Celebrate the holidays in a unique way by taking a train ride with Old Saint Nick, where the rhythmic chug of the locomotive meets the joyful sounds of caroling. Create cherished family memories on one of Pennsylvania's historic trains that are decorated to embrace the season.
1. West Chester Railroad: Santa's Express
West Chester
Buckle up for a magical ride through the beautiful Brandywine Valley countryside on West Chester Railroad’s Santa's Express. Say hello to Santa and then climb aboard the warm, decorated train cars ringing with live holiday entertainment for a 75-minute journey. Make sure to have your little ones bring their holiday lists with them so that Santa can check them twice and let them know they have been not naughty, but nice! Grab the whole family and board The Christmas Tree Train for a trip to Wiggins Tree Farm where you can pick and cut down the perfect tree. Catch this two-hour ride to find your favorite fir ahead of the holidays on Dec. 1, 8, and 15.
2. Strasburg Rail Road
Strasburg
Revel in the holiday atmosphere on one of Strasburg Rail Road’s Christmas Trains. Choose from four fun experiences: Santa’s Paradise Express with Santa and his helpers giving each child aged 11 years or younger a gift from Santa; The Christmas Feast with Mrs. Claus includes a family-style dinner from Café 1832 served in Lefever Hall and a visit from Santa’s wife; The Night Before Christmas ride where Clement Clarke Moore’s classic, “The Night Before Christmas,” comes alive as the train rolls along, and the Santa Claus Limited where guests enjoy a brief personal visit with Santa.
3. New Hope Railroad
New Hope
Hear the sleigh bells ringing when you hop aboard the North Pole Express and Santa’s Steam Spectacular at New Hope Railroad. You’ll be filled with the holiday spirit with Santa and Mrs. Claus aboard, roaming musicians singing your favorite holiday tunes, and each child receiving a sleigh bell gift from Santa. Enjoy warm cocoa and cookies while Santa listens to all your wishes this holiday season.
4. Northern Central Railway
New Freedom
Climb aboard the Santa Express at the Northern Central Railway of York for a fun holiday journey to Glen Rock and back. The train will be beautifully decked out for the festive season, bringing holiday cheer, with each child enjoying a visit with Santa, having their picture taken, and receiving a special gift from St. Nick himself. Return to the station for Winter Wonderland fun, including hot chocolate and a cookie and music by strolling fiddler, Keith Engle! The Christmas Elves Express is a fun ride where “mischief meets Christmas magic” featuring a quest to repair the good-elf-o-matic and save Christmas!
5. Colebrookdale Railroad
Boyertown
Enjoy the Victorian charm of a Colebrookdale Railroad’s heated coach as you join Santa on a magical adventure into Christmas past aboard Santa's Polar Bear Express. Sip complimentary hot cocoa and snack on yummy Christmas cookies as the scenic views of Secret Valley pass by your window on this Christmas train ride in Pennsylvania. Not only does Old Saint Nick bring a gift for everyone, but he also collects hand-delivered Christmas lists so children can rest assured their wishes were received. Book a first class ticket if you’d like a dessert plate and complimentary beverage to enjoy on your ride.
6. Allentown and Auburn Railroad
Kutztown
Choo choo! This holiday season, climb aboard the Allentown and Auburn Railroad for scenic train rides with St. Nick himself. Weekends in December, the train traverses the 4.5 miles of track, giving those on board a glimpse of stunning countryside views. The Hot Chocolate train ride includes a cookie and hot chocolate, of course, and Santa reading “The Night Before Christmas” upon arriving back at the station. Mrs. Claus joins Santa on the Santa Train ride, checking on all the children and making sure Santa has his list straight!
7. East Broad Top Railroad
Rockhill Furnace
Bundle up and gather your friends and family for a heart-warming holiday experience at Christmas in Coal Country aboard the beloved East Broad Top Railroad. This ADA accessible train experience will have you ringing in the holiday season ‘retro style’ with a one-hour ride accompanied by Old Saint Nick himself. Even though the children may be on the nice list, each child will receive a special coal-themed gift. All passengers will receive a delicious cookie and cup of hot chocolate. Those that need accessibility assistance for this experience can request special accommodations when booking.