Somewhere between the train whistle and Santa working his way down the aisle, even grown-ups start believing again. These holiday train rides in Pennsylvania roll through snowy farmland and river gorges, with vintage coaches decked out for the season. Many sell out fast, so book early, then round out your trip with stops at Christmas light shows and holiday markets nearby.
15 top Christmas train experiences
1. West Chester Railroad: Santa's Express
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West Chester
Settle in for a magical ride through the Brandywine Valley countryside on West Chester Railroad’s Santa's Express. Say hello to Santa and then step aboard the decorated train cars ringing with live holiday entertainment for a 75-minute journey. Make sure your little ones bring their holiday lists so Santa can check them twice. The Christmas Tree Train also departs from the station for a two-hour trip to Wiggins Tree Farm, where you can pick and cut down the perfect tree.
2. Strasburg Rail Road
Ronks
Revel in the holiday atmosphere on one of Strasburg Rail Road’s Christmas Train Rides. Choose from three fun experiences: Santa's Paradise Express, where Santa and his helpers give each child age 11 or younger a gift; The Night Before Christmas ride, where Clement Clarke Moore's classic 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 as a vintage locomotive pulls Santa's North Pole Express at New Hope Railroad. Sip hot chocolate and nibble a cookie to Christmas music until Santa and Mrs. Claus appear with a sleigh bell for each child. Upgrade to a Premium ride for reserved seats, unlimited cocoa, extra time with the Clauses, and more songs from the roaming musicians. Premium riders can also hand their letters to the New Hope Express Agent for a keepsake, and a reply from Santa arrives in the mail after the trip. Grown-ups 21 and older in first class can even have a spirit stirred into their cocoa.
4. Northern Central Railway
New Freedom
Climb aboard the Santa Express at the Northern Central Railway of York for a holiday journey. The train is decked out for the season, and each child gets a visit with Santa, a photo and a special gift from St. Nick himself. Return to the station for Winter Wonderland fun, including hot chocolate, a cookie, and music.
On the Christmas Elves Express, where “mischief meets Christmas magic,” riders help repair the good-elf-o-matic and save Christmas. Other holiday-themed rides include A Cowboy Christmas and Santa Paws Express so your furry friends can join in on the festive fun too.
5. Colebrookdale Railroad
Boyertown
Enjoy the Victorian charm of Colebrookdale Railroad’s heated coach as you join Santa on a magical adventure into Christmas past aboard Santa's Polar Bear Express. Sip hot cocoa and snack on Christmas cookies as Secret Valley passes by your window. Not only does St. 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 a complimentary beverage to enjoy on your ride.
6. Allentown and Auburn Railroad
Kutztown
This holiday season, ride the Allentown and Auburn Railroad for scenic trips with St. Nick himself. The train rolls along 4.5 miles of track, giving those on board a glimpse of the countryside. The Hot Chocolate Train ride includes a cookie and hot chocolate, of course, and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” by Santa once you’re 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 heartwarming holiday experience at Christmas in Coal Country aboard the beloved East Broad Top Railroad. Ring in the holiday season in retro style with a one-hour ride accompanied by Santa himself. Naughty or nice, each child receives a special coal-themed gift. And all passengers receive a delicious cookie and a cup of hot chocolate. The train is ADA accessible, and you can request 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 Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad’s Santa Claus Express. The holiday train near Allentown includes gifts for the children as Santa walks through the train and special treats for everyone. Afterward, visit the model train display run by the Schuylkill & Lehigh Model Railroad Club.
9. Ma and Pa Railroad
Airville
Who doesn’t love a holiday tale? On Ma and Pa Railroad’s Christmas City Express, riders 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 the decorated general store to listen to carols, make crafts, and hunt for the pickle ornament. After the ride, grab hot chocolate and cookies, then pose for photos with Santa on the train platform.
10. Stewartstown Railroad Co.
Stewartstown
Stewartstown Railroad runs three holiday rides, each with its own story. Journey on a decorated 1920s-era passenger coach with St. Nick on the Candy Cane Express, or take a ride on the Grinch Storybook Limited to hear “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” and sing holiday favorites with the “Mean Green One.” Or take an evening train ride where you’ll be treated to a reading of the holiday classic “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 aboard the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum’s Santa Trolley. The holiday spirit will be high as you fill up on cookies and sip hot cocoa on this holiday train ride near Pittsburgh. Before you go, make sure to stop by the museum’s visitor center to see the LEGO layout built by Steel City LUG. Families who prefer a calmer visit can book the Sensory Friendly Santa Trolley.
12. Lehigh Gorge Railway
Jim Thorpe
Bring the entire family to Jim Thorpe to experience the Santa Claus Special, an 80-minute round-trip train ride. Take in views of the Lehigh River while the kids hang out with Santa and Mrs. Claus. With several departures each day, there's plenty of time to explore downtown Jim Thorpe before or after your ride.
13. Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad: Santa Train
Tunkhannock
Take a ride through the Endless Mountains aboard Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad’s Santa Train. Holiday music plays as you ride in the train’s warm decorated coaches. Santa will pay a visit to the young (and the young at heart) on this festive ride through Pennsylvania’s scenic landscape.
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 the heated coaches as you dash down the tracks to the Dein Nursery Christmas Tree Farm. Once you arrive, step off the train and visit with Santa, pick your favorite fir, 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.
What to know before you ride a Christmas train in Pennsylvania
- When to book: Most rides run on weekends from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas Eve. Many sell out, so book as soon as tickets go on sale.
- Santa on board: Nearly every ride includes a visit from Santa, and many add hot cocoa, cookies, and a small gift for the kids.
- Tree farm trips: A few trains stop at a Christmas tree farm, so you can ride out and bring home a fresh-cut tree.
- Where to ride: Rides run statewide, from Titusville in the northwest and Washington near Pittsburgh to Jim Thorpe and Honesdale in the east.
- Arrive early: Many stations offer free parking, but lots fill quickly on busy weekends.
- Pack smart: Strollers and car seats usually go in designated areas, so check your train's policy ahead of time. Dress in layers for outdoor boarding and platform photos.
Statewide holiday train schedule
All aboard for holiday magic! These Christmas train rides in Pennsylvania capture the wonder of the season in a truly nostalgic way. Here are some of the highlights:
- Dates: Various dates starting the weekend after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve.
- Fun for all ages: From toddlers to grandparents, the rides offer broad appeal, including décor-filled coaches, festive treats, and often bonus activities like tree farms or model train displays.
- Santa visits & photo ops: Many rides include a meet-up with Santa Claus (and sometimes Mrs. Claus) where children receive gifts, have their lists checked, and pose for photos.
- Live holiday entertainment: You may experience onboard caroling, music by roaming musicians, and often themed storytelling experiences like “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
- Scenic winter landscapes: Some rides travel through Pennsylvania’s picturesque countryside, offering views of beautiful terrain from cozy heated coaches.
- Special themed experiences: Options may include Victorian-style journeys, Polar Express train rides, sing-along rides (hot cocoa and cookies included!), and even fun activities at boarding stations.
