We have a unique opportunity in the Twin Cities to enjoy the holidays on Planes, Trains & Sleighs (mostly trains), and we’ve rounded up all we can find just for you and your family!
2025 Planes, Trains & Sleighs
Our options for Holiday trains, planes and sleigh rides are mostly back this year. If you want to get out and enjoy some beautiful holiday scenery, we’ve found some options for all kinds of transportation fun.
Minnesota Orchestra presents the FFTC Holiday Guide
Minnesota Orchestra concerts aren't just for grown-ups.
We've got performances that spark curiosity, wiggles, and wide-eyed wonder.
Enjoy a family-friendly film with the score played live-to-picture or a classical concert.
Younger children can enjoy family and sensory-friendly concerts with a parent or caregiver.
With discounted kids' tickets and free admission through Hall Pass, it's easy to bring the whole crew.
Get more details by clicking on the image above.
Calendar of Holiday Planes, Trains and Sleigh Ride Opportunities
Holiday Flyovers & Flights of Fancy
Track Santa’s Flight Path
NORAD will have its official Santa Tracker back up and running beginning December 1st and running through Christmas Eve. Nothing, not even Jolly Old St. Nicholas, gets by the North American Aerospace Defense Command.
Christmas Trains & The North Pole Express
Night Trains
Night Trains, a special tradition at the Twin City Model Railroad Museum, starts off with two Saturdays of “spooky trains” complete with treats. The regular season of Night Trains picks back up Saturdays starting November 8 through February 28, 2026. The museum lights are turned low and the train layout glow, especially magical during the holiday season. Tickets, $15/pp age 4+.
North Pole Express
A magical holiday experience for any age, guests travel in vintage railcars with Santa through hundreds of luminaries. Hop off the train to roast marshmallows on a cozy campfire. December 5-7 & December 11-14, 2025. Approximately $43-$68/rider (kids 2 and under FREE). Sells out quickly, get on their email list for updates when tickets go on sale. Sold Out.
Canadian Pacific Holiday Train (FREE)
The Canadian-Pacific Holiday Train rolls through the Twin Cities December 12th-15th in 2025. Musical entertainment includes American Authors and Pynk Beard (for locations in Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington counties) and LANCO and Tiera Kennedy (for metro locations west of Hennepin County). Add your favorite Twin Cities stop to your personal holiday calendar! If you’re moved, donate a non-perishable food item.
2025 Canadian Pacific Holiday Train schedule
- December 12: Hastings w/Â – CPKC Depot, 500 East Second Street | 8:45-9:15pm
- December 13: Cottage Grove – South Seiben Bridge, 7064 W Point Douglas Rd South | 5:15-5:45pmÂ
- December 13: St. Paul – Union Depot, 214 4th Street East |Â Concessions, activities and concert 5:30-7pm. Train arrives at 7pm.
- December 14: Golden Valley –Â RR Crossing Near 5701 Golden Hills Drive | 5-5:30pm
- December 14: St. Louis Park –Â Library Lane & West Lake Street, Library Ln & W Lake St | 6:15-6:45pm
- December 14: Minneapolis/Columbia Heights – Lions Park, 37th Place NE & 37th NE McKinley St | 8:15-8:45pm
- December 15: Loretto –Â Railroad Crossing Hennepin County Road 19 | 4:30-5:00pm
- December 15: Buffalo –Â West Side of Tracks, 5th Street Northeast, 5th St NE | 6-6:30pm
BONUS FAMILY FUN: Combine this Christmas tradition with another family favorite and tour some local holiday lights displays.
Holiday Sleigh Rides & Hayrides
If it’s a horse-drawn sleigh ride you’re after, trot on over to our Twin Cities Holiday Festivals page for more ideas. These are some of our favorite events with advertised wagon or sleigh rides:
Hastings Holiday HooplaÂ
Downtown Hastings, MN 55033
So much Holiday Hoopla happening, including horse & wagon rides on 2nd Street between noon and 4pm. Saturday, November 29th, 2025.
Afton Village HolidayÂ
Downtown Afton, MN 55001
Horse-drawn wagon rides are offered throughout the festival. November 29-December 13, 2025.
Hometown HolidayÂ
City Square Park, 350 N Chestnut St Chaska, MN 55318
Take a cozy horse-drawn carriage ride during this annual Holiday tree lighting celebration. December 6, 2025; 2-5pm.
Deck The HallsÂ
Sturges Park, 505 2nd Ave S Buffalo, MN 55313
Horse drawn wagon rides are just one of the fun family activities at Buffalo’s annual Holiday festival. December 6, 2025; 3-5pm.
Minnesota Merry Market
Families can go on horse & carriage rides as part of their $5 admission fee. While you are there, shop local vendors for gifts, participate in games and crafts, ride the trackless train and grab a bite at a food truck. December 13-14 & 20-21, 2025. Â Learn more here.
Road Trip: Forest History Center Holiday Sleigh Rides
11/29/2025 - 12/30/2025If you are going north for the holidays, you can book a one-hour sleigh ride pulled by draft horses through the North Woods. Then warm up with cocoa by a fire. Tickets $25. Reservations Required.
Holiday Trolley Fun
Jingle Bell TrolleyÂ
Excelsior Streetcar Line, Excelsior, MN 55331
Take a trolley ride, sing Christmas carols and listen to holiday stories. November 28-29, 2025.
Holly TrolleyÂ
Como-Harriet Streetcar Line, 4200 Queen Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
This Holiday streetcar ride with Santa includes toasted marshmallows and a visit with the big guy. Collecting Toys for Tots. November 29 &30; December 6 & 7, 2025.
VinternattÂ
Como-Harriet Streetcar Line, 4200 Queen Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
The historic Como-Harriet Streetcar is decorated for the season and luminaries light the tracks. Toast marshmallows and maybe see Santa. December 6, 2025.
Anoka Tree Lighting Trolley RidesÂ
Anoka City Hall Plaza, 2015 First Ave N, Anoka, MN 55303
Enjoy a horse-drawn trolley ride at Anoka’s tree-lighting festival. Other family fun includes Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday music, bonfires and food vendors. December 6, 2025; 3-7pm.
WinterfestÂ
White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 4th St, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Part of WBL’s Winter Fest, bring a donation for the White Bear Area Emergency Food Shelf to ride a horse-drawn trolley around Downtown White Bear Lake. December 6, 2025; 10am-2pm.
Don't Forget Automobiles & Fire Trucks!
 Santa Photos at STMA Fire DepartmentÂ
216 Main St S, St Michael, MN 55376-9671
Whose got kids who love fire trucks! Get their photo taken with Santa at the fire station. December 2, 9am-12pm. FREE.
SBM Fire Department Santa Tour
Spring Lake Park, Mound & Blaine
The annual Santa Claus Fire Truck tour will roll through Spring Lake Park, Mound & Blaine. December 1-4, 2025; 6-7pm.
Santa’s Holiday Hero Express ParadeÂ
Two ways to see Santa in West St Paul’s parade: if your home is along the route, watch for the fire truck escorted by the West St. Paul Fire Department and other public safety vehicles. If your home isn’t on the route, try the Harmon Park parking lot for the best viewing. December 4, 2025; 5:30-8pm.
Tri-City Santa Parade
The cities of Crystal, New Hope & Robbinsdale have banded together this year to present the Santa Parade through town. The parade prominently features Santa and Mrs. Claus, elves, the Grinch and Cindy-Lou Who plus city police and firetrucks. December 6, 2025; 5:30-8:30pm.
Shoreview Santa CruiseÂ
Shoreview, MN 55126
See Santa riding a Lake Johanna Fire Department firetruck and donate non-perishable food items and/or unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. December 8, 2025; 6-8pm.
Santa on a Fire TruckÂ
St. Anthony Fire Department and Santa will be collecting donations for Toys for Tots and Nourish 282. December 8-10, 2025; 5:30-7pm.
Richfield Holiday Lights Parade
Parade begins at the City Garage, 1901 E. 66th Street and ends at 67th and Lyndale Avenue, Richfield, MN 55423
Parade includes vehicles lit up for the holidays, festive music, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. December 11, 2025; 6:30-7pm.
Columbia Heights Holiday City TourÂ
Murzyn Hall, 530 Mill Street, Columbia Heights, MN 55421
The Columbia Heights Fire Department and special guests will be driving decorated Fire Trucks through the city. Find the route here. Afterwards, festivities will continue at Murzyn Hall with free cocoa, cider, cookies, crafts, games, and photo ops. 2025 Details TBA.
I love this roundup of holiday activities in the Twin Cities! The mix of festive transportation options sounds like a fantastic way to explore the area with family. I’m especially excited about the sleigh rides! Thanks for sharing all these great ideas!
I absolutely love the the idea of a combination of planes, trains, and sleigh rides. It sounds like a magical way to celebrate the season with my family. We’re gonna try out some of these rides this year! Thank you for the tips!
I love the festive spirit of the Twin Cities during Christmas! The activities you highlighted sound amazing, especially the sleigh rides. Can’t wait to plan a family outing and make some magical memories! Thanks for the suggestions!