UTICA EVENTS FIELD GUIDE
A vintage winter run from Utica to Old Forge: the Adirondack Christmas Train
A full‑day, round‑trip train excursion from Utica to Thendara/Old Forge that pairs vintage coaches, winter scenery and an afternoon at Old Forge’s “Christmas on Main Street.”
A vintage winter run from Utica to Old Forge: the Adirondack Christmas Train.
Departing Union Station in Utica aboard vintage coaches operated by the Adirondack Railroad, the Adirondack Christmas Train carries riders through snow‑clad landscapes to Thendara and Old Forge for an afternoon of seasonal shopping, carriage rides, carillon bells and a Christmas Tree Lighting before returning to Utica after dark.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Vintage coaches and winter scenery
Relax in classic rail cars as the train traverses Adirondack winter scenery, a slow, sensory way to take in the region’s seasonal colors and wide, quiet stretches of landscape.
Old Forge’s ‘Christmas on Main Street’ and the tree lighting
Spend the afternoon in Old Forge browsing shops dressed for the season, enjoy carriage rides and the chiming carillon bells, and return to the train after the Christmas Tree Lighting.
Cafè Car comforts on a long winter day
During the ride, visit the Cafè Car for light, hearty fare that helps round out this long, festive day on the Adirondack rails.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The trip unfolds as a slow, deliberately seasonal arc: a morning departure from Utica; a relaxed ride through winter landscapes; a long afternoon immersed in Old Forge’s Christmas on Main Street; the communal pause of an evening tree lighting; and a return trip to Utica late in the evening—an 11.5‑hour round trip that frames a full holiday day by rail.
THE ROUTE
Vintage coaches and winter scenery
Relax in classic rail cars as the train traverses Adirondack winter scenery, a slow, sensory way to take in the region’s seasonal colors and wide, quiet stretches of landscape.
THE FESTIVITIES
Old Forge’s ‘Christmas on Main Street’ and the tree lighting
Spend the afternoon in Old Forge browsing shops dressed for the season, enjoy carriage rides and the chiming carillon bells, and return to the train after the Christmas Tree Lighting.
ONBOARD COMFORT
Cafè Car comforts on a long winter day
During the ride, visit the Cafè Car for light, hearty fare that helps round out this long, festive day on the Adirondack rails.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits and what to consider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The full experience is an 11.5‑hour round trip with a 10:00 am departure from Union Station in Utica and an expected return to Utica around 9:30 pm; plan for a long day away from Utica.
Food and light, hearty fare are available in the Cafè Car during the journey; if you require wheelchair seating or have accessibility questions, contact the operator in advance.
The trip departs from Union Station (321 Main Street, Utica). The train is wheelchair accessible for standard chairs (maximum door opening width 26 inches); restrooms on the train are not wheelchair accessible, but accessible restrooms are provided at stations. To reserve wheelchair seating or ask accessibility questions, call 1‑800‑819‑2291.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Adirondack Christmas Train outing?
The full program is 11.5 hours from departure to return.
Where do I meet for the train?
Meet at Union Station, 321 Main Street, Utica; the train departs Utica at 10:00 am.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
Yes—the train is wheelchair accessible for standard size chairs, but the maximum door opening width is 26 inches; if you need wheelchair seating or have questions, call 1‑800‑819‑2291 to reserve.
Are restrooms on the train wheelchair accessible?
No—restrooms on the train are not wheelchair accessible; however, all stations have wheelchair accessible restrooms.
What is there to do in Old Forge during the stop?
Passengers spend the afternoon at Old Forge’s 'Christmas on Main Street'—shopping, taking carriage rides and listening to carillon bells—returning to the train for the evening tree lighting.
Is food available on the train?
Yes—the Cafè Car offers light, hearty fare during the ride.