Holiday trains make great venues for end of the year corporate events
Across the U.S., vintage railroads are rolling out immersive holiday experiences — think historic coaches decked in garland, spiked cocoa in hand, and panoramic winter views that make even the most jaded CFO a little giddy. These aren’t your nephew’s “Polar Express” pajama parties. They’re grown-up, group-friendly, and logistics-approved.
Why Trains Work for Corporate Events
At first glance, booking a train for your company’s holiday event might sound like a gimmick. But in reality, it solves a host of logistical and experiential challenges planners face every year.
Trains are inherently immersive. You don’t have to work overtime creating ambiance — the venue delivers it the moment your guests step aboard. Vintage interiors, festive décor, curated music, and movement all combine to create instant atmosphere. The train itself becomes the conversation starter, eliminating the need for forced icebreakers or awkward ice sculpture photo ops.
Trains are also self-contained and time-boxed. A two-hour ride means a clear beginning, middle, and end — no late stragglers, no awkward post-dinner lulls. Everything runs on a literal schedule, which makes budgeting and pacing the event refreshingly predictable.
The logistics scale up easily. Many rail operators offer private car rentals or group packages—whether you’re hosting a 20-person sales team or treating 150 employees to a year-end sendoff.
But the real win? These events are genuinely memorable. They’re shareable. They create a sense of journey — both literally and metaphorically. In a sea of repetitive venues and forgettable functions, trains offer something rare: built-in magic with zero spreadsheet sorcery required.
Get Your Holiday Party on the Right Track
Here are eight holiday train rides from around the country that can deliver the three essential elements of a successful end-of-year event: booze, bells, and great ambiance.
The Christmas Wine Train – Grapevine, TX
Vibe: Mad Men meets Christmas lights.
Best for: Wine-forward teams, client appreciation dinners.
Make a toast with Texas-made wines aboard a festively lit 1920s coach in Grapevine, the self-declared “Christmas Capital of Texas.” You’ll get dessert, a souvenir wineglass, and appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus — or opt for the premier dinner tickets with full-service fine dining.
💰 $56 per person; $112 per two-person bench
📍 Grapevine Vintage Railroad – Christmas Wine Train
Christmas Dinner Train – Chattanooga, TN
Vibe: Classic luxury meets Southern charm.
Best for: Executive dinners or intimate team celebrations.
Enjoy a multi-course, white-linen meal aboard the Tennessee Valley Railroad’s restored Pullman and dining cars. With attentive stewards and a 2.5-hour route through Chattanooga, this is a full holiday event in motion.
💰 $260–$420 depending on table size
📍 Tennessee Valley Railroad – Christmas Dinner Train
Holiday Nostalgia Rides – New York, NY
Vibe: Urban retro with subway soul.
Best for: NYC-based teams, brand creatives, and culture lovers
Every Sunday in December board vintage subway cars from the 1930s–1970s for a seasonal ride hosted by the New York Transit Museum. Straps, rattan seats, old-school charm. This is a little different in that it’s really just a ride, there’s no F&B involved, but it’s the kind of immersive holiday throwback that makes city dwellers smile.
💰 Free with your subway fare!
(Currently $2.90)
📍 New York Transit Museum – Nostalgia Rides
The “Spiked!” 1880 Train Holiday Express – Hill City, SD
Vibe: Black Hills meets bourbon cocoa.
Best for: Mountain-town teams or regional off-sites.
Choose the adults-only “Spiked!” car on the 1880 Train and ride through South Dakota’s snowy Black Hills with schnapps-laced cocoa in a souvenir thermal mug. Wildlife sightings and caroling optional — but highly encouraged.
💰 $46–$79 for adults
📍 1880 Train – Holiday Express
Holiday Sights & Festive Nights – Key West, FL
Vibe: Trolley lights and island vibes.
Best for: Warm-weather retreats, hybrid or remote team meetups.
An open-air Conch Tour Train cruises through the most dazzlingly decorated neighborhoods in Key West, complete with light-up holiday glasses for all. Casual, festive, and definitely out of office.
💰 $36.28 per adult
📍 Conch Tour Train – Holiday Lights Tour
Candy Cane Express – Virginia City, NV
Vibe: Old West with hot chocolate.
Best for: Teams craving nostalgia, storytelling, and a little cowboy Christmas.
Travel the 156-year-old Virginia & Truckee Railroad with historic narration, caroling, and the occasional mustang sighting. Gift bags and light sticks included; cider and cocoa available for sipping.
💰 $32 per person
📍 Virginia & Truckee Railroad – Candy Cane Express
North Pole Express – Owosso, MI
Vibe: Steam-powered and show stopping.
Best for: Retro-loving teams, themed parties, or immersive incentive groups.
Ride a real-life Polar Express engine (the Pere Marquette 1225) during a 4.5-hour nostalgia trip. Holiday dress encouraged, and everyone walks away with a souvenir ticket and silver bell.
💰 $85–$125 per passenger; private party pricing available
📍 Steam Railroading Institute – North Pole Express
The Polar Express – Sacramento, CA
Vibe: Storybook meets museum-quality detail.
Best for: Family-friendly companies or large regional teams.
The California State Railroad Museum’s annual Polar Express ride is an immersive theatrical experience complete with dancing chefs, hot chocolate, and Santa himself. Book early—this one sells out fast.
💰 First class: $100–$110 per passenger or $400–$440 per table of four
Coach: $80–$85 per passenger or $320–$340 per table
📍 California State Railroad Museum – Polar Express
Any thoughts, opinions, or news? Please share them with me at vince@meetingsevents.com.
Photo by John Matychuk on Unsplash
