Best Christmas Trains in Ontario (2025 Guide)

As soon as the weather gets that familiar chill, there is a certain kind of holiday magic we all start craving. For a lot of us, nothing says festive season quite like a classic train ride. If you are looking for the best Christmas train in Ontario and the surrounding area, you are in the right place. We have been digging through all the online chatter to find the most magical and memorable train experiences for 2025.

Just a friendly heads-up. Tickets for these popular train rides sell out at lightning speed, often months in advance. It is always a good idea to check the official websites for the most current schedules, ticket release dates, and pricing before you plan your trip.

Top Christmas Train & Holiday Train Events Around Toronto & GTA (2025)

Waterloo Central Railway – Christmas Trips

Technically outside the immediate GTA, but worth a drive for train lovers. Highly rated, often shared on TikTok/Instagram for its immersive holiday experiences. They run multiple themed rides: Merry Mission Dayliner, Christmas Cheerlight Charter, and even Santa’s Nightcap (for adults) — all aboard heritage trains with caroling, storytelling, fun challenges, and seasonal treats.

• Price: $$
• Location: Farmers Market Station, 330 Farmers Market Road, St. Jacobs, ON
• Contact: https://waterloocentralrailway.com/christmas-trips  | 1-888-899-2757 | info@waterloocentralrailway.com 
• Pro Tip: Evening “Cheerlight” rides are magical with lights. For teen or adult groups, Santa’s Nightcap is a fun twist. Book in advance — holiday slots sell fast.

Santa’s Express Train (Port Stanley Terminal Rail)

If you’re up for a bit more of a road trip, the Port Stanley Terminal Rail offers a classic and charming Santa experience. This heritage railway takes you on a scenic journey through the countryside. Santa walks through the carriages to visit with every child, making it a very personal and memorable trip.

• Price: $$
• Location: 309 Bridge St, Port Stanley, ON N5L 1C5
• Contact: www.pstr.on.ca | info@pstr.on.ca 
• Pro Tip: Port Stanley is a lovely town on the shore of Lake Erie. Make a day of it and explore the quaint shops and restaurants before or after your train ride.

The CPKC Holiday Train

The CPKC Holiday Train (formerly the Canadian Pacific Christmas Train) is a massive, beautifully decorated train that travels across North America, but it’s not a train you can buy tickets to ride. Instead, it’s a free concert on wheels that stops in various communities to raise money and food for local food banks.

• Price: FREE (but a donation to the local food bank is strongly encouraged)
• Location: Various stops across the GTA and Southern Ontario.
• Contact: www.cpkcr.com/en/community/HolidayTrain  | 1-888-333-6370
• Pro Tip: The Canadian Pacific Christmas Train schedule (the CP train schedule) is usually released in October. Check the website to find the stop closest to you, like Vaughan, Milton, or Hamilton. The train pulls up, a stage door lowers, and a major musical act puts on a short, amazing concert. Dress very warmly.

GO Train to Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights

Want to make the journey part of the adventure? Take the GO Train down to Niagara Falls for their spectacular Winter Festival of Lights. The train ride is relaxing, and you arrive ready to explore the millions of twinkling lights and festive displays, without the stress of winter driving.

• Price: $$ (for GO Train fare)
• Location: GO Train from Union Station to Niagara Falls, ON.
• Contact: www.gotransit.com/en | 416-869-3200
• Pro Tip: Check for special GO Transit weekend passes or package deals that often include WEGO bus access in Niagara Falls, making it super easy to get around.

Niemi’s Christmas Market & Polar Express

This Scandinavian Christmas market at Niemi Family Farm is a dreamy winter wonderland. The market area has outdoor vendors and festive treats and is free to enter. You can also purchase tickets to ride the Polar Express train, which takes you on a journey around the property to see the farm animals and Christmas Land.

• Price: $$ (Market is free, train ride is ticketed)
• Location: 18463 ON-48, Mount Albert
• Pro Tip: Make a full day of it by exploring the market and then taking the train ride. It is a good idea to book tickets for the Polar Express in advance, as they sell out.

Portage Flyer Christmas Train Ride to Santa

This heritage train in Muskoka gets a full festive makeover for its short trip to “Purser’s Cabin.” The ride includes carol sing-alongs, cookies, and hot chocolate. Santa also makes a special appearance, making it a magical experience for kids.

• Price: $$
• Location: 100 Forbes Hill Drive, Huntsville
• Contact: https://www.muskokaheritageplace.ca | 705-789-7576
• Pro Tip: This is an important one: tickets are not available for purchase in advance. You must buy them at the Rotary Village Station on the day of the event.

Christmas on the Rails Streetcar Ride

Take a festive ride on a vintage streetcar at the Halton County Railway Museum for one last trip before the season ends. This event includes Christmas carols and treats, making for a charming and nostalgic outing.

• Price: $$
• Location: 13629 Guelph Line, Milton
• Contact: https://hcry.org | 519-856-9802 | streetcar@hcry.org
• Pro Tip: Tickets for this event are purchased at the venue, so you do not need to book in advance.

Kingston Trolley Christmas Light Tour

Hop aboard Kingston’s festive red trolley for a 75-minute sightseeing tour of the city’s holiday lights. The ride features great views of the sparkling displays accompanied by popular Christmas songs and carols.

• Price: $$
• Location: 209 Ontario Street, Kingston
• Contact: https://www.kingstontrolley.ca | info@ktic.ca
• Pro Tip: This is a great activity if you are planning a weekend getaway to Kingston. It is a festive and comfortable way to see the city’s lights.

Clearing Up a Common Question

What about the “Canadian Snow Train Toronto to Vancouver”?

You might see this mentioned online, but it’s important to know what it is. The Canadian snow train Toronto to Vancouver is actually VIA Rail’s iconic cross-country train, “The Canadian.” While it’s a breathtakingly beautiful journey through the snowy Rockies, it’s a multi-day, very expensive trip, not a short holiday-themed excursion. It’s an epic adventure, but not a Christmas day trip.

So, whether you’re hopping on a heritage railcar or watching the incredible CPKC Holiday Train roll into town, there are some amazing ways to get your festive train fix this season.

Still in the mood for more holiday magic? 

These train rides are a fantastic way to feel the festive spirit, but the holiday fun does not have to stop there. Toronto is full of magical things to do that will not cost you a thing. From dazzling light displays to cozy markets, there are plenty of ways to keep the celebration going.

Don’t miss our guide to 15 Free & Festive Things To Do in Toronto This Holiday Season

More…

• https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca/articles/all-aboard-ontarios-holiday-and-santa-train-rides
• https://www.todocanada.ca/train-tours-ontario
• https://www.todocanada.ca/illuminated-cp-holiday-train-returns-in-2025-bringing-holiday-cheer-starting-november-schedule