South Sound Santa Trains

Best Puget Sound Area Santa Trains for Kids-updated for 2020

Yes, there are Santa train options for Christmas 2020, even with many events being closed due to Covid.

If you’d like to do a Tacoma, Seattle or Puget Sound area Santa Train ride this year, these are your options. We also have information on the Santa Train near Mt. Rainier, which, sadly, is no more.

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

Sadly, the popular THE POLAR EXPRESS™ train ride with Mt. Rainier Railroad in Elbe is no more. The railroad has ceased operations. If you’re disappointed to hear this news, do keep reading for other options this year.

Santa Train, Northwest Railway Museum

Train Ride – Yuletide Express

Join Santa and his elves on the Yuletide Express! Your socially distanced, 25-minute holiday train excursion begins at the historic Snoqualmie Depot. Board seasonally decorated, antique coaches, and travel west to Snoqualmie Falls, pausing briefly at the crest for a view of the river valley before returning to Snoqualmie. Each child receives a small gift from Santa, and each ticket-holder receives two cookies. Tickets must be purchased online, in advance of your train ride; fare includes admission to the Train Shed Exhibit Hall.

*** Board train at Snoqualmie Depot: 38625 SE King Street, Snoqualmie WA 98065 ***
To promote social distancing, please arrive no more than 25-minutes before departure.

Everyone age 2 and up needs a ticket.
Ticket good for round-trip passage and admission to the Train Shed Exhibit Hall.
Masks are required. If you feel unwell or have a fever, please call to reschedule.
Ticket valid only for date and time listed.
Yuletide Express runs rain or shine (or snow!).
There are NO REFUNDS or exchanges.

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.

The Chehalis Centralia Railroad & Museum is following the guidance of the State of Washington and Lewis County by requiring masks for those over 3 years old and requesting social distancing of our passengers. Passenger capacity had been adapted to ensure a safe and healthy journey on the Railroad. Safety precautions and health guidelines are in place for the benefit of both crew members and our passengers. Crew is required to take daily temperature readings. If you feel you are not healthy, we will refund your tickets and ask you to return another time. Lewis County is currently in Phase 3.

More about the Santa Holiday Train

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.

Please arrive ½ hour prior to departure.

Buy Santa Train Tickets Here

More about the Polar Express Train

Ride a vintage railcar and enjoy the full Polar Express TM experience.

There are four distanced options for groups and families. Note that these are vintage train cars, so you should expect a charming, immersive experience, but you should also dress warmly and not expect modern amenities.

You can read much more about the seating and ticket options at their site. Note that this is definitely the splurge option, but it may be worth it if you have a train lover and/or want the whole Polar Express TM ride.

Buy The Polar Express™ Tickets Here

Thank you to Mount Rainier Railroad for the top three pics.

Lots more holiday content is on its way! Check back often!