The Holiday Express Pajama Train is the railroad's seasonal family ride: a one-hour round trip with holiday lights and decorations, Christmas music, hot cocoa and treats, and Santa making an appearance. Pajamas are welcome for children. The railroad lists the 2026 season, and its booking calendar begins on November 28, 2026 and runs through December. In earlier years the train has departed from the Old Frisco Depot in Van Buren as well as from Springdale, but the railroad's 2026 page does not say where each train will leave, so confirm the departure point for your date before you book. Fares are not published on the page and vary by year. This is an independent guide: the railroad's own page has dates and booking.
It is the shortest and the most family-oriented of the railroad's rides: about an hour, built for little ones who would not last through an eight-hour day. Expect a decorated train, seasonal music, and the usual vintage cars, with the railroad's hot cocoa and treats and a Santa walk-through. Pajamas welcome for children.
Timing matters. Holiday Express dates sell fast, especially weekends in the first half of December. The calendar link on the railroad's page opens at the end of November 2026; book as soon as the date you want appears, and have a second choice ready. Departure times vary by date and can start as early as the morning in past seasons.
Pair it with Van Buren's own holiday calendar. The city's tourism office lists a Holiday Open House in mid-November, Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday on Main Street at the end of November, Jingle and Mingle on Main on December 5, Holiday in Whoville and the Christmas Parade on December 12, and a Countdown on Main ball drop on December 31. Confirm these dates with the city before travelling.
What to expect
The experience
A one-hour round trip with holiday lights, Christmas music, hot cocoa and treats, and a visit from Santa. Pajamas welcome for children.
Best time
Late November through December 2026; the booking calendar starts on November 28.
How long
About one hour.
Tips
Book as soon as your date appears — holiday weekends fill fast. Confirm the departure point (Springdale or Van Buren) before you go, since the 2026 page does not specify.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with young children who want a short, festive train ride.
- Families
- Built for them — short, themed and pajama-friendly.
- Couples
- Better suited to families; couples might prefer the regular excursions on spring or fall dates.
- Pair with
- Main Street's holiday events in Van Buren.
- Time needed
- One hour plus boarding.
Good questions
When does the Pajama Train run in 2026?+
The railroad lists the 2026 season, and its booking calendar begins on November 28, 2026 and covers December. Check the calendar for individual dates.
Where does it leave from?+
In earlier years it has run from both Springdale and the Old Frisco Depot in Van Buren. The railroad's 2026 page does not say, so confirm with the railroad when you book.
How long is the ride?+
About one hour round trip.
What is included?+
The railroad describes holiday lights and decorations, Christmas music, hot cocoa and treats, and a visit from Santa.
How much does it cost?+
The railroad does not publish the fare on its page. Check the booking calendar.
