Metro-North Holiday Train To Light Up the Rails For 1st Time Ever

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — We might only be able to board the "Polar Express" in our dreams, but Metro-North is offering the next best thing for those of us heading into the city to check out the shopping, holiday lights and store windows.

MTA Metro-North Railroad announced that their first ever Holiday Lights Train will light up the rails on all three lines starting Nov. 29, and will operate through New Year's.

"I'm thrilled that Metro-North can bring the joy, beauty and lights of the season to all of our riders on their way to work, school or to see family and friends during the holidays, and to those who see it roll through their towns," Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi said. "Metro-North is the safest, most reliable, greenest and most festive way to get to the many holiday destinations in New York City, the Hudson Valley and Connecticut."

The Holiday Lights Train will be decked out with colorful exterior lights and special holiday-themed safety messages will play at select stations. The lights have been applied to an electric train and will run on the Hudson Line between Grand Central Terminal (GCT) and Croton-Harmon, on the Harlem Line between GCT and Southeast, and on the New Haven Line between GCT and New Haven. The special train will operate on a random rotation of regularly scheduled trains on all three lines at all times of day and night.

"We wanted to create something special for our community and bring back the sense of wonder, especially for children, and for children of all ages," Metro-North Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Justin Vonashek said. "It's a way for us to connect with our passengers and create lasting memories during this festive time of year when days are short and darkness is long. We hope these colorful lights spark excitement and a sense of holiday cheer for all who come aboard and who see the train pass by."

You can find a sneak preview of the train here.

Metro-North invites the public to hashtag photos with #MNRHolidayLightsTrain.