Ready for some unforgettable holiday fun? Climb aboard one of Ontario's magical Christmas trains! To plan your trip, just check the Christmas train schedule for 2025 and pick your favorite. Whether you're looking for a Christmas train Ontario experience near Toronto, Ottawa, or further southwest, you're in for a real treat.

Christmas Train in Toronto

In Toronto, the holiday-themed mini train ride included in Winterfest Toronto offers a fun, easy-access Christmas train in Toronto, Ontario.

It runs at the waterfront location, offering short festive rides where kids can drop off a letter to Santa and enjoy the holiday atmosphere. For 2025, Winterfest opens November 28 and runs through December 21 at the Harbourfront Center, 235 Queens Quay W.

This is a great option if you want something close to downtown Toronto and accessible via transit — less of a full “ride to the North Pole” but perfect for families looking for festive vibes and a Christmas train schedule that’s predictable and easy to attend.

Christmas Train in Ottawa

The Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa will once again host Santa’s Holiday Train from November 29 to December 6, 2025.

Held just outside the museum’s main entrance, this free bilingual event, organized with the Bytown Railway Society, offers short festive rides, photos with Santa, and a beautifully decorated holiday caboose.

The schedule includes a members-only day on November 29, a low-sensory hour and public opening on November 30, and a CHEO fundraiser featuring the Black Santa Experience on December 6.

Visitors can also enjoy hot cocoa and sweets from Savour Café. Arriving early is recommended, as space is limited.

Christmas Train in London

In London, Ontario, the popular CPKC Holiday Train makes a stop that delivers a free concert-style festive event (rather than a ticketed ride). In 2025, it stops in London on Thursday, November 21, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Richmond Street & Piccadilly Street.

This may not be a full “ride” in the sense of boarding and traveling for an hour, but it is a standout Christmas train London Ontario event with lights, live music, community gathering, and an element of the train experience.

It’s perfect if you’re in southwestern Ontario and want to witness something unique without booking tickets.

Christmas Trains in Other Cities in Ontario

Numerous excellent holiday train choices exist across Ontario beyond its major urban centers. Key highlights for the 2025 season feature several distinct offerings.

  • The Waterloo Central Railway in St. Jacobs will operate both the "Merry Mission Dayliner" and the "Christmas Cheerlight Charter" on select days throughout November and December, providing festive onboard entertainment and fully themed decorations.
  • In Huntsville, the Portage Flyer at Muskoka Heritage Place presents a complete experience on December 20, 2025. This full ride incorporates Christmas carols, visits with Santa, and scenic winter views, creating a cozy outing suited for families.
  • The Halton County Radial Railway in Milton runs its "Christmas on the Rails" event on December 6, 7, 13, and 14. This experience utilizes vintage streetcars to merge classic charm with cheerful music and an array of twinkling lights.

Collectively, these regional destinations deliver a more traditional Christmas train experience within Ontario. They are characterized by their leisurely pace, immersive environments, and a strong sense of nostalgic holiday cheer.

These journeys cater to a range of plans, from family day trips to romantic evening outings, providing a memorable seasonal activity.