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.
8. Wannamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad
Kempton
Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman, and the Elves as they ring in the season on Wannamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad’s Santa Claus Express, Dec 7-8. The holiday train near Allentown includes free gifts for the children as Santa walks through the train, and special treats for everyone. Afterwards, visit the model train display run by the Schuylkill & Lehigh Model Railroad Club in the yellow coach behind the ticket office. Join Mrs. Claus and elves, Snickerdoodle and Jingle, for a singalong train ride on Dec. 6. This enchanting trip to the North Pole is perfect for anyone who believes in the magic of Christmas.
9. Ma and Pa Railroad
Airville
Who doesn’t love a holiday tale? On Ma and Pa Railroad’s Christmas City Express, riders will hear the dramatic story of a young girl traveling to Muddy Creek Forks 100 years ago to visit her grandparents for Christmas. Be sure to arrive a little early to stroll through the festively decorated general store to listen to carols, create crafts, and search for the pickle ornament. After the ride, Santa will be waiting on the platform to take photos with hot chocolate and cookies in hand!
10. Stewartstown Railroad Co.
Stewartstown
With three different holiday-themed train rides, visitors will have the ultimate Christmas experience at Stewartstown Railroad. Journey on a decorated 1920s-era passenger coach with Old Saint Nick on the Santa Claus Express, or take a ride on the Green Express to hear “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and sing holiday favorites with the “Mean Green One.” If you’d prefer to visit with Santa under the stars, visitors have the option to take an evening train ride where they’ll be treated to a reading of the iconic holiday classic, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
11. Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
Washington
Admire the beautifully restored streetcars as you spend time with Santa Claus and a few of his friends while aboard the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum’s Santa Trolley. The holiday spirit will be high as you fill up on cookies and sip warm hot cocoa on this holiday train near Pittsburgh. Before you go, make sure to stop by the Museum’s Visitor Center to see the wonderful LEGO layout built by Steel City LUG, Pittsburgh Area’s Adult LEGO User Group.
12. Lehigh Gorge Railway
Jim Thorpe
All aboard! Bring the entire family to Jim Thorpe to experience the Santa Claus Special, a 80-minute round-trip train ride. Take in the majestic Lehigh River while the kids hang out with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Trains leave the station three times a day on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Dec. 22, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore downtown Jim Thorpe before jumping on a ride.
13. Tunkhannock's Santa Train Rides
Tunkhannock
Take a ride through the Endless Mountains aboard Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad’s Santa Train. Enjoy listening to holiday music while riding in the train’s warm and toasty decorated, holiday coaches. Santa will pay a visit to the young, and the young at heart, on this festive holiday train.
14. The Stourbridge Line
Honesdale
Climb aboard The Stourbridge Line for a special Christmas experience with a ride on the Santa Christmas Tree Express. Travel in comfort in the heated coaches as you dash down the tracks to the Dein Nursery Christmas Tree Farm. Once you arrive, climb off the train and visit with Santa, pick your favorite firs, and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate.
15. Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad
Titusville
It’s over the river and through the woods to Oil Creek Valley we go on the vintage Santa Train. Sing along with local carolers, take pictures with Santa and his friends, and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies along the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad. After this holiday train in PA experience, visit the special train shop for all of the train enthusiasts on your list.
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