Oregon and Washington’s Christmas trains start rolling November 20 and 21, and California’s heads out to a giant tree

Forget the mall. The best way to start the holidays on the West Coast might be a slow, steamy ride through the woods with a cup of cocoa in your hand. Oregon, Washington, and California each run a Christmas train, and the first two start rolling within a day of each other.

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Oregon: the Polar Express out of Hood River

The Mount Hood Railroad runs The Polar Express on select days from November 20 to January 2, climbing out of Hood River on an old Union Pacific line toward Parkdale. The ride takes about 90 minutes round trip, and you’re asked to arrive 45 to 60 minutes early. Tickets are already on sale at the railroad’s website.

Fares vary by car and day, from roughly $59 for a standard adult seat up to about $109 for VIP. Parking is at an overflow lot with a shuttle, so build that into your timing. If you only pick one train on this list, this is the big, classic, pajamas-optional one.

Washington: a timber-camp Christmas out of Elbe

Down near Mount Rainier, the Mount Rainier Railroad leaves from the Elbe Depot for Christmas with the Clauses, running select dates from November 21 to December 23. It’s a 75-minute round trip set in a 1930s timber camp, with Santa, Mrs. Claus, cocoa, cookies, and a keepsake ornament. Details and tickets live on the railroad’s site.

Here’s my one plain opinion: this is the cozy one. It’s a live show on rails rather than a licensed movie recreation, which makes it feel handmade in the best way. Coach seats start at about $48 for adults and $38 for kids 2 and up, and peak days cost more.

California: the Skunk Train out to the giant tree

Up in Mendocino County, the Skunk Train runs a Christmas Tree Train from its depot in Willits. The ride covers 16 miles and takes about two hours, ending at Mr. Skunk’s Giant Christmas Tree. Check the Skunk Train’s site for this year’s dates and prices before you plan around it.

Two hours is the longest ride of the three, so plan it as a full day out rather than an evening add-on. Anyone else ready to make a train the whole point of the trip?

How to pick

Want the full movie-night spectacle? Go to Hood River. Want a small-town stage show with a Rainier backdrop? Elbe is your stop. Want the longest ride and a destination that sounds made up? Point the car at Willits.

Or do all three over one very festive season. The Oregon and Washington trains start only a day apart, so a back to back weekend is possible if the select dates line up.

Trip tips: grab a rental car to get out here, lock in your hotel before the good rooms are gone, or skip both and book a camper van instead.

Rules and fees change, so always confirm current requirements before you go.