According to reporting from the Prince William Times (Dec. 1, 2025), the Virginia Railway Express has officially opened ticket sales for its beloved Santa Trains, returning this year on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Each year, thousands of Northern Virginia families flock to this event — and tickets typically sell out the same day.
Below is your complete guide, plus direct links to the official ticket pages so you don’t miss out.
What Is the VRE Santa Train?
Each December, VRE converts select commuter trains into a festive, family-friendly holiday experience featuring:
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A meet-and-greet with Santa and his helpers
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Candy canes and coloring books for children
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Rail safety tips presented in a kid-friendly way
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A scenic 75-minute ride through Northern Virginia
The Santa Train is more than an outing — it has become one of Northern Virginia’s most cherished community traditions.
2025 Santa Train Date
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Ride Length: ~1 hour and 15 minutes
Trains run from five Northern Virginia stations:
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Manassas
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Woodbridge
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Burke
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Fredericksburg
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Spotsylvania
Full schedule & departure times are posted here:
Where & When to Buy Tickets
VRE stresses that these trains sell out every year, sometimes within minutes. Tickets are not sold at stations on the day of the event and regular VRE tickets are not accepted.
In-Person Ticket Sales
Monday, December 2 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Available ONLY at these locations:
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Spotsylvania Visitors Center
4704 Southpoint Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
(540) 507-7090 -
Fredericksburg Visitors Center
601 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
(540) 373-1776 -
Woodbridge Station
1040 Express Way, Woodbridge, VA 22194 -
Manassas Visitors Center
9431 West Street, Manassas, VA 20110
(877) 848-3018 -
Braddock District Office (Burke)
9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA
(703) 425-9300
OFFICIAL TICKET LINK
Begin Tuesday, December 3
Buy tickets here:
Ticket Prices
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$5 at ticket outlets
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$6 online
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Credit card payments (in person or online) cost $6
Tickets are nonrefundable, nonexchangeable, and first-come, first-served.
A maximum of six tickets per person is allowed for most trains.
Every passenger — including infants — must have a ticket.
Support Toys for Tots
VRE partners with Toys for Tots, encouraging passengers to bring a new, unwrapped toy. Donation bins will be available at every departure station.
Why the Santa Train Matters to Northern Virginia Families
The Santa Train isn’t just entertainment — it’s a tradition that showcases why communities like Manassas, Burke, Woodbridge, Fredericksburg, and Spotsylvania continue to attract new residents:
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Strong family-friendly programming
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Community partnerships like Toys for Tots
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Easy access to regional rail transportation
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A sense of tradition and togetherness
Events like these create long-lasting local pride — and highlight exactly why Northern Virginia remains one of the most desirable regions to live in.
"Tickets are sold exclusively online through the official VRE website or designated ticket vendors. They are not sold at the station vending machines. I recommend buying them online the second they drop. "The Santa Train typically makes stops at select stations, with the most popular departure points being Manassas, Burke Centre, Woodbridge, and Fredericksburg. Be sure to check your specific ticket for the correct boarding location. "The ride usually lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. It does not go into Union Station; it is a round-trip loop that returns you to your starting station. "Yes, but space is limited. The VRE staff usually asks that you fold strollers before boarding. Since it gets crowded with families, bringing a smaller umbrella stroller or a baby carrier is often easier. "Small snacks and drinks are generally permitted, but remember—Santa will be handing out candy canes! "Yes, everyone needs a ticket, regardless of age (even infants), due to train capacity and safety regulations. "Unfortunately, the Santa Trains run on a very tight schedule. If you miss your departure, tickets are non-refundable and generally cannot be exchanged for a later time slot because they are almost always sold out. Plan to arrive at the station at least 20–30 minutes early!VRE Train Tickets 2025 FAQs
Where can I buy tickets?
Which stations participate in the Santa Train?
How long is the train ride?
Can we bring strollers on the train?
Is food or drink allowed?
Do children need a ticket?
What happens if I miss the train?
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