Train Trips and Sleigh Rides for Seattle-Area Families

Safe, seasonal excursions you and your kids will love

Though the ongoing pandemic continues to put a bit of a damper on the holiday season, there is still plenty of wintry family magic to be had around the region. Festive, old-fashioned rides — made safe for the season with protective protocols — are at the top of our list. Whether you roll down the tracks aboard a storybook train or jingle all the way on a winter wonderland sleigh ride, these seasonal excursions are bound to brighten your spirits.

Yuletide Express and Santa Limited train rides, Snoqualmie

Downtown Snoqualmie’s historic depot and Northwest Railway Museum are favorites for train-loving families, with the museum’s holiday ride a much-awaited annual tradition. This year, the museum is offering two different options to join Santa and his elves. The Yuletide Express excursion aboard the train’s antique coaches — resplendent in seasonal decorations — whisks passengers away on a 25-minute round trip to picturesque Snoqualmie Falls, with a stop at the crest for a view before returning to the depot.

A small gift from Santa for each kiddo is included with the ticket price, along with a cookie for each ticketholder. The fare also includes admission to the museum’s Train Shed Exhibit Hall. Tickets must be purchased online ahead of time for everyone ages 2 and older, and the train runs rain or shine (or snow!).

When: Saturday–Sunday, Nov. 27–Dec. 19

Find it: Snoqualmie Depot, 38625 S.E. King St., Snoqualmie, WA

Cost: $25 for guests ages 2 and older; kids younger than 2 ride free. Book online.

The two-hour Santa Limited excursion departs from the North Depot in North Bend, transporting passengers to the Railway History Campus, where Santa greets each child with a small gift. Kids can explore the festively decorated Train Shed Exhibit Hall and participate in a seasonal craft activity.

When: Dec. 11–12, 18–19

Find it: North Bend Depot, 205 E. McClellan St., North Bend, WA

Cost: $35 for guests ages 2 and older; kids younger than 2 ride free. Book online.

COVID-19 protocols: Snug-fitting face masks (no bandannas) that cover mouth and nose must be worn for the duration of the visit for all guests ages 5 and older; all visitors ages 12 and older must show proof of vaccination in order to participate.

Holiday train rides with Chehalis-Centralia Railroad

The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad operates one of only a few remaining steam-powered locomotives in Washington, and offers year-round rides on its historic retro-style train. Families can choose from one of two special holiday experiences in 2021. The Santa Holiday Train is a 30-minute trip suitable for the youngest passengers, with Santa visiting with everyone during the ride, and plenty of photo-op time before and after. No food is served on board, but snacks and beverages are available for sale at the depot.

For older kiddos ready for a longer experience, climb aboard The Polar Express. Listen to the reading of the famous book and sing some carols as you trek along to the “North Pole,” where Santa will join in for the return trip and distribute presents for all! Cocoa and cookies are served, and jammies for the littles are not just okay, but encouraged (though do make sure to bundle up as the railcars have limited heating). For an extra-special time, premier seating is available in the historic 1920s business car and includes exclusive seating for your group, collector cocoa mugs and gift bags.

When: Santa Holiday Train rides are scheduled to run Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 27–Dec. 19; The Polar Express train rides are scheduled to run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 13–Dec. 19.

Find it: Steam Train Depot, 1101 S.W. Sylvenus St., Chehalis, WA

Cost: Regular coach rides on the Santa Train are $16 per person; general reserved seating for The Polar Express train ride is $39 per person. (Premier seating options for both excursions are available to book for small groups.) Ages 2 and younger ride free on an adult lap. Book online.

Sleigh rides with Three Peaks Outfitters, Cle Elum  

Few winter activities conjure up that nostalgic fairy-tale feeling like gliding through snowy fields in an old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh. For Seattle-area families, the closest spot to experience the magic is in Cle Elum, a 90-minute drive to the east. At Three Peaks Outfitters, a local family-owned business, a shiny red sleigh awaits behind a handsome duo of horses, ready to take you on a wondrous tour through the winter-white woods and scenic trails of Cle Elum’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Bundle up and don’t forget a thermos of hot cocoa! Rides are 30 minutes long, and they book up fast. Advance reservations are highly recommended.

Want to make it a staycation? Popular Suncadia Resort is minutes away, with lodging, food and activity options galore.

Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, December through February, weather dependent. Closed during some holiday dates; check the website for details.

Find it: 3000 Bullfrog Rd., Cle Elum, WA

Cost: $24 for adults and $18 for youths ages 12 and younger. Littles younger than 2 ride free on an adult lap. Book online.

Sleigh rides at Eagle Creek Ranch, Leavenworth

Just a little farther into the Cascade Mountains, near the quaint Bavarian-themed village of Leavenworth, you’ll find several other options to choose from to hear sleigh bells ringing. We like historic Eagle Creek Ranch, known for some of the area’s most scenic rides. A team of pretty draft horses takes families through the meadows and forests of the mountain valley on a 1.8-mile tour.

Families can book individual tickets or reserve the entire sleigh for a private group ride — large and small sleigh options are available with advance booking. Keep warm with hot cider served on board; seating blankets are available but can’t be sanitized between rides, so it is recommended that riders bring their own to stay warm! Face coverings are required while at the ranch.

Be sure to stop by Leavenworth itself to check out the holiday lights and other seasonal fun. It is about a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle.

When: Near daily dates, Nov. 27 through February

Find it: Eagle Creek Ranch, 7951 Eagle Creek Rd., Leavenworth, WA

Cost: Private family sleigh rides run from $90 (for two adults maximum, plus as many as two toddlers) to $180 (for as many as 10 adults/teens; kids ages 3–12 count as half-size toward capacity). Public group sleigh rides for vaccinated guests are being considered ($22/adult). Book online or call with questions (509-548-7798).

Editor’s note: This article was first published in Dec. 2020, and has been updated for the 2021 holiday season.