For breathtaking views of the White Mountains in New Hampshire this festive season, ‘pawsengers’ should climb aboard a Christmas train ride with the Conway Scenic Railroad. Santa’s Holiday Express is an hour-long seasonal journey along Conway Branch for families to enjoy. Santa and Mrs. Claus ditch the sleigh and arrive by train to delight the passengers on board. During the ride, every child gets a goodie bag and can take part in a treasure hunt. All four-legged passengers receive a green ‘Doggy Ticket’ to keep as a souvenir. Santa's Holiday Express begins November 29. Train schedules vary, and reservations are recommended.

Rest your caboose in a guestroom or private cottage at Whitney’s Inn at Jackson. Just a short drive from North Conway, the hotel is located on 12 acres with a stocked trout pond (bring your fishing gear) and is surrounded by miles of hiking trails for you and Fido to explore.

Nicknamed ‘The Switzerland of America,’ Jim Thorpe is a great weekend getaway for you and your canine companion during the holiday season. Walk your pup along the streets of the charming downtown village, hike the D&L Trail at Lehigh Gorge State Park, or head straight to the town’s main attraction - the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, one of the best pet-friendly scenic train rides in the country. Climb aboard the Santa Claus Special, an enclosed or open-air coach from the 1920s, for a 16-mile journey through the beautiful Pennsylvania wilderness accompanied by Saint Nick himself. On the one-hour narrated train ride, you’ll learn about anthracite coal’s role in the Industrial Revolution and enjoy stunning views of the Lehigh Gorge. Join Kris Kringle for a cruise on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November 29 through December 24 on trains departing at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Your tired pooch can take off his conductor’s hat and spend the night just a few minutes from Jim Thorpe at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Lehighton. While Fido relaxes in the cozy guestroom, you can warm up in the heated indoor pool.

Get a glimpse of ancient redwoods and pastoral meadows on board the Magical Christmas Train, departing from Willits in California and operated by the Skunk Train. Make merry with complimentary hot chocolate and holiday cookies, festive decorations and games, live music, a visit to the world's largest living Christmas tree aka Mr. Skunk's Giant Christmas Tree, and even a visit from Mr. Skunk himself! Dogs will need a ticket which costs $10.95. The Magical Christmas Train will be on the tracks from November 23 through December 23.

Just minutes from the train station in Fort Bragg, you can rest after your fun-filled day at Beachcomber Motel. Pups can run out their zoomies at the private dog park onsite, too!

The Chicago Transport Authority decided to brighten up the ‘L’ when it introduced the Allstate CTA Holiday Train in 1992. Now in its 32nd year of operation, human passengers and their small pups are welcome aboard the brightest train in town, spreading Christmas cheer at every stop. You won’t have to worry about missing it or catching the wrong train, because this festive iron horse is lit up like a Christmas parade float. Plus, Ol’ Saint Nick himself will wave you on from his sleigh at the rear. Small dogs in carriers are welcome on CTA trains and buses. The Allstate CTA Holiday Train will switch between all eight Chicago rail lines from late November through late December.

After touring Chi-town by train, cozy up with your pup at the Kimpton Gray Hotel, an IHG Hotel, just a short trot from the Grant Park Dog-Friendly Area.

The Candy Cane Express, hosted by the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad during the holiday season, sets off from the town of Garibaldi and travels to Rockaway Beach and back. This unique event offers a magical journey along the picturesque coastline, complete with holiday decorations, cheerful music and hot cocoa. Dogs are welcome aboard in the train’s outdoor covered cars to share in the holiday cheer. With scenic views and a joyful atmosphere, the Candy Cane Express is a memorable experience for all aboard. The seasonal event will take place November 19 through December 23, 2024.

At the end of the day, trade the train for a boat when you stay at Fisherman’s Dream Boat House overlooking Tillamook Bay.