We all know the holidays are a magical time, but what’s even more magical is climbing aboard one of the Christmas train rides in Kansas City.
Put on your pajamas and get ready for some hot cocoa!
We’ve compiled a list of the holiday trains in Kansas City, and we can’t wait for you to find the one perfect for your family.
Know of one we should add? EMAIL us the details, and we will update our guide!
Christmas Train Rides in Kansas City
These Santa train rides are magical memories that your children and family will always remember.
After an extensive search for local holiday trains, our team has chosen the best in Kansas City!Don’t forget: tickets to these train rides fill up fast, and they also make the perfect gift.
Please use the clickable links for more information about tickets, dates, and times.
If you are looking to hang out with Santa even more, explore the $3.75 Christmas Movies at Union Station, which have already been updated for 2023.
Our other guides will be updated as information becomes available on places to take pictures with Santa in KC, Christmas events around town, or dive into the 2023 Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Kansas City.
The Polar Express Train Ride in St. Louis, MO
You won’t want to miss this ride to the North Pole to see Santa Claus! From November 17 through December 30, you and your family can take a real train ride to the North Pole. Santa and his elves are ready for the full steam ahead of Polar Express, an extra-special experience.
Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, and all the kiddos are encouraged to wear their most comfy holiday pajamas for the excursion.
When the train gets on its way out of Union Station, you will all enjoy a reading of the classic book and then receive some fresh hot chocolate and a yummy cookie.
Soon you will arrive at the North Pole, where Santa Claus boards your train and visits every good little boy and girl to give them the magical gift of Christmas. Premium passengers also get a souvenir ceramic mug!
They even have a pancake breakfast with Santa available too!
Mini Holiday Express Train at Union Station
For a $5 ticket (free for Union Station members), kiddos under 48” tall can take a ride on Union Station’s Mini Holiday Train Express through Rudy’s Wonderland!
Once a popular attraction at the Jones Store downtown, it now resides in the station’s main entrance for the holiday season.
Enjoy holiday scenery and music as you ride through the North Pole (which is really inside Union Station in the heart of Kansas City!).
All guests must have a ticket to “Holiday Reflections” in order to ride on the mini-train.
Get your tickets here.
Santa’s Express Country Christmas at The National Agricultural Hall of Fame
THERE IS NO NEWS on this one yet for 2023
Check out this local 5K run that features fun, family-oriented activities. Get your picture taken with Santa while you enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and hay wagon rides.
A children’s choir performs at this event, too! Ride the train around Farm Town and explore a winter wonderland of Christmas trees.
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train at Union Station
November 27, 2023
Arrival time: 6:45 PM
Union Station, 30 W. Pershing, Kansas City, MO
The 2023 CPKC Holiday Train tours Canada and the United States from Nov. 20 through Dec. 19, raising money, food, and awareness for the important work that food banks do in their communities. Enjoy free concerts from the brightly decorated holiday train’s stage. CPKC makes a donation to the local food shelf at each stop and encourages attendees to also donate. Stay tuned for more updates with further details!
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Take a nice road trip out to Abilene, KS for the Cowtown Santa Express at the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad. This train ride is from November 22nd through December 23 this year, with more times added as needed based on reservations. This train ride is approximately 1 hour.
Contact Abilene Parks and Rec for tickets and reservations at 785-263-7266.
KC Northern Miniature Railroad
November 25th, 12pm-4pm: Thanksgiving Train & Food Drive. One can = one ride.
December 9th: Christmas Train
The KCNRR website has dates but no details beyond that. Stay tuned to their KCNRR Facebook page for posts from them with further details.
Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad Santa Train
NOTHING listed yet for 2023, STAY TUNED
Typically, it runs the last two Saturdays before December 1st. The BGKC Railroad hosts a family-friendly Santa Train. We will update you if we learn more.
Holiday Model Train Gallery Exhibit in Grand Plaza at Union Station
During the Holiday Reflections at Union Station, you can visit the Holiday Walkthrough Village to view the model train gallery.
This train exhibit in the Grand Plaza is included with your Holiday Reflections Ticket
The Model Rail Exhibit you know and love has expanded into Grand Plaza. With over 800 feet of track, the Holiday Model Rail Exhibit has grown even larger this year! The display features eighteen consecutive running trains and a 15-foot, 3-D, lighted Kansas City Southern Rudy train engine!
Tickets are only $5 and FREE for Union Station members.
The Union Station Model Train Gallery Exhibit is open year-round:
Find More Things to Do
We hope you found the perfect Santa train in Kansas City!
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From our family to yours, iFamilyKC
