Metro-North Now Running New ‘Holiday Lights’ Train

The holiday fun is just getting started in the Hudson Valley, and there may be something new and exciting to add to your 'must-do' list this season.

In addition to the standard Hudson Valley holiday happenings like Eggbert, local tree lightings and parades, as well as breakfast and family photos with Santa, there's a new way to celebrate the season, on the rails.

Get our free mobile app

Metro-North Launches Holiday Lights Trains

While many in the Hudson Valley look forward to riding one of the area's Polar Express trains during the holidays, complete with pajamas, candy canes, cocoa and Santa, another train is offering some 'random' holiday fun, this time on the Hudson line (well, and the Harlem and New Haven, too).

Now running through January, Metro-North's first-ever Holiday Lights Train features holiday music, lights and special announcements, 'adding a touch of magic to every trip,' and doesn't require any registration or coordination, just some seasonal festive fun.

Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi notes that MTA is the 'safest, most reliable, greenest and most festive way' to travel to holiday destinations, and have now introduced this holiday experience.

I’m thrilled that Metro-North can bring the joy, beauty and lights of the season to all of our riders on their way to work, school or to see family and friends during the holidays, and to those who see it roll through their towns.

Metro-North EVP & COO Justin Vonashek echoed these thoughts, sharing that the Holiday Lights Train is something special for the community:

It’s a way for us to connect with our passengers and create lasting memories during this festive time of year when days are short and darkness is long. We hope these colorful lights spark excitement and a sense of holiday cheer for all who come aboard and who see the train pass by.

READ MORE: Festive Holiday 'Miracle' Pop-Up in Wappingers Falls

MNR Holiday Lights Trains Now Running

Officially bringing lights to the rails as of Friday, November 29th, the Holiday Lights Trains will be donned with festive and colorful exterior lights, with special holiday-themed messages at select stations.

For us in the Hudson Valley, on the Hudson Line between Grand Central Terminal and Croton-Harmon will feature holiday lights. On the Harlem Line between Grand Central and Southeast, New Haven between Grand Central and New Haven. You never know when you may hop onto one of these trains that will be operating on a random rotation of regularly scheduled trains...all times of day and night.

For more information on Metro-North Holiday Lights Train, visit their website here, and if you happen to experience the lights, they're asking you to use the official #MNRHolidayLightsTrain hashtag!