10 Holiday Train Rides Near Florida
Are you looking for Holiday train rides near Florida or Santa Claus trains in Florida?
This time of year is so much fun and I can’t think of a more exciting way to get in the spirit than booking a ride with loved ones on a festive Santa Express!
Here is a complete list of holiday train rides from Florida to Georgia.
Christmas Train Rides in Florida
Florida Railroad Museum- Parrish
This is a full 3.5 hour Christmas experience rather than just a train ride. The train ride is a 35 minute ride from Parrish, FL to the “North Pole”. When you get to the North Pole, Santa is there to greet every child. Included with every ticket, is entertainment, hot cocoa, cookies, and some holiday activities. You can purchase additional food and beverage.
Seminole Golf Railway
This fun spin on holiday train rides in Fort Myers does not seem like one I would take the kids to. This train ride has mystery murder themes and they do a Christmas one, which Is why it made the list. It may be a fun idea for a group of friends or teenagers! But I probably wouldn’t take the younger kiddos.
The Polar Express on the Brightline
Your train will board at West Palm Beach or Fort Lauderdale and head to Miami for a one hour ride that features Santa, dancing hosts, storytime read aloud, hot cocoa and a snack. Note that the 2023 season was very limited and many said their reservation was cancelled.
Sugar Express
During the 1.5 hour ride, Santa Claus will visit the passengers on this christmas train ride in Sebring, Florida. The Sugar Express steam locomotive No. 148, also offers cookies, refreshments, and a commemorative ornament.
Tickets are $50.00 per guest ages 15 and up, $40.00 per child ages 4–14, and children 3 years of age and under ride free.
Since 2020, Sugar Express has welcomed thousands of guests from throughout Florida and 25 states. Additional events are currently being finalized for the upcoming 2023 and 2024 Sugar Express Schedule. Check SugarExpress.com for updates!
Christmas Train Rides in Georgia
Georgia State Railroad Museum
This is a locomotive train ride located at the old Central of Georgia Railway Repair Shops Complex and Terminal Facilities. The museum has interactive experiences such as a working handcar, touring historic railcars, and taking a guided site tour by train. What’s really great about this museum is its location! It is located in the historic district, next to the Children’s Museum, and plenty of other things to do in Savannah.
Georgia Coastal Railway
If you’re looking for holiday train rides near Florida, this one is just on the Florida-Georgia borderline, in Kingsland, GA. This Santa train is 70 minutes. Prior to boarding. there is a quick show, and then you can enjoy the carols, elves and so much more on the train. No ADA accessibility is available.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
An enchanted experience for Christmas is the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway alongside the winding Toccoa River. Board the holiday train for an hour during the day or four hours at night! The night ride stops at a charming little town so passengers can enjoy shopping, dining, and getting into the Christmas spirit.
Pine Mountain Gold Museum Winter Wonderland Train
The Pine Mountain Gold Museum in Villa Rica, Georgia, offers stories and songs on this mile-long scenic Christmas ride.
Stone Mountain Park Sing-along Train
Catch a train ride from March through January! But during the holidays, the train transforms into polar express. This full-size locomotive from the 1940s is a sing-along five-mile excursion around the mountain in open-air cars. The train ride has views of Stone Mountain and all the beauty surrounding it.
SAM Shortline Excursion Train
The SAM Shortline Excursion Train has vintage cars for christmas experiences! There are two options that leave out of Cordele. The Cordele Holiday Train is a one hour ride with hot cocoa, cookies, Santa, and a gift. The second option is the Candy Cane Express which stops in Plains for 2 hours to allow passengers to shop and explore.
These are the sweet memories that kids will remember! There is nothing like riding a story-book train in your christmas pajamas
If you’re headed to East South Florida, check out my post on Christmas Things to do on the Treasure Coast!
