The holidays are here, and if you’re looking for a festive outing that gets the kids excited and creates those magical moments we all love, Christmas trains are where it’s at. There’s something about twinkling lights, the gentle chug of a locomotive, and hot chocolate in hand that just feels like the holidays.

With the Stanley Park train still closed this year, you might be wondering where to find those classic Christmas train experiences. Good news: Metro Vancouver and the surrounding areas have several fantastic options, from free community events to full-blown North Pole adventures.

Whether you’re looking for a quick evening out or planning a bigger holiday excursion, here are the best Christmas trains to ride this season.

The CPKC Holiday Train: Free, Festive, and For a Good Cause

Let me start with the easiest win: the CPKC Holiday Train is completely free. Yes, free. And it’s amazing.

This decorated train travels across Canada and stops at five locations in our area between December 19-20. The Barenaked Ladies will perform at each BC stop, which honestly makes me more excited than it probably should. The concerts last about 30 minutes, and while you don’t board the train, watching it roll in with thousands of lights is pretty spectacular.

• Agassiz – Friday, December 19, 5:45-6:15 pm
• Maple Ridge – Friday, December 19, 8:00-8:30 pm
• Pitt Meadows – Friday, December 19, 9:15-9:45 pm
• Port Moody – Saturday, December 20, 6:00-6:30 pm
• Port Coquitlam – Saturday, December 20, 6:45-7:15 pm

The Port Coquitlam stop is particularly family-friendly. Between 4:00 and 6:30 pm, there are craft activities and a Christmas movie showing at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre. Pro tip: arrive 30-60 minutes early if you want a good spot. These events draw huge crowds, but that’s part of the magic.

Oh, and bring a cash or food donation for the local food bank. It’s a feel-good way to teach the kids about giving back during the holidays.

North Pole Express in Squamish: The Full Experience

The North Pole Express offers an immersive Christmas train experience at the Railway Museum of British Columbia in Squamish. We’re talking vintage locomotives, on-board entertainment, unlimited hot chocolate, and a visit with Santa at the “North Pole.”

This isn’t your quick 10-minute chug around the block. The train journey includes stops along CN railway tracks, views of the Squamish River rail bridge, and the Squamish Estuary. When you arrive at the North Pole, there are crafts, model train displays, a miniature train ride through Candy Cane Lane, and all the Christmas cookies you can handle.

The catch? It sells out fast. Like, weeks in advance. So if you’re reading this and haven’t booked yet, check their website immediately.

Runs: November 29-30, December 6-7, 13-15, 20-23, 2025

Bear Creek Park Train in Surrey

If you want something closer to home and more budget-friendly, Surrey’s Bear Creek Park Train is your answer. The Christmas train typically runs almost daily throughout December, with daytime Santa Express rides and evening Christmas Night Train options.

Admission is about $13 per person ages 3 and older and includes visits with Santa on select days, crafts, and a train ride through the decorated forest. It’s perfect for younger kids who might get overwhelmed by bigger events, and you can easily pair it with a picnic in the park.

Runs: December 1-31 (closed Christmas Day)
Hours: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm (day train), 6:00-10:00 pm (evening train, December 4-24)

Greendale Acres in Chilliwack: The Whole Package

If you’re looking for a full afternoon of activities beyond just a train ride, Greendale Acres offers the Greendale Express train through light displays, plus Santa’s Workshop, a Christmas Market, fire pits, and even classic Christmas movies in a haybale auditorium.

Weekday tickets are around $18-20 depending on the date and include both admission and the train ride. You can also walk the light displays if you prefer to skip the train.

The vibe here is cozy farm magic. Think hot apple cider, twinkling lights winding through fields, and kids running around with candy canes. It’s especially great if you have family visiting from out of town who want the “full BC Christmas experience.”

Runs: November 28 – December 23, 2025 (Wednesday-Sunday)

Glow Langley: Ride the Glow-comotive Train

If you’re looking for a train experience that truly immerses you in Christmas magic, the Glow-comotive Train at Glow Langley is a must-do.

The best part is that the train ride is indoors and is included with your admission, so you can ride it multiple times if your kids are anything like mine and want “just one more time!” The train runs continuously throughout the evening, so you don’t need to worry about missing it or rushing to catch a specific departure time.

Beyond the train, your ticket also gets you access to live performances, LED swings, a craft corner, visits with Santa and Glow princesses, and the Merry Makers Market with local vendors. There are seven food trucks on-site, heated indoor spaces to warm up, and a 100-foot light tunnel that makes for amazing photos.

Runs: November 20 – December 31 (closed Sundays)
Cost: Adults (13+) $19.99, Youth/Seniors $14.99, Kids 3 and under free
Hours: 5:00 pm weekdays, 4:00 pm Saturdays (plan for about 2 hours)