York-Durham Heritage Railway Christmas Train Rides Capture the Joy of the Holiday Season

Ride into holiday fun this Christmas season with the York-Durham Heritage Railway (YDHR) while experiencing the spectacular countryside of the Oak Ridges Moraine, just a short drive north of the big city in the town of Uxbridge. This year, they are hosting four separate and exciting Christmas-themed train rides, which are a must-do for train enthusiasts but also nature lovers. Whether you and your family members are fans of Santa Claus, high tea or dancing, these special trips will make for a magical experience that embodies the festive spirit of the holidays.

Premium North Pole Experience Light Up Event — “How the Train Saved Christmas” (November 24 – December 23)

An extraordinary evening awaits you at the exclusive Premium Nighttime Santa’s North Pole Experience & Train Ride. Experience holiday enchantment under the stars as York-Durham Heritage Railway presents their beloved Christmas story on rails, “How the Train Saved Christmas”.

As the sun sets and you step into this world of wonder and joy, this magical train transforms into a portal to the North Pole! Be sure to sit back and marvel at the twinkling lights of the starlit sky as you travel through the wintry landscape.

During the journey, every guest is served seasonal treats and hot beverages. Not to mention, families get to have an intimate meet-and-greet with Santa! Furthermore, families are welcome to capture the precious moments of the children sharing their holiday wishes with Santa. Afterwards, the children receive a special keepsake from him to remember this magical evening.

This special event includes a fully immersive North Pole that families can walk around, with numerous activity stations, including:

Santa’s Station
Santa’s Post Office
Santa’s Tractor Ride
Santa’s Toy Factory
Mrs. Claus Story Time and Meet and Greet
The North Pole Guards
Elf Academy
Christmas Shows

Plus additional paid attractions such as:

Santa’s Magical Kiddie Train
Mrs. Claus Bakeshop
Gingerbread Decorating
Elf Games
Elf Conductors Training

North Pole Experience & Train Ride (November 25-December 23)

York-Durham Heritage Railway also offers the North Pole Experience & Train Ride during daytime hours for a festive experience perfect for families with younger kids. Don’t miss out on this magical experience spreading the holiday cheer across the Oak Ridges Moraine!

From the moment you step onto the beautifully decorated train, the Conductor Elves bring Santa’s train to life! Along with participating in the singing and dancing, you can capture the joy in your child’s eyes when they meet the jolly man in red.

Like the evening event, guests are immersed in the interactive fun of Santa’s Grand Station, where the North Pole comes to life right before your eyes with delightful activities for all ages. There you’ll also find unique gifts and treasures for purchase, from handcrafted ornaments to cozy winter accessories.

This North Pole Experience & Train Ride will create heartwarming memories to last a lifetime! Since this experience includes the grounds show, train boarding, and other amazing elements, please plan for at least a two-hour window.

Christmas High Tea & Train Ride (November 24-December 15)

For a special event for those with refined tastes, bring all your loved ones along to delight in a first-class rail journey. With the York-Durham Heritage Railway train decorated at its finest for the Christmas season, take a trip back in time and watch the countryside roll by. Then, feast upon delectable pastries and cakes, along with the finest beverages, as you travel through the beautiful Oak Ridges Moraine in all its winter splendour. All the while, enjoy the special Christmas tea white-glove service, accompanied by delightful music.

This train trip will certainly sell out quickly, so be sure to avoid disappointment by booking early!

The Nutcracker Evening High Tea Premium Experience (December 7-21)

Did you know that the Stouffville-Uxbridge line (built in 1860) is even older than The Nutcracker? The ballet debuted in 1872, so York-Durham Heritage Railway hosts an evening experience in its honour to keep heritage alive.

Start a new enchanted Christmas tradition for your family with The Nutcracker Evening High Tea Premium Experience. As the lights twinkle across the coaches, the evening starts with a champagne toast to celebrate. Then, guests indulge in a true English heritage Christmas tea experience while the sights onboard include dance performances and even a visit with Father Christmas himself.

Seats are extremely limited, so book your tickets today!