‘Double The Cheer’ For Holiday Lights Trains in New York

After the success of last year's inaugural holiday lights trains, Metro-North has not only confirmed the return for 2025, but they'll be running even more seasonally decorated trains this year.

From Black Friday through January 4, 2026, you should be on the lookout for Metro-North and LIRR trains 'festooned with colorful exterior lights and special holiday-themed safety messages,' as you never know when one of these festive trains will light up the tracks.

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Holiday Lights Trains Return For 2025

Deemed 'a wonderful early gift to Metro-North riders' and 'the best way for everyone to get to all the amazing holiday destinations in New York City, the Hudson Valley and Connecticut' by Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek, it has been confirmed that we'll see even more Holiday Lights Trains running this year.

Now bringing some extra magic this season in the form of festive and beautifully lit trains, the holiday lights trains will travel to every part of Metro-North's East of Hudson territory, while the Long Island Rail Road holiday lights train will run along all of their electric branches.

LIRR President Rob Free shared similar sentiments to Metro-North PresidentmJustin Vonashek with regard to this year's holiday lights train launch:

The holidays are a wonderful time of the year and the Long Island Rail Road is the most reliable, greenest and festive way to see family and friends during the holidays. It’s a fun thrill for kids, train enthusiasts, and adults alike to be able to board a train covered in colorful lights and spread holiday cheer throughout our territory.

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Holiday Lights Trains Run Through New Year

Now in it's second official year, this year's holiday lights rotation will include a diesel train for the first time as well.

Train riders can expect to see the decorated trains on the rails beginning Friday, November 28th, and they'll operate on both the LIRR and Metro-North East of the Hudson lines on a random rotation each day and night through New Year's. MTA is posting a schedule for both the diesel and electric holiday lights trains a few days out at a time - keep up with the schedule here.

If you happen to board one of these specialty seasonal holiday lights trains, please share your photos with us!