Kirby Family Farm Christmas Train 2026: A Parent's Guide to Williston's Holiday Train Ride
A 100-year-old locomotive, thousands and thousands of Christmas lights, Santa, a carousel, and a gift for the kids, all for less than many holiday train rides. The Christmas Train at Kirby Family Farm is a North Central Florida tradition, and 2026 is its 15th year.
What is the Kirby Family Farm Christmas Train?
Kirby Family Farm is a nonprofit (501c3) museum and educational farm in Williston, just outside Ocala and Gainesville. On select nights in November and December, the farm becomes a Christmas wonderland. The main event is a 20-minute ride on an authentic narrow-gauge historic train through the lights. The event is volunteer-run and supports the farm's programs for at-risk, foster, medically needy and special needs children. You may also see it called the Christmas Express.
Your ticket includes:
- Entry to the farm and the featured train ride through the lights
- A visit with Santa in Santa's Cottage. Photos are free with your own phone or camera.
- An Elf Gift Surprise: every child 10 and under gets a new, preselected gift. The age limit is under 18 for foster and special needs youth.
- A tractor-pulled wagon ride to a "lost Christmas town" for a short Christmas story
- The imported Italian carousel and an antique Ferris wheel
- A Christmas magic show, a Christmas Buddies dance party, and roaming mascots
- Extra amusement rides for different ages
Food and souvenirs cost extra.
2026 dates and times
- November: Friday 27, Saturday 28
- December: Fri 4, Sat 5, Fri 11, Sat 12, Sun 13, Fri 18, Sat 19, Sun 20, Mon 21, Tue 22, Wed 23, Sat 26
Gates open at 6:00 PM. Guests with advance tickets get first entry. The first train leaves around 6:30 PM, and trains run about every half hour, with the last ride at 9:00 PM if needed. Activities stop taking guests at 9:00 PM, and gates close at 10:00 PM.
Note: December 26 is after Christmas, so it doesn't include a Santa visit. All other activities still run that night.
Where: Kirby Family Farm, 19650 NE 30th Street, Williston, FL 32696, about 20 minutes from I-75.
Cost and tickets
The farm asks for a contribution per person:
| Age | Advance | At the gate (if available) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 and up | $19.99 | $25 |
| 3–9 | $12.99 | $15 |
| 2 and under | Free | Free |
Advance prices have third-party ticket fees on top. Kids 2 and under may need to sit on a parent's lap on the train. A limited Fast-Pass add-on ($10) moves you to the front of the line for the train, tractor ride and amusement rides, but not for Santa or the Elf Shoppe.
Book early. Many nights sell out, and there are no refunds or exchanges. The money is collected as a donation to the farm. The event runs rain or shine. If a night is canceled, the farm posts it online and on its phone line, (352) 812-7435.
On a budget? The farm's "Help Us, Help You" program lets you volunteer a day in exchange for an all-inclusive pass. Email info@kirbyfarm.com for details.
Tips for going with toddlers and little kids
Arrive close to 6 PM. Gates open at 6, and advance ticket holders get in first. Arriving early gives you a better shot at the first trains before lines build and before bedtime meltdowns.
Bring a stroller, but expect farm ground. The farm says it has welcomed guests with strollers and wheelchairs and the train is wheelchair accessible. It's still a farm, so use your judgment. A sturdy stroller or a carrier may handle the ground better.
Bring chairs or a blanket. Folding chairs and blankets are welcome, and the farm describes itself as a big place where you'll want a spot to relax.
Bring cash for food. You can't bring outside food, drinks or coolers. On-site food includes hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, funnel cakes, cotton candy, kettle corn and boiled peanuts. Some vendors don't take cards, so extra cash helps.
Have your ID and confirmation ready. You may need to pick up passes at the will-call kiosks, which ask for a photo ID and your confirmation number.
Leave pets at home. Pets aren't allowed.
More kid-friendly events nearby
- Daytona Turkey Run (Daytona Beach), November 25–29. Billed as America's largest combined car show and swap meet, with 5,000+ collector cars at Daytona International Speedway. Spectator admission is $21 a day, kids 11 and under are free, and spectator parking is free.
- Touch a Truck Hammond (Jacksonville), Saturday, November 14.
- Looking for more holiday trains? See the North Pole Express in Parrish and the free Lake Eola Holiday Train in Orlando on our events page.
Find your next truck event
See the full Kirby Family Farm Christmas Train listing for dates, pricing and directions.
From Christmas trains to touch-a-trucks and monster trucks, Truck Events for Kids puts Florida's kid-friendly vehicle events in one place. Browse upcoming events, check the calendar, and sign up for Event Alerts on our homepage to hear about new ones near you.
Merry Christmas, and enjoy the lights!