Missouri Hosts Multiple Popular Christmas Train Experiences

Trains hold a special place in American culture, particularly during the holiday season and for scenic travel. In Missouri, festive Christmas train rides like The Polar Express in Branson offer families magical experiences with caroling, hot chocolate, and visits with Santa. Meanwhile, in Florida, an Amtrak train en route from Chicago to Miami experienced mechanical problems leading to extreme onboard heat, causing medical treatment for several passengers and a rescue operation involving alternative transportation and refunds. Beyond holiday and emergency contexts, rail enthusiasts continue to celebrate train heritage and scenic routes, as seen in the Adirondacks with the digital-first D&H Railway Historical Society promoting rail history and events. Globally, luxury and iconic train journeys like the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada, the West Highland Line in Scotland, the Trans-Siberian Railway in Russia, and the Kalka–Shimla Railway in India offer travelers immersive ways to experience breathtaking landscapes. In Colorado, trains have long supported winter sports tourism by transporting skiers directly to resorts like Winter Park, maintaining a tradition dating back to the 1930s.