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 if your kiddos aren’t that into trains, but that’s just me….
Tickets to all of these are going fast, so don’t wait too long if you decide to go for it.
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. You will be paying a bundle, so if you decide to do this try to embrace the experience! Like a lot of special events this time of year whether it’s worth it is about the memories-not the actual event.
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. Tickets start at (Gulp!) 27.00 for kids and 38.00 for adults and go up from there depending on the day you choose and whether you want standard or first class.
Santa Train, Northwest Railway Museum
Guests board the Museum’s railway at the North Bend Depot for a 20 minute, 3.5-mile trip to Snoqualmie. Once in Snoqualmie, they enter the restored and seasonally decorated 1890-built Snoqualmie Depot for a visit with Santa Claus. Children receive a small gift from Santa. Participants step on to the Museum’s restored railway kitchen car for refreshments where they have a cookies and choice of hot cocoa or coffee. There is a little bit of time to visit local shops and attractions before boarding the Snoqualmie Valley Railroad for the return trip to North Bend. The round trip ride is two hours.
2018 Santa Train dates are: Nov. 24- 25, Dec. 1-2, Dec. 8-9, Dec. 14-16.
Victorian Santa Train is on Dec. 14.
Tickets cost $27.00 each, for everyone two years old and older. Members who purchase tickets are entitled to a special member’s price. When you buy your tickets, you must specify what day-date and what time you want to ride.
The Polar Express and Santa Steam Train-Chehalis
There are two different options if you can make it to Chehalis.
The Polar Express™train, and the short-hop Santa Steam Trains.
Note that these are very different rides/experiences, so make sure you’re selecting the one you want if you go with this option.
The Polar Express™ trains feature the reading of the popular book “The Polar Express”™ during the trek to the North Pole, where we will pick up Santa for the return trip. Each child will be given the first gift of Christmas by Santa on the way back to the depot. Children are encouraged to come in their pajamas like in the movie. There will be cocoa and cookies provided on board, as well as singing and other entertainment. Train ride is approximately 1 hour.
NOTE: our cars are not heated, so please dress appropriately.
ADULTS: $38
3-15 YEARS, $28
2 & UNDER RIDE ON AN ADULT’S LAP FOR FREE.
ADDITIONAL CONVENIENCE FEES APPLY
*Very limited tickets left
Our Santa Steam Trains are approximately 30 minutes long, with Santa visiting everybody during the train ride. Photo opportunities are available before and after each trip.
$10
CHILDREN 2 AND UNDER RIDE FREE BUT MUST SIT IN AN ADULTS LAP. IF SEAT IS PREFERRED, A TICKET MUST BE PURCHASED. ANYONE WHO OCCUPIES A SEAT MUST HAVE A TICKET.
ADDITIONAL CONVENIENCE FEES APPLY.
*Very limited tickets left
If Chehalis isn’t out of reach for you, the Santa Steam train is a DEAL compared to others. There are still some tickets available, but they’re going fast. Go to the Tickets page and the find the Calendar at the bottom. On the calendar navigate to the date of your choice with availability and click, “Buy tickets.”
Be sure to buy tickets for the train you want, as these are two different experiences at quite different price points. Do note that these trains are not heated!
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