This article originally appeared in National Geographic.
Train rides of all types—from steam train jaunts that chug a few miles into the woods to Amtrak Superliner endurance rides that span the continent—are most popular in the summertime. But taking winter trip can be even more exhilarating. Instead of admiring the moving landscape from an air-conditioned coach, passengers watch mountains turn from green to white and icicle-laden boughs from the heated comfort of their cozy quarters. A flurry of holiday-themed trains between Thanksgiving and New Year’s add an extra dollop of fun, especially for families. Here are eight holiday trips to celebrate the season. All aboard!