Holiday Adventures an Amtrak Train Away

December is here and holiday activities abound! You can visit your typical local festivities or switch it up and travel in celebration. Here’s a list of unique holiday adventures an Amtrak train away:

Christmas at the Zoo – Indianapolis, IN

Experience Christmas at the Zoo and enjoy the warm glow of twinkling lights and the magical adventures. Stay warm by a campfire or with a nice hot beverage.  As you walk around you may see some of the animals who stayed up late to enjoy cooler nights, including brown bears, tigers and more! Plus, stop by the indoor animal exhibits, including Oceans, Deserts and the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center. Don’t forget to stop by Santa’s Village for a complete holiday experience at the zoo.  Admission ranges from $15 – $20 and free for zoo members.

Dates: November 23 – December 30, 5-9 PM
Nearest Station:

How to get there: Cardinal and Hoosier State trains to Indianapolis Union Station.

40th Annual Gallery of Trees – Kankakee, IL

Join the Kankakee County Museum December 1-30 for their annual holiday event. The museum is decorated with over 25 Christmas trees. Make sure to vote for your favorite tree, look for their Elf on a Museum Shelf, Elmer, and take a seasonal photo in their fully decorated Centennial Room.  Suggested Donation Price is $2.00.  Open Monday-Friday 10-4 and Saturday-Sunday 1-4 with the exception of December 24 and 25.

Dates: December 1 – 30, 2018

How to get there: Take one of our Illinois Service trains to Kankakee, IL on the Illini or Saluki routes.

The Polar Express – Hartford, VT

Join the Rotary Club of White River for an exciting train ride along a meandering river to the North Pole. Children of all ages will enjoy The Polar Express. Story and holiday sing along while sipping hot cocoa with a homemade cookie.

Dates: December 8-9, 2018

Howto get there: Hop on the Vermonter Train to White River Junction.

Disneyland – Anaheim, CA

Experience the magical atmosphere of the Disneyland® Resort beautifully decorated for the holidays. Both parks feature special holiday foods, entertainment, and decorations through January 8. Don’t miss the Christmas Fantasy Parade and the Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks display, exclusive to the holiday season. The cost to attend varies, but Amtrak riders can receive an exclusive 5% discount on admission when purchasing tickets here.

Dates: November 9, 2018 – January 8, 2019

Howto get there: Anaheim station (ANA) on the Pacific Surfliner train, about 10 miles from the resort (from the station, show your Pacific Surfliner ticket for a free connection on Anaheim Resort Transportation for a quick ride to the resort).

Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights – Richmond, VA

Experience a holiday tradition with one million lights, botanical gardens and holiday festivities for all to enjoy. Costs: $13 adults $11 seniors (age 55+) $8 children (ages 3 – 12) Free for children under age 3 $7: Garden members $5: Child on Garden Membership (ages 3 – 17).

Dates: November 23, 2018 – January 7, 2019 from 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Howto get there: Amtrak Staples Mill Road or Main Street stations on the Northeast Regional train.

For more holiday adventures an Amtrak train away, visit our site!