Waterloo Central Railway Christmas Trains
Guests travel along the Winter Line on a vintage-inspired heritage train ride filled with festive music and holiday spirit. Throughout the journey, a lively cast of railway and woodland characters share humorous stories and interact with passengers. The experience features a special visit from Santa Claus, and every passenger receives a holiday gift.
What to Expect
Vintage-inspired heritage train journey featuring festive characters and Santa.
Event Details
Duration
1 hour.
Ages
All ages (except Santa's Night Cap which is 19+)
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Waterloo Central Railway
Food & Drink
No food or drink may be brought onto the train except bottled water; reusable water bottles are encouraged.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and nostalgic
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: November: Lounge Car Single Seats, all ages, CA$54.56; Coach Seats adults, ages 12+, CA$33.16; Coach Seats children, ages 2 to 11, CA$27.81; Coach Lap Children, under 2, free on an adult’s lap. December: Lounge Car Single Seats, all ages, CA$59.91; Coach Seats adults, ages 12+, CA$38.51; Coach Seats children, CA$33.16. Children’s tickets cannot be booked without choosing an adult ticket first where that condition is stated. – Get tickets
- Hours: On the opening weekend, trains depart at 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm.
- Parking: Free parking is available in the Value Village parking lot off Farmers Market Road, adjacent to the station platform. The page also says there is no public boarding or parking at the St. Jacobs Village (Isabella St.) location.
- Accessibility: Train cars are not fully accessible for those with mobility challenges, though crew assist at doors and an accessible washroom is on board.
Tips & Advice
- Book soon, because seating is limited and coach numbers are assigned at purchase, so specific seating requests can't be accommodated and big parties may be split.
- Get to the Farmers' Market Station on Farmers Market Road with time to spare, since missed trains aren't refunded and there's no boarding at the St. Jacobs Village stop.
- Wear Christmas pajamas or an ugly Christmas sweater, and bring your kids' Santa letters with a return address for the Christmas mailbox on board.
- Leave snacks and drinks at home, since only bottled water is allowed on the train, and bring a reusable bottle if you have one.
- Book opening weekend in mid-November if you want your Daylight Christmas Express ride pulled by Steam Locomotive No. 9.
Special Events & Promotions
- Opening weekend, November 14 and 15: Daylight Christmas Express trains pulled by Steam Locomotive No. 9
- Lounge Car seats for a higher fare, with upholstered chairs, more space and an extra special holiday gift
- November fares are lower than December fares
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens on the ride?
It's a one-hour heritage train ride for all ages. Railway staff and woodland characters share stories and humour. There's festive music, small surprises and a visit from Santa.
What's the difference between the Coach Car and the Lounge Car?
Coach Cars have traditional rail seats in groups of four, and every passenger gets a holiday gift. The Lounge Car has soft upholstered chairs, more space and an extra special holiday gift.
Where do we park?
Park for free in the Value Village lot off Farmers Market Road, next to the station platform. There's no public boarding or parking at the St. Jacobs Village (Isabella St.) location.
Can we bring snacks on board?
No. Bottled water is the only food or drink allowed on the train. Reusable water bottles are encouraged.
What should we wear or bring?
Wear Christmas pajamas or an ugly Christmas sweater. Bring Santa letters for the Christmas mailbox. Include a return address and put all of a family's letters in one envelope. A reply can't be guaranteed.
More Christmas Events Near Waterloo
More Christmas Events near Waterloo
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.