The Daylight Christmas Express — Waterloo Central Railway

The Waterloo Central Railway runs The Daylight Christmas Express as part of its All Aboard for Christmas season, a vintage-inspired heritage train ride along the Winter Line. The operator describes a cast of delightful railway characters, from cheerful seasonal staff to lively woodland passengers, who share stories, humour and holiday spirit, with festive music and small surprises along the way.

The experience ends with a special visit from Santa, and every passenger receives a holiday gift. Passengers choose between Coach seating, in traditional rail seating in groups of four, and Lounge Car seating with soft upholstered chairs and an additional special holiday gift. The operator invites passengers to wear Christmas pajamas or ugly sweaters.

A one-hour heritage train ride for all ages with lively railway and woodland characters, festive music and a visit from Santa at the end. Every passenger receives a holiday gift; Lounge Car passengers get an extra one. Washrooms, a baby changing station and an accessible washroom are on board.

Boards at the WCR Farmers' Market Station, 330 Farmers Market Road, Waterloo, Ontario N2J 4G8, between the St. Jacobs Farmers Market and the Value Village shopping centre; parking is free in the Value Village lot next to the platform. Outside food and drink are not permitted except bottled water. Refunds are only issued if the railway cancels a train, not for missed trains or bad weather. The train cars lack full accessibility for those with significant mobility challenges, though staff help with boarding. Children under 2 ride free on an adult's lap and cannot be booked without an adult ticket. There is no public boarding or parking at the railway's St. Jacobs Village location on Isabella Street.