.
Tickets are on sale now. When you buy tickets online, Will Call is automatically selected for your purchase. Your tickets will be mailed to you about a week after purchase. If you buy your tickets within two weeks of the event, your tickets will be held in Will Call and available to pick up on the day of the event at the North Bend Depot.
2019 Santa Train dates are: Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7-8, 14-15, 20-21 Victorian Santa Train is on Dec. 20.
Note from SFM: There is also a sensory friendly train option on December 1st.
The Polar Express and Santa Holiday Train-Chehalis
There are two different options if you’re up for going to Chehalis. The Santa Holiday Train is a comparative bargain, so if you’re a train loving family with a budget, it may be worth the trip! There is also a Polar Express option. These are two different rides and experiences, so make sure to choose the right one.
More about the Santa Holiday Train
A wonderful family tradition, the Santa Holiday Train is approximately 30 minutes long, with Santa visiting everybody during the train ride. Photo opportunities are available before and after each trip. Please note: Our railcars are not heated, please dress appropriately. $15 for all ages, 2yr and younger ride free, but must be on an adult lap.
More about the Polar Express Train
There is also a Polar Express train. This one offers the Polar Express experience and is more expensive.
Tickets and times for that one are here.
Thank you to Mount Rainier Railroad for the top three pics.
Lots more holiday content is on its way! Check back often!