The Christmas Express: A Magical Holiday Train Ride in Summerland
The holiday season is a time for creating cherished memories, embracing warm traditions, and finding a little bit of magic in the crisp winter air. If you are searching for a truly unforgettable family experience this December, look no further than the Okanagan Valley. The Kettle Valley Steam Railway proudly invites you to book your tickets for the highly anticipated Christmas Express. This spectacular annual event transforms our historic railway into a moving winter wonderland, offering a festive journey that delights passengers of all ages.
When you book your Christmas tickets, you are securing much more than a simple train ride. You are joining us for a magical evening overflowing with authentic Christmas spirit. From the moment you arrive at our station in Summerland, you will be transported into a joyful, nostalgic celebration of the season. Let’s explore everything you need to know about the most enchanting holiday attraction in British Columbia and why it is the perfect way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
Be Enchanted by the Historic 3716 Locomotive
The absolute star of the Christmas Express is our magnificent 3716 steam locomotive. Originally built in 1912 by the Montreal Locomotive Works, this iconic engine is beautifully preserved by our dedicated Kettle Valley Railway Society volunteers. During the holiday season, this massive iron horse receives a spectacular festive makeover.
As you approach the boarding platform, you will be completely enchanted by the beautiful glow of Christmas lights twinkling brightly aboard the locomotive. The contrast of the brilliant, colorful lights against the dark winter sky is a breathtaking sight. Furthermore, the thick white steam billowing from the engine into the frosty December air creates a picturesque, movie-like atmosphere. It is an incredible sensory experience that perfectly blends Canada’s rich pioneer history with the pure joy of the holidays.
Live Festive Music with Ben Klick
A true holiday celebration is never complete without the perfect festive soundtrack. Therefore, we are thrilled to feature exceptional live entertainment throughout your journey. Your evening on the rails includes a magical performance of festive music by the incredibly talented Ben Klick.
His engaging musical performance fills the vintage passenger coaches with warmth, joy, and incredible energy. Passengers are warmly encouraged to join in the fun, sip on a comforting hot beverage, and sing along to a few of your favorite holiday carols as the train rolls down the tracks. This shared musical experience actively brings families and friends together, filling the historic train cars with laughter and cheerful holiday spirit.
A Surprise Visit from Jolly Santa Claus
For our younger passengers, the highlight of the Christmas Express is undoubtedly the special guest who makes a magical appearance. As you enjoy the live music and the rhythmic chugging of the steam engine, you can expect a surprise visit from the one and only jolly Santa Claus!
Santa takes the time to walk through the train, greeting families, spreading Christmas cheer, and listening to holiday wishes. The look of absolute wonder and excitement on the children’s faces when Santa arrives is truly priceless. It provides the ultimate photo opportunity and ensures this event is one that your family will remember for many years to come. Be sure to have your cameras ready to capture these beautiful, fleeting moments of childhood magic.
What to Expect on Your Winter Journey
The Christmas Express provides a cozy, joyful, and well-organized experience for the entire family.
- The Duration: The festive train ride lasts for a comfortable duration of exactly 1 hour. This is the perfect amount of time to enjoy the entertainment and the scenery without younger children growing restless. https://www.kettlevalleyrail.org/experiences/christmas-express/
- The Atmosphere: You will travel in our restored vintage coaches, which provide a nostalgic and historic setting for the evening’s festivities.
- The Community: This event brings the Summerland community and visiting tourists together to celebrate the magic of the season in a highly unique, analog setting, far away from the distractions of modern digital screens.
For those looking to explore more of the region’s holiday offerings before or after your train ride, we highly recommend checking out Visit Summerland for local dining and winter activities to complete your festive itinerary.
2026 Season Schedule and Ticket Fares
Because the Christmas Express is our most popular seasonal attraction, advance booking is absolutely essential. To help you plan your family’s holiday schedule, we have provided a detailed breakdown of our 2026 operating dates and ticket prices below.
2026 Christmas Express Operating Dates: We offer two convenient departure times—4:30 PM and 6:30 PM—on the following dates in December 2026:
- December 3, 4, 5, 6
- December 10, 11, 12, 13
- December 17, 18, 19, 20
- December 21, 22
Christmas Express Fares (Plus 5% GST & Booking fee):
| Passenger Category | Ticket Price | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $37.00 | Experience the magic and live music https://www.kettlevalleyrail.org/experiences/christmas-express/ |
| Senior | $34.00 | A nostalgic journey back in time https://www.kettlevalleyrail.org/experiences/christmas-express/ |
| Youth | $32.00 | Perfect for teenagers enjoying the festive fun https://www.kettlevalleyrail.org/experiences/christmas-express/ |
| Child | $26.00 | Includes the exciting visit from Santa Claus https://www.kettlevalleyrail.org/experiences/christmas-express/ |
| Infant | Free | Must remain seated on an adult’s lap https://www.kettlevalleyrail.org/experiences/christmas-express/ |
Please note: All sales are strictly final. There are absolutely NO REFUNDS available for Christmas Express tickets or any other special event train cancellations.
Supporting the Kettle Valley Railway Society
When you purchase a ticket for the Christmas Express, you are doing much more than just treating your family to a fun holiday outing. You are directly supporting the ongoing preservation efforts of the Kettle Valley Railway Society. Our dedicated, non-profit organization works tirelessly year-round to maintain the historic 16-kilometer rail line and keep the 1912 steam locomotive in pristine, working condition.
If you are looking for a unique holiday gift for the train enthusiast in your life, consider purchasing gift cards or an annual membership to our society. Every contribution helps us preserve a vital piece of British Columbia’s history for future generations to enjoy.
Christmas Express Q&A
To ensure your family is perfectly prepared for this magical winter adventure, we have compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the event.
All passengers board the train at our main station, conveniently located at 18404 Bathville Road, Summerland BC. We recommend arriving early to find parking and enjoy the festive atmosphere before departure.
While our vintage enclosed coaches offer protection from the winter wind, it is still a historic train operating in December. We highly recommend dressing warmly in layers, bringing cozy winter coats, and perhaps even a warm blanket to snuggle under while you enjoy the live music.
A gentle snowfall only adds to the incredible magic of the Christmas Express! The train operates safely in typical winter conditions. However, please remember that all special event tickets are non-refundable, so plan your travel to the station accordingly.
Yes, you can sip on a hot beverage during your magical evening. Warm drinks are the perfect accompaniment as you sing holiday carols and wait for Santa’s arrival.
Are you ready to create unforgettable holiday memories? Secure your seats today, bundle up the family, and prepare for a magical journey on the rails. We cannot wait to celebrate the season with you aboard the Christmas Express!