Experience the Magic of Holiday Lights Trains in New York
As the festive season approaches, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has introduced a delightful surprise for commuters in the suburbs and across Long Island. Kicking off on November 28, 2025, and running through January 4, 2026, the “Holiday Lights Trains” promise to transform everyday commutes into enchanting journeys filled with seasonal cheer.
A Festive Transformation on the Rails
Jump aboard the Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to witness a holiday spectacle like no other. These decorated trains will captivate riders with dazzling lights and merry announcements, enhancing the beauty of towns adorned with twinkling decorations. For many, a routine ride will be sprinkled with festive magic, making each trip a memorable part of the holiday experience.
Understanding the Metro-North’s “East of Hudson” Region
The Metro-North Railroad will feature the Holiday Lights initiative in its “East of Hudson” region. This encompasses the train lines that extend from central Manhattan into the eastern suburbs, including areas within the Hudson Valley and parts of Connecticut.
Decorated trains will operate across all lines serving this territory, using both electric and diesel-powered trains. This means that even the more remote stations will bask in festive glow, ensuring everyone in these communities can join the holiday spirit. Commuters from municipalities like Westchester County can look forward to a delightful surprise—what might just be a typical train ride could soon feel like a jovial light parade.
Long Island Rail Road Joins the Festivities
The holiday cheer is not limited to Metro-North. The Long Island Rail Road is participating by illuminating all of its electrified branches. This includes a broad range of locales, from western suburbs close to New York City to more distant communities that connect via the electrified network. Riders from Queens, Nassau, and parts of Suffolk counties will have the chance to hop on a train radiating holiday cheer, adding an extra layer of joy to their daily journeys.
What to Expect on Board
Each Holiday Lights Train will be adorned with colorful exterior lights that catch the eye. Select stations will even feature holiday-themed safety messages, blending safety with seasonal joy.
For children and families, these trains will turn an ordinary commute into a festive adventure. For those returning home from work, the cheerful ambiance will bring warmth and comfort on chilly winter nights. The mere randomness of the decorated trains adds to the excitement—picking one up could feel like finding a hidden gem amid the daily grind.
Spreading Holiday Cheer Beyond Manhattan
Holiday light displays often shine brightest in major cities, but this initiative aims to extend the festive spirit to suburban areas and small towns that usually miss out on such celebrations. It’s about more than just festive decorations; it invites communities to partake in the joy of the season.
For many daily commuters, particularly families, these trains represent a welcome reprieve from the ordinary, transforming mundane travel into a shared moment of celebration. The holiday lights gift commuters the chance to experience something special as they traverse familiar routes.
The Element of Surprise: A Delightful Challenge
It’s important to note that the Holiday Lights Trains will be integrated into the normal rotation of service. This means there’s no set schedule for when the decorated trains will appear, making each potential encounter a delightful surprise. Commuters at irregular hours or those on lesser-used routes may find their chances of seeing a lights train diminished.
Enjoying the sights of these festive trains can feel like a rare treat, but it signifies a heartwarming effort by the MTA to spread holiday joy beyond just the bustling city center, reaching into quieter areas and small communities.
A Radiant Journey Awaits
If you’re traveling in areas East of the Hudson or along Long Island’s electrified branches from late November through early January, keep your eyes peeled. Each ride holds the potential for a vibrant moment filled with holiday spirit.
Even if you don’t catch sight of a Holiday Lights Train, the initiative showcases that the holiday magic in New York extends far beyond Manhattan’s borders. It embraces the suburbs and the outlying regions, reminding everyone that the joy of the season belongs to all.
