Such a fun holiday activity!
The Strasburg Railroad has been in operation for 90 years, so they know a thing or two about how to entertain guests on their trains.
The Strasburg Railroad Christmas train ride is very popular, and for good reason! With reasonable pricing, multiple class options, and fun things to do at the station, the Strasburg Railroad holiday trains offer so much value.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, the Strasburg Railroad Santa train is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!
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Strasburg Railroad Location
Strasburg Railroad is the oldest continuously operating railroad in the US! And it’s well known for its scenic train rides.
It’s located in the heart of Lancaster County, about an hour from Philadelphia and Harrisburg and 90 minutes from Baltimore, at 301 Gap Road in Ronks, PA.
Holiday Train Rides at Strasburg Railroad
During the holiday season, Strasburg Railroad offers several different train rides. They range from 45-minute to hour-long rides. All of the rides have first-class or coach seating. You can also spend a little more money to book a private car for you and your family.
Santa Claus Limited by Strasburg Railroad
The Santa Claus Limited is offered on weekdays (and it’s one of the only holiday trains near Philadelphia that does), giving visitors a less-crowded experience.
Kids can still meet Santa. However, this 45-minute train ride does not provide the entertainment offered on the weekends, such as carolers and musicians.
Due to the reduced cost of entertainment, Santa Claus Limited is less expensive than its Paradise Express counterpart.
Santa’s Paradise Express by Strasburg Railroad
Santa’s Paradise Express is offered most weekends and some weekdays (Black Friday and Christmas Eve). This is the most popular and busiest Santa train ride offered at Strasburg!
On board, carolers and musicians will entertain you as you wait for a quick meet-and-greet (and photo!) with Santa.
On this delightful 45-minute train journey, you’ll find various options to make your trip enjoyable! Choose from comfortable coach seats or treat yourself to first class, which includes a cookie and hot cocoa.
Night Before Christmas by Strasburg Railroad
The Night Before Christmas train ride runs select evenings in November and December. During the one-hour ride, a professional reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” is performed.
All guests receive complimentary milk and cookies, while first-class passengers can buy extra snacks and drinks.
What To Expect on the Santa’s Paradise Express Train Ride
We rode in coach class on the Santa’s Paradise Express train during our visit.
Boarding the Train
At check-in, we were told when our train would arrive at the station for boarding. Each train arrives about 15 minutes before departure time to offload the previous passengers and load the new passengers.
We picked out the train car we wanted to ride on (the one with the red seats!) and waited patiently for the other passengers to disembark.
Since we were some of the first passengers in the car, we got four seats (two benches) together.
The seats on our coach car could flip to face either way, so we chose to sit facing each other.
On the Train
Almost immediately after the train left the station, we were treated to live music. I believe they were playing cornetts, but I’m not sure. No matter what they were playing, it sounded beautiful!
As soon as we started moving, Santa Claus was on the train. He stopped at each family, spoke with the kids, and posed for a photo. The pictures were taken by a professional photographer, and they could be purchased at the station.
The train rides about 3 miles along the Amish countryside before stopping and returning to Strasburg Railroad Station. You’ll pass by Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, a popular attraction in Lancaster County, as well as some beautiful farms.
On the return trip, we were treated to some caroling. The singers encouraged everyone to sing along!
Other Activities at Strasburg Railroad
In addition to the holiday train ride at Strasburg, there are other fun things to do.
Play Area and Cranky Cars
At the far end of the station, you’ll find a fun play area for kids 10 years old and under. There are small wooden structures for them to climb on.
Kids can also enjoy the Cranky Cars. They can pump themselves around a small loop track.
Shopping
There are a few shops at the Strasburg Station.
The kids insisted on going into the Toy Store where you can purchase train-themed toys. They had a large selection of Thomas the Tank Engine if your kid is a fan!
We didn’t make it into the General Store, but it looks like a great place to pick up a Strasburg Railroad souvenir, like a t-shirt or ornament.
Entertainment
Before boarding the train, we stopped to enjoy the caroling by the professional singers in front of the General Store.
You can also meet with Mrs. Claus inside!
Food at Strasburg Railroad
If you want to eat before or after your train ride, you can stop by Cafe 1832. It’s a counter-service cafe offering easy eats like chicken fingers, burgers, and wraps. They also have grab-n-go items.
Tips For Your Strasburg Railroad Holiday Train Ride
Arrive Early
Strasburg Railroad requests that you arrive at least 45 minutes before your departure time. I would increase that time to at least an hour or more, especially on the weekends.
Unless you are on the first train, you’ll spend a decent amount of time getting to a parking spot and then walking to the check-in area.
Then, you’ll want to use the restrooms and enjoy all the available activities.
Dress in Layers
The train station can be very cold. But the train itself is VERY warm. Those potbellied stoves do a great job heating the train. We actually had to open a window because we were so warm!
Bring a Letter to Santa
Kids can write letters to Santa and drop them off at the mailbox near the Mrs. Claus meet-and-greet. To get a response from Santa, make sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your letter!
Other Things to Do Nearby
You can plan a full day of train-themed fun when you visit the Strasburg Railroad!
Across the street is the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, with many old locomotives and cars.
And just down the street is our favorite attraction: the Choo Choo Barn! This giant model train display features scenes from around Lancaster, like Dutch Wonderland. You can visit throughout the day – just keep your receipt!
In the opposite direction, you’ll find the National Toy Train Museum, which also has model train displays.
Is the Strasburg Railroad Christmas Train worth it?
As one of the more popular Santa train rides near Philadelphia, you’ll hear many people recommend Strasburg Railroad for the holidays.
And as one of the cheaper options, we feel like it’s worth the price. Santa was great with the kids, and all the performers sounded terrific. We also love the additional activities at the station.
If you’re looking for a fun holiday train ride to do with the kids, Strasburg is a great choice!
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