Enjoy a magical train ride this season to get into the holiday spirit! From Virginia to Maryland and Pennsylvania, holiday train rides are open for booking (and sell out fast!).
2026 TBA
Santa Train
Alexandria, VA
Head down to Old Town for a delightful train ride with Santa and Mrs. Claus! This annual round-trip excursion hosted by Whistle Stop Hobbies departs King Street Station and travels to Manassas, VA.
2026 TBA
VRE Santa Train
Various NOVA Locations
A few weeks before Christmas, families are invited to climb aboard a Virginia Railway Express train with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus to bask in the holiday spirit! Santa’s helpers also join the ride, handing out candy canes and coloring books and making the day a magical adventure.
Nov 21-Dec 24, 2026
The Polar Express
Cumberland, MD ∙ Approx 130 miles from Dulles Airport
On select days, from November 21-December 24, 2026, wear your pajamas for a 60-minute mountain run from Cumberland to the North Pole on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. A live reading of the story and sing-alongs to songs from the film fill the ride; hot chocolate and a cookie are served on board, and every passenger goes home with a commemorative silver sleigh bell.
Nov 27-Dec 24, 2026
Santa Train
Walkersville, MD ∙ Approx 50 miles from Dulles Airport
On select days, from November 27-December 24, 2026, Santa visits with every family for photos and a small gift on this 70-minute round trip aboard the Walkersville Southern Railroad. Trains run rain, snow, or shine, and kids under 2 ride free on a lap.
Nov 28-Dec 22, 2026
The Polar Express
Baltimore, MD ∙ Approx 60 miles from Dulles Airport
On select days, from November 28-December 22, 2026, pull on your coziest pajamas for a two-hour ride inspired by the beloved holiday classic, with a live performance of “Hot Chocolate,” hot cocoa and a sugar cookie served by dancing chefs, and a silver sleigh bell from Santa himself. The train pulls into a North Pole winter wonderland at the B&O Railroad Museum, where holiday crafts, s’mores, and a keepsake photo with Santa keep the magic going.
2026 TBA
Holly Trolley Fest
Colesville, MD ∙ Approx 40 miles from Dulles Airport
The National Capital Trolley Museum hosts Holly Trolley Fest, featuring toy trains and Santa riding on streetcars.
Dec 4-18, 2026
Christmas Lights Train
Walkersville, MD ∙ Approx 50 miles from Dulles Airport
On Fridays, from December 4-18, 2026, climb aboard a decorated evening train and roll past neighborhoods dressed up for the holidays. Riders vote for their favorite light display to help crown the season’s winner.
Nov 14-Dec 31, 2026
North Pole Express
Romney, WV ∙ Approx 95 miles from Dulles Airport
On select days, from November 14-December 31, 2026, climb aboard a vintage Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad train for a 75-minute ride north, with storytelling, caroling, and milk and Mrs. Claus’ famous cookies along the way. Santa boards at the North Pole with a gift for every child, and the event barn back at the station adds letters to Santa, coloring stations, and a nativity with live animals.
Nov 20-Dec 31, 2026
Holiday Trough
Romney, WV ∙ Approx 95 miles from Dulles Airport
On select days, from November 20-December 31, 2026, the holiday edition of Potomac Eagle’s signature run travels 35 miles south through Trough Canyon and across Sycamore Bridge, with holiday music, decorated cars, and a seasonal meal served on board. Keep an eye out for bald eagles along the river. The full trip runs three hours with no layover.
Nov 21-Dec 20, 2026
Santa’s Express
West Chester, PA ∙ Approx 145 miles from Dulles Airport
On select days, from November 21-December 20, 2026, Santa greets passengers at Market Street Station, then rides the full 75-minute round trip to Glen Mills and back through the Chester Creek Valley, stopping at every seat with goodies and photos. Live entertainment plays throughout, and refreshments are sold on board, so send the kids in with their wish lists.
Nov 21-Dec 23, 2026
Night Before Christmas
Ronks, PA ∙ Approx 140 miles from Dulles Airport
On select days, from November 21-December 23, 2026, settle in for a cozy evening ride that has been a Strasburg Railroad tradition for close to 15 years. The cast recites the Clement Clarke Moore classic along with other festive stories, carolers sing and dance through a medley of favorites, and milk and cookies come with a possible glimpse of Santa on his busiest night of the year.
Nov 21-Dec 24, 2026
Santa’s Paradise Express
Ronks, PA ∙ Approx 140 miles from Dulles Airport
On select days, from November 21-December 24, 2026, carolers and brass players run through holiday favorites on this 45-minute ride through the Amish countryside, Santa’s helpers hand each child a gift from the North Pole, and the big man himself pays a visit. Arrive early to catch the live Christmas revue shows on the Town Square Stage.
Nov 27-29, 2026
Christmas Elves Express
New Freedom, PA ∙ Approx 100 miles from Dulles Airport
From November 27-29, 2026, Santa’s elves — Finnigan Frost, Trixie Toymaker, Gabby Gumdrop, and Iceberg Ike — accidentally spill a magical Forgetfulness Potion and lose track of who Santa even is! Passengers spend the 75-minute Northern Central Railway ride helping them remember, with sing-alongs, silly pranks, dancing, and snow along the way.
Nov 29-Dec 13, 2026
Christmas Tree Train
West Chester, PA ∙ Approx 145 miles from Dulles Airport
On select days, from November 29-December 13, 2026, an 8 am departure from Market Street Station takes families to Wiggins Tree Farm, where hand saws are provided, and everyone picks and cuts their own tree. The tree rides home banded and tagged on the flat car while passengers warm up with coffee, hot chocolate, and fresh donuts from the snack bar. Trees are bought separately from the farm, cash or check only, and Santa does not ride this one.
Dec 2-18, 2026
Santa Claus Limited
Ronks, PA ∙ Approx 140 miles from Dulles Airport
On select days, from December 2-18, 2026, Strasburg Railroad runs these weekday evening trains as a more sensory-friendly option than its busier weekend departures. The 45-minute ride rolls through the Lancaster countryside and includes a visit from Santa Claus.
Dec 5-23, 2026
Santa Express
New Freedom, PA ∙ Approx 100 miles from Dulles Airport
On select days, from December 5-23, 2026, board at the historic New Freedom Train Station for an hour-long ride to Glen Rock in 1800s coach cars decked out for the season. Every child gets a turn with Kris Kringle, who has a gift on hand for anyone on the nice list. Afterward, head into the NCR Engine House for complimentary hot chocolate and a cookie, a look at the model train room, and a strolling fiddler.
Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.
