Wintertime is prime time for the Snowflake Express, a one-hour excursion ascending Mount Washington to Upper Waumbek (elevation 4,000 feet). The cog railway is powered by a coal-fired steam engine, and the coaches are fully enclosed and heated. The views of the frosty mountainsides, with evergreens crusted with snow, can only be described as otherworldly. Meanwhile, the Blackstone Valley Polar Express does its best to re-create Chris Van Allsburg’s famed children’s book. The 90-minute journey includes hot chocolate and cookies, a Christmas sing-a-long, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Mount Washington Cog Railway Snowflake Express, Base Road off Route 302, Bretton Woods, N.H., 800-922-8825, thecog.com/winter_train. Weekends 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; adults $31, children $26.

Blackstone Valley Polar Express, Ann & Hope Outlet, Broad Street, Cumberland, R.I., 401-724-2200, tourblackstone.com/rail.htm. Nov. 4, 10, 11, 18; 10:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.; $29.50.