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!), so plan your trip today.
• Virginia
• Maryland
• West Virginia
• Pennsylvania
VIRGINIA
Dec 14, 2024
VRE’s Operation Lifesaver Santa Train • Various Locations
A few weeks before Christmas, families are invited to climb aboard a VRE train with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus to bask in the holiday spirit! Santa’s helpers also join the ride, passing out candy canes and coloring books and making the day a magical adventure!
Dec 2-19, 2024
Santa Train • Alexandria, VA
Head down to Alexandria, VA, 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.
MARYLAND
Nov 29-Dec 22, 2024
Santa Train • Walkersville, MD
Enjoy a holiday train ride and visit Santa on the Walkersville Southern Railroad Santa Train! The railroad’s regular scenic excursion becomes a little more magical during the holidays, and this specialty train ride is one you don’t want to miss!
Nov 29-Dec 22, 2024
The Polar Express • Baltimore, MD
Enjoy the magical story of Chris Van Allsburg’s The Polar Express as the book’s pages come to life on a B&O Railroad Museum holiday train ride! Dressed in your pajamas, kick off this two-hour immersive experience with a live performance of the Hot Chocolate song and dance, and receive the First Gift of Christmas, a silver sleigh bell, from Santa! Upon arrival, enjoy crafts, make s’mores, and shop for themed goodies
Nov 29-Dec 24, 2024
The Polar Express • Cumberland, MD
Make your way through the mountains on the Western Maryland Railroad this holiday season! On this authentic train ride, enjoy music from the motion picture soundtrack, hot chocolate and cookies, and entertainment as you journey to see Santa Claus himself!
Nov 30-Dec 22, 2024
Holly TrolleyFest • Colesville, MD
The National Capital Trolley Museum, open since 1969, not only provides a chance to learn about historical streetcars in the District, but also an opportunity to take a trolley ride in one of eleven original cars! On select days, the Museum will feature Holly TrolleyFest with toy trains and Santa riding on streetcars!
WEST VIRGINIA
Nov 15-Dec 23, 2024
North Pole Express • Romney, WV
Experience the holidays with newfound joy as you and your children board our train and get whisked away to the North Pole and pick up Santa Claus to save Christmas. From caroling to milk and cookies, and caroling, everyone can relive the magic this winter. Come see what else you’ll experience when you ride the North Pole Express train!
PENNSYLVANIA
Nov 23-Dec 22, 2024
Santa’s Express • West Chester, PA
Santa’s Express is ready to embark on a magical journey through the Chester Creek Valley! Enjoy a music-filled ride, as well as the opportunity to see Santa as he greets everyone on the train!
Dec 1-15, 2024
Christmas Tree Train • West Chester, PA
West Chester Railroad has partnered with Wiggins Tree Farm, so guests can enjoy a holiday train ride to pick out and cut down their own live Christmas tree! Once you’ve picked that perfect tree, it will be banded up, tagged, and take the train ride home with you!
Nov 29-Dec 1, 2024
Christmas Elf Express • New Freedom, PA
Santa’s elves are working hard to prepare for the big day. They visit the Northern Central Railway to enlist some helpers and collect letters for Santa, but everything goes wrong when Finnegan Frost, the mischievous elf, shows up to cause trouble! At this interactive opportunity, kids will help the elves get everything back on track to ensure the merriest of holidays!
Dec 7-22, 2024
Santa Express • New Freedom, PA
Northern Central Railway’s Santa Express train is festively decked out for the season, bringing holiday cheer! You’re invited to climb aboard for a ride to Glen Rock and back, where each child can visit Santa, have their picture taken, and receive a special gift.
Strasburg Rail Road • Ronks, PA
The Strasburg Rail Road offers historic steam train rides in Lancaster County, PA. They offer a variety of holiday excursions, including:
Dec 4-20, 2024
Santa Claus Limited
Enjoy a 45-minute steam excursion with Santa Claus on board.
Nov 16-Dec 24, 2024
Santa’s Paradise Express
Also, a 45-minute steam excursion with Santa Claus on board, but with a little more holiday magic. Take a pic with St. Nick, receive a special gift from him, plus enjoy live music, complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, and more!
Nov 29-Dec 23, 2024
Night Before Christmas
This special performance train recreates the excitement of Christmas Eve as kids hear a live reading of The Night Before Christmas.
Dec 7-21, 2024
Christmas Feast With Mrs. Claus
Indulge in a hearty family-style traditional Christmas dinner in Strasburg Rail Road’s Lefever Hall. As a special treat, children will receive a gift from Santa.
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