Where can I see holiday trains in New York City?

New York City offers the Holiday Train Show at the Botanical Garden and vintage subway rides by the Transit Museum and MTA.

What is Chicago's CTA Holiday Train?

Chicago's CTA Holiday Train is a passenger train decorated with lights and ornaments, carrying Santa and spreading cheer on various routes.

Are there holiday train events outside the US?

Yes, Canada's CP Holiday Train travels across the country, and London offers the Santa Steam Express on a vintage engine.

Home / Lifestyle / Holiday Trains Light Up Cities This Christmas

Holiday Trains Light Up Cities This Christmas

6 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Holiday train exhibits and passenger trains are decorated for the season.
New York City offers vintage subway rides and model train shows.
Chicago's CTA system features a decorated Holiday Train and Bus.

Holiday Trains Light Up Cities This Christmas

As the 2025 holiday season kicks off, numerous cities are embracing the festive spirit through various train-themed attractions. Across the country and globally, passenger trains and elaborate model train exhibits are decked out in holiday finery, offering unique experiences for all ages.

In New York City, the Botanical Garden presents its renowned Holiday Train Show, featuring model trains traversing miniature landmarks. The city also offers rides on vintage subway cars from the 1930s along select lines and showcases model trains at the Transit Museum. Commuter lines like Metro North and Long Island Railroad are also decorated with holiday lights.

Chicago's CTA system celebrates its Holiday Train and Bus, which are adorned with lights and ornaments, even carrying Santa on a special flatcar. These festive rides travel on various routes, spreading holiday cheer. Elsewhere, California's Napa Valley Wine Train offers scenic holiday journeys, while Canada's CP Holiday Train travels coast-to-coast. London even offers a Santa Steam Express experience on a vintage steam engine.