Illustration of Santa checking a long list at a desk with an elf while children peek around a door (North Pole Flyer)
Other Christmas Activities

North Pole Flyer

Passengers embark on a round-trip vintage train excursion through the scenic countryside in uniquely decorated, themed cars. The festive journey features visits and photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, caroling, a Christmas story reading, all-you-can-drink hot cocoa, and locally baked cookies. Children under 13 receive a wooden train whistle and Christmas coloring sheets, alongside live balloon twisting on the platform.

Nov 28 – Dec 13, 2026 All ages

Plan Your Visit

Tickets

Charter bookings: entire Lounge car, $59.50 per ticket; entire Coach car, $48.50 per ticket. Group bookings for 20 or more: Lounge $61.50 per ticket and Coach $51.50 per ticket. Standard individual tickets: Lounge $67 and Coach $57. Children under 3 may ride on a lap for $12. The page gives no separate Private Compartment price.

Hours

Saturday: 8:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. Sunday: the ticket listings show 8:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. The page also says rides will run four times each day.

Food & Drink

Enjoy all-you-can-drink hot cocoa and a locally baked holiday cookie.

Accessibility

Wheelchair seating is very limited, assigned ahead of time, and must be reserved in advance.

Location

Bertram Depot · 100 W State Hwy 29, Bertram, TX 78605 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and cozy

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Tips & Advice

  • Book as early as you can, because North Pole Flyer tickets sell quickly and seats are assigned ahead of time for each departure.
  • Choose seats next to each other, because if your party leaves gaps, the rest of that section may be shared with other passengers.
  • Buy a ticket for every person in your group, because each guest needs their own ticket, even inside a private compartment.
  • If your plans change, email reservations by the Friday before your ride, because that is the only way to get a gift card for a future trip.
  • Choose a daytime departure if you want to see the countryside, because it may be too dark to see much scenery on the Saturday evening ride.

Special Events & Promotions

  • New this year: themed train cars, each with its own Christmas decorations.
  • Group rates for parties of 20 or more.
  • Charter an entire Lounge or Coach car for just your group.
  • Saturday-evening departures run after dark, with the cars lit up inside.

Links & Contact

Run by Austin Steam Train Association

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the North Pole Flyer for?

It's for all ages, kids and adults alike. Children under 3 can ride on a lap.

What's included in the ride?

You get a two-hour round trip on a vintage train and a visit and photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. There's all-you-can-drink hot cocoa, a locally baked holiday cookie, caroling and a Christmas story reading. Balloon twisting is on the platform. Every child under 13 gets a wooden train whistle and Christmas coloring sheets.

What seating can I choose from?

There are three choices. Lounge cars have tables, booths and chairs and suit snacking and chatting. Private compartments are old sleeper rooms and barber shops, and each guest still needs a ticket. Coach cars have bus- or airplane-style seats that suit large families and groups.

Is there wheelchair seating?

Yes, but it's very limited and must be reserved in advance by email or phone. Seating is assigned ahead of time, so unannounced wheelchair seating can't be handled on the day of the ride.

What if I can't make my ride?

Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. You can't move to another 2026 North Pole Flyer. If you email reservations by the Friday before your ride, you can get a gift card for a future ticket.

Browse Christmas in Leander

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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