Let’s all board the holiday trains!
A beloved Pacific Northwest tradition, the holiday-themed rides on our local scenic railroads are returning for the 2024 season, giving guests the opportunity to take in the stunning countryside while enjoying a comfortable outing.
This year, there will be some adjustments, though.
As a result of the later Thanksgiving date in 2024, train service will begin near the end of November. Railroads are also continuing their journeys past New Year’s Day into the first few days of January in Portland and on Mount Hood.
In addition, the Mt. Hood Scenic Railroad is transforming its ride into an excursion with a Polar Express motif, joining the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad in operating attractions inspired by the well-known children’s book and film.
Additionally, rail fares are gradually increasing again, as they usually do. This year, the average cost of a family of four’s holiday train trip is approximately $178, although it can range from $78 to $416. Certain trains do provide more reasonably priced options, such as tickets for the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad’s covered, open-air cars being less expensive and 10% off days on Portland’s Holiday Express Train.
This season’s holiday train possibilities are as follows:
Chehalis-Centralia Polar Express
The Polar Express Train, operated by the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad in southwest Washington, is based on the well-known children’s book and film of the same name. Along with gifts, singing chefs, and snacks, the one-hour train excursion incorporates other elements from the story.
Tickets are available online at steamtrainride.com or by phone at 360-748-9593. Nov. 9–Dec. 22; $64 per person.
Mount Hood Polar Express
This year, the Mount Hood Railroad will use its vintage train cars to offer an interactive experience called Polar Express, which is based on the well-known children’s book and film. The Mt. Hood Railroad depot in Hood River is where the 90-minute train excursion starts.
Nov. 22–Jan. 4; tickets range from $59–$109 for adults and $49–$99 for children; purchase them online at www.mthoodrr.com or by phone at 541-387-4000.
The Mt. Hood Railroad operates the well-liked Mount Hood Christmas Train, a 90-minute journey that departs from Hood River.Young Delaney
Holiday Express
The Holiday Express train, operated by the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, is parked at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center in southeast Portland and is adorned with lights. Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, cider, and cookies are available for purchase throughout the 45-minute journey along the Willamette River. For photo opportunities, Santa will also be on each train. Discounts are available to riders on 10% off days, which are mostly provided earlier in the season.
Tickets are available online at atorhf.org or via phone at 503-233-1156. Nov. 29–Jan. 4; $34 for adults, $25 for children, and $31 for seniors; $105 for a family of four.
Candy Cane Express
The Candy Cane Express, operated by the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad, offers breathtaking views of the Oregon coast. Hot chocolate and cookies are served during the one-hour train travel from Garibaldi to Rockaway Beach and back. For evening rides, the train is decked out with lights. To truly experience the weather, try the cheap covered outside autos.
Tickets are $35–$44 for adults and $27–$33 for children. Tickets can be purchased online at atoregoncoastscenic.org or by calling 503-842-7972. Nov. 29–Dec. 23.
In anticipation of the holiday train season, volunteers decorated the front of the Spokane, Portland, and Seattle (SP&S) 700 with a wreath.LC: The Oregonian
Chelatchie Christmas Train
From its station in Yacolt, Washington, the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad in north Clark County will offer its Christmas Train tours down the Lewis River. Santa will be giving out gifts to children, while guests can enjoy hot coffee, chocolate, and warm cider. There will be another ugly sweater competition this year.
November 30–December 22; tickets are $22 for adults and $16 for children; you can purchase them online at tickets.bycx.org or by calling 360-686-3559.
Sumpter Valley Christmas Trains
The one-weekend-only Christmas Trains, round-trip trips that let passengers meet Santa at the Sumpter Station and shop at the Sumpter Christmas Bazaar, are being offered by the Sumpter Valley Railroad in eastern Oregon once more. Tea, coffee, and cocoa are given away for free. It takes two and a half hours to travel ten miles by rail.
Dec. 13–15; tickets are available online at sumptervalleyrailroad.org for $23 for adults, $19 for seniors, and $16 for children.
–Jamie Hale co-hosts the Peak Northwest podcast and writes about travel and the outdoors. You may contact him at [email protected], 503-294-4077, or HaleJamesB.
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