Big Holiday Guide › Holiday Train Rides
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!). See the full list below, or search by state:
VIRGINIA
Dec 1-18, 2025
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.
Dec 13, 2025
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, passing out candy canes, coloring books, and making the day a magical adventure.
MARYLAND
Nov 28-Dec 21, 2025
Santa Train
Walkersville, MD
Enjoy a holiday train ride and visit Santa on the Walkersville Southern Railroad Santa Train.
Nov 28-Dec 23, 2025
The Polar Express
Baltimore, MD
Enjoy the magical story of The Polar Express as the book’s pages come to life on a B&O Railroad Museum holiday train ride.
Nov 21-Dec 23, 2025
The Polar Express
Cumberland, MD
Make your way through the mountains on the Western Maryland Railroad this holiday season.
Nov 29-Dec 21, 2025
Holly TrolleyFest
Colesville, MD
The National Capital Trolley Museum hosts Holly TrolleyFest, featuring toy trains and Santa riding on streetcars.
WEST VIRGINIA
Nov 21-Dec 23, 2025
North Pole Express
Romney, WV
Board a Potomac Railway train and get whisked away to the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus.
PENNSYLVANIA
Nov 15-Dec 24, 2025
Santa’s Paradise Express
Ronks, PA
A festive steam excursion with Santa, live music, hot chocolate, cookies, and more.
Nov 22-Dec 21, 2025
Santa’s Express
West Chester, PA
A music-filled holiday journey through the Chester Creek Valley.
Nov 28-30, 2025
Christmas Elf Express
New Freedom, PA
An interactive holiday adventure where kids help Santa’s elves save Christmas.
Nov 28-Dec 23, 2025
Night Before Christmas
Ronks, PA
A special performance train featuring a live reading of The Night Before Christmas.
Nov 30-Dec 13, 2025
Christmas Tree Train
West Chester, PA
Ride the rails to pick out and cut down a live Christmas tree.
Dec 3-19, 2025
Santa Claus Limited
Ronks, PA
A historic steam train ride with Santa Claus on board.
Dec 5-21, 2025
Santa Express
New Freedom, PA
A festively decorated train ride with Santa, photos, and a special gift for each child.
Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.
#HolidayTrains, #SantaTrain, #PolarExpress
