9 holiday train & trolley rides in Iowa

Get in the holiday spirit by hopping aboard a festive train or trolley ride in Iowa.

The holiday season is in full swing, and there’s no shortage of festive events taking place throughout Iowa. In addition to shopping markets, tree lighting ceremonies, and parades, Iowans looking to take a holiday-themed train ride have several opportunities to do so. 

Keep reading to discover where and when you can hop on a holiday train ride in Iowa this festive season.  

Photo courtesy of The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand.

1. Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Santa Express

Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad’s annual Santa Express ride is a popular holiday activity for families. The trip lasts about an hour and 15 minutes and takes riders from Boone to the North Pole and back. Santa is onboard the train to greet children and pass out gifts. There are two ticket options—First Class Coach and Classic Coach Class—with the first class option boasting some added perks. 

Santa Express runs on weekends starting November 29. You can purchase tickets here. 

2. Canadian Pacific Holiday Train 

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train travels throughout Canada and the U.S. from November 21 to December 20. Now in its 26th year, this festive locomotive ride raises money for and awareness of people struggling with food insecurity by donating money to a local food bank at each of the stops on its tour. 

The train will pass through several Iowa cities, including Davenport, Muscatine, and Ottumwa, and musicians will be onboard performing on its decorated stage. 

Learn more and find a stop near you here.

Photo courtesy of Canadian Pacific Holiday Train.

3. Watson Steam Train & Depot Polar Express

All aboard the Polar Express! Watson Steam Train & Depot’s annual Polar Express returns on December 7. Cookies, hot cider, and Grinch punch will be available in the station, in addition to some activities for the kids. There will also be a craft fair, an appearance by Santa, and of course, train rides.  

In lieu of an entrance fee, attendees can make a donation to the station or bring a non-perishable food item for the local food pantry. 

Get all the event details here. 

4. Cedar Falls Holiday Hoopla Trolley Ride

The Cedar Falls Downtown District hosts tons of festive activities throughout the month of December as part of its annual Holiday Hoopla event. Trolley rides—which are free and occur every Thursday—start at the Cedar Falls Community Center and stop at River Place Plaza, where children can visit with Santa and his elves. Other Holiday Hoopla happenings include a pancake breakfast at the North Pole, a free screening of “Elf,” and an ice sculpting demonstration. 

See the full schedule of Holiday Hoopla events here. 

5. Holiday Promenade Trolley Ride

Downtown Des Moines’ Holiday Promenade takes place every Friday from November 22 to December 20. Each week features different activities, such as a window decorating contest between local businesses, a scavenger hunt, and a holiday drone show to close out the festivities. Local businesses will also offer specials and host activities during the Holiday Promenade, such as free gift wrapping and cookie decorating. 

The trolley will run from 5 to 9 p.m. at each Holiday Promenade event. Learn more about the Holiday Promenade here. 

6. The Peppermint Trail Trolley Ride

The Peppermint Trail is a one-day event full of festive activities and attractions—including free holiday trolley rides. Check out the gingerbread house decorating contest and vote for your favorite entry, take photos with Santa, watch a live ice carving, listen to carolers, and more. 

Learn more about everything happening during The Peppermint Trail and see the trolley route here. 

Photo courtesy of The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand.

7. Downtown Iowa City Tractor Wagon Ride

If a slower-paced holiday ride is more your speed, take a tractor-wagon ride around downtown Iowa City. The free rides—which take place every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays through December 21—occur in a wooden wagon decorated for the holidays and pulled by an antique tractor. All riders get a candy cane and a blanket to keep warm during the trip. 

See what other holiday events are taking place in downtown Iowa City and learn more about the wagon rides here. 

8. Christmas by the Lake Hayrack Ride

Christmas by the Lake is a four-day holiday festival in Clear Lake with an itinerary packed full of fun, festive events and activities.  Saturday’s lineup is the busiest, featuring a holiday bake sale, photos with the Grinch and Santa, a hot chocolate bar, an ornament workshop, a parade, and, of course, horse-drawn carriage, horse-drawn wagon, and tractor-pulled hayrack rides. 

See the full schedule of events here.

9. Midwest Central Railroad Santa’s North Pole Express

Experience a whimsical journey to the North Pole aboard Santa’s Express Train in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. This enchanting adventure begins at the historic Midwest Central Railroad‘s Hillsboro Station, where families board for a magical ride to Santa’s winter wonderland. Upon reaching the North Pole, visitors are warmly welcomed by Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves, along with a delightful cast of characters, including the Snow Princess and Santa’s busy elves. Children can immerse themselves in festive activities like creating holiday crafts, watching toy trains chug along their tracks, and enjoying sweet treats at Mrs. Claus’s Cookie Cocoa Factory.

Tickets are already sold out for the 2024 season, so be sure to put this in your calendar for next winter!

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

READ MORE: 8 enchanting holiday events across Iowa in December 2024