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Summary

This Christmas Train Near Toronto Takes You On A Starlit Ride To A 'Life-Sized' North Pole

It's like riding the Polar Express.

Train covered in Christmas lights. Right: Uxbridge station.

Train covered in Christmas lights. Right: Uxbridge station.

Courtesy of York-Durham Heritage Railway via Jake Earle
Lead Writer, Travel

All aboard! It turns out, you don't need to hop on Santa's sleigh in order to visit the North Pole. This holiday train near Toronto will whisk you away to this magical Christmas land, and you can even meet the man in red himself.

York-Durham Heritage Railway is bringing back The North Pole Light UP Express experience from November 25 to December 23, 2022. The twinkling train ride takes you on an evening journey through snowy landscapes to the North Pole, and there are some new features this year.

Train with Christmas lights.Train with Christmas lights.Courtesy of York-Durham Heritage Railway via Jake Earle

You'll be served chocolate milk and cookies as the train whisks you off to the Christmas village. Along the way, you'll be greeted by Mrs. Claus and see some festive performances from "Santa's Friends" who will sing, dance, and more.

The interior of the train will be decked out in lights for some extra magic. This year, there's a new live performance called "How the Train Saved Christmas" which is based on a popular poem from last year.

When you reach the North Pole, you'll see a life-sized Christmas village and Santa and his elves waving. As you return back to the station, you can expect a surprise visit from Santa, and he'll even hand out gifts to the children on board.

The event recommends that you come dressed in your PJs to truly get into the Christmas train spirit. You can also enjoy a tree-lighting ceremony before the event begins.

The railway station is hosting several other holiday events, including a Murder at the Christmas Station Dinner and a Victorian Christmas Tea.

The North Pole Light UP Express

Train driving through snow.

Courtesy of York-Durham Heritage Railway via Jake Earle

Price: $47.99 per adult

When: Select dates from November 25 to December 23, 2022

Address: 19 Railway St., Uxbridge, ON

Why You Need To Go: This twinkly train will take you straight to the North Pole.

Website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

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  • Madeline Forsyth

    Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

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