Metro-North's Holiday Trains Light Up NYC Commutes

Metro-North operates three decorated trains on Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven lines through January 3

Metro-North Adds Holiday Lights Trains

Metro-North riders can catch festively decorated trains through early January as the railroad's Holiday Lights Trains return for another season. Three specially lit trains began operating December 9 on the Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven lines, transit officials said. The decorated trains run through January 3, bringing holiday cheer to commuters across the New York metropolitan area.

Annual Tradition Brightens Commutes

The Holiday Lights Trains have been a Metro-North tradition for several years, transforming regular commuter cars into festive displays with colorful lighting. Catherine Rinaldi, Metro-North President, said the trains are "a beloved tradition that brings joy to our customers during the festive season." The railroad operates three decorated trains simultaneously, one on each of its main lines serving New York City and surrounding counties in New York and Connecticut. Officials haven't disclosed how many staff members are involved in decorating and maintaining the trains.

Trains Run on Regular Schedules

The three Holiday Lights Trains operate on their regular commuter schedules rather than special routes, officials said. Each decorated train makes multiple trips daily on its assigned line, giving riders throughout the system chances to experience the festive displays. The trains serve Metro-North's network spanning New York City, Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, and Rockland counties in New York, plus Fairfield and New Haven counties in Connecticut. Officials haven't released specific ridership data showing how many passengers encounter the decorated trains during the 26-day operating period.

Season Runs Through Early January

The Holiday Lights Trains began service December 9 and will continue operating through January 3, officials confirmed. The timing allows the decorated trains to run throughout the peak holiday travel period and into the new year. Metro-North hasn't said whether the tradition will continue in future years, though the railroad has operated Holiday Lights Trains annually for multiple seasons including 2022 and 2023.

Riders Can Track Festive Trains

Commuters hoping to catch the Holiday Lights Trains can check schedules to see when decorated trains pass through their stations, though officials haven't provided specific train numbers or departure times for the festive cars. The decorated trains operate on regular schedules alongside standard Metro-North service. Riders can use Moovit to track Metro-North trains and plan trips during the holiday season.