One of the best ways to celebrate during the holiday season is a scenic train ride with Santa!
Riding the rails while singing carols and drinking hot cocoa brings up fun memories for both young and old. It’s a great way to develop new traditions with your family.
Luckily, riders can choose from several different Santa train rides near Philadelphia. No matter your budget or schedule, you’ll find the perfect holiday train ride for you and your loved ones.
We’ve enjoyed a Santa train ride at Strasburg Railroad and combined it with other fun things to do in the Lancaster area. But there are even more to choose from!
The list below includes all the fun train rides near Philadelphia for the 2024 holiday season. So let’s find the best one for you and your family!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Santa Train Rides Near Philadelphia
1. Santa’s Steam Train Ride by New Hope Railroad
Take a ride on a steam train to the North Pole with Santa and Mrs. Claus on the New Hope Railroad! This hour-long train ride features musicians playing your favorite Christmas carols, hot cocoa, and fresh cookies.
Each child will receive a special gift from Santa. Everyone is encouraged to wear their best Christmas-themed pajamas while they get cozy and enjoy the festive ride.
Santa’s Steam Train by New Hope Railroad runs every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as Black Friday and the week before and during Christmas. Prices start at $102 for coach seating ($22 for infants under 2 years old).
2. Santa’s North Pole Express Train by New Hope Railroad
New Hope Railroad also offers Santa’s North Pole Express, which is similar to Santa’s Steam Train Ride mentioned above. However, the North Pole Express is pulled by diesel engines.
Santa’s North Pole Express trains run almost daily from mid-November through December 30th, including Christmas Eve.
Compared to the Steam Train Ride, the North Pole Express is a more affordable option. Prices start at $67 for kids ($15 for infants under 2 years old).
Both New Hope Railroad Santa Trains offer photo packages you can pre-purchase at a discount.
After your train ride, explore all the other fun things to do in New Hope. Or visit Peddler’s Village to see their lights! It’s one of our favorite things to do at Christmastime in Bucks County.
3. Santa’s Polar Bear Express by Colebrookdale Railroad
Explore the Secret Valley with Santa on this one-hour train ride in Pennsylvania by the Colebrokedale Railroad.
Santa brings a gift for every child on board. The youngest riders will also get a coloring book. And everyone will receive hot chocolate in a souvenir mug with cookies.
First-class riders also receive dessert, a complimentary beverage, and for those over 21 years old, a champagne toast.
Santa’s Polar Bear Express runs weekends, Black Friday, and December 23rd and 24th from Boyertown, PA. Prices start at $40 for kids and $50 for adults ($15 for toddlers/infants under 2 years old).
4. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Colebrookdale Railroad
This one-hour evening train ride by Colebrookdale Railroad is sure to impress! Guests will enjoy a reading of the classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas while enjoying the Christmas lights outside of the train windows.
All guests are provided with cookies and hot chocolate in a souvenir mug. And, of course, Santa will make an appearance and provide small gifts for each child.
First-class riders will also receive hors d’oeuvres, dessert, and a complimentary beverage. Butlered table service from an a la carte menu is available in the Family Class dining cars.
The ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas train runs two nights only in 2024; December 13th and 20th. So get your tickets! Prices start at $50 for kids ($15 for toddlers/infants under two years old).
5. Winter Wonderland by Colebrookdale Railroad
Have dinner with Santa on the Colebrookdale Railroad’s Winter Wonderland excursion.
Offered weeknights on select days in December staring on the 6th, guests on the two-hour train ride can partake in dinner (dining class only) or some a la carte snacks as Santa reads a story and meets with children on the ride.
Every guest will also receive a cup of hot cocoa and cookies at the station prior to boarding.
Prices start at $50 for children and $60 for adults. If you choose dining class, you must pre-order your meal before the trip.
6. Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway Santa Claus Special
If you’re a fan of the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway (we love to ride it in the fall), then you’ll love the Santa Claus Special. Every day from Black Friday through Christmas Eve, Santa and Mrs. Claus board the train and interact with the guests.
Please note this isn’t your typical Santa train ride. There are no decorations, music, or special treats. The train ride is the same as other Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway rides, except with a “celebrity” on board!
The Santa Claus Special rides begin after Thanksgiving and run through Christmas Eve. Prices start at $9 for children and $22 for adults.
After you enjoy the ride, take the time to stroll through Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania’s Switzerland! It’s one of the cutest small towns in Pennsylvania.
7. North Pole Express by Black River & Western Railroad
The North Pole Express by the Black River & Western Railroad is a 2.5-hour Santa train in Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
Riders will enjoy hot cocoa and a cookie at the station, as well as plenty of photo ops, like the 6-foot-tall wreath!
Of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there handing out special gifts to the kids on board.
If you purchase a first-class ticket, the North Pole Express also offers the opportunity to enjoy a meal along the journey.
The North Pole Express departs weekends from the Flemington, New Jersey station, from November 24th through December 29th, plus Black Friday, December 20th, and Christmas Eve. Prices start at $40 for children and $43 for adults. Children under 3 are FREE when lap-sitting.
After your ride, keep the train-themed fun going with a visit to the Northlandz model train display!
8. The Polar Express Train Ride by Delaware River Railroad Excursions
If your child is a fan of the Polar Express, then you’ll want to take them on this amazing Santa train ride! Delaware River Train Excursions in Philipsburg, NJ, goes all out to make your child feel like they stepped into the story.
The train cars are decorated with lights, a juggling chef shows off his skills, and elves roam around while kids enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. Santa himself will meet with every child to hand them “magic” sleigh bell and take photos.
The Polar Express departs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 29th through December 22nd. Prices are $38 for kids and $48 for adults.
Some of the dates are already sold out (tickets are released on July 1st for this popular train ride), so book your trip as soon as you can.
9. Santa Claus Express by Wilmington & Western Railroad
The Santa Claus Express by the Wilmington & Western Railroad is a fun way for kids to visit and get photos with Santa while enjoying a scenic railroad ride through Delaware.
This 90-minute ride is one of the more affordable Santa trains near Philadelphia. Prices start at $25 for kids and $27 for adults (children under two are FREE).
The train runs weekends after Thanksgiving until December 23rd, including Black Friday and December 23rd. Seats are assigned, so ensure you account for everyone in your party when booking.
10. Santa Claus Special by Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad
Board a festively decorated train and take an 80-minute Santa train ride through some of the most beautiful areas in eastern Pennsylvania.
The Santa Claus Special trains by the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad allow kids to meet and take photos with Santa himself.
Trains depart on various dates between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, depending on the departure station. Tickets start at $9 for kids and $22 for adults. Children two and under are FREE!
11. Santa Claus Limited by Strasburg Railroad
The Strasburg Railroad holiday trains are a fun activity for a day trip or combine it with a visit to the Lancaster area.
The Santa Claus Limited is one of the few Santa train rides offered on weekdays. This 45-minute ride allows kids to meet with Santa on the train without the weekend crowds.
However, the ride is pretty basic in its offerings, as it does not have the entertainment offered by the Santa Paradise Express (see below).
Good to know: You must book a first-class ticket if you wish to purchase any beverages or snacks on board.
The Santa Claus Limited departs the Ronks, PA station most weekdays from December 4th – December 20th. Prices start at $25 for kids and $32 for adults.
12. Santa’s Paradise Express by Strasburg Railroad
For a more traditional Santa train ride near Philadelphia, you’ll want to book the Santa’s Paradise Express by the Strasburg Railroad.
Carolers and musicians entertain guests while waiting for a photo with Santa on board.
This 45-minute train ride has many seating options, including coach and first class (who receive a cookie and cocoa), as well as a dining car where you enjoy a nice meal (pre-ordered).
There are also special rides that include brunch.
Kids can meet with Mrs. Claus at the station while everyone enjoys the Christmas Market.
Santa’s Paradise Express runs weekends from November 16th through December 22nd, and also Black Friday, December 23rd, and Christmas Eve. Tickets start at $29 for kids and $39 for adults.
13. Santa Train by Allentown & Auburn Railroad
Take an hour-long train ride with Santa and Mrs. Claus along the historic Allentown & Auburn Railroad.
Kids can meet with Santa and find out if they’re on the “good list”. They will also get a candy cane!
Trains depart every Saturday and Sunday from November 30th through December 22nd. Tickets start at $12 for children and $18 for adults. Children 2 and under are FREE.
14. Hot Chocolate Train by Allentown & Auburn Railroad
Every Saturday night, from November 30th until December 22nd, kids and their families can ride an evening train on the Allentown & Auburn Railroad with Santa Claus himself!
After the ride, gather around as Santa reads the ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and guests enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie.
Tickets start at $15 for kids and $22 for adults. Children 2 and under are FREE.
15. Santa’s Express by West Chester Railroad
Santa’s Express is a 75-minute train ride through the Chester Creek Valley is offered by West Chester Railroad. The heated train is decked out for the holiday and live entertainment will keep everyone smiling and cheerful.
Of course, Santa himself will be making the rounds, so make sure the kids have their lists ready. Refreshments are available for purchase during the ride.
Tickets starts at $30 for kids and $40 for adults. The train runs every Saturday and Sunday from November 23rd through December 22nd, and Black Friday.
Other Holiday Train Rides Near Philadelphia
Here are some fun Christmas train rides near Philadelphia that do not include appearances by Santa or Mrs. Claus.
16. Holiday Lights Express by Wilmington & Western Railroad
Enjoy a fun, one-hour Christmas train ride offered by the Wilmington & Western Railroad that takes you through Delaware aboard a train decked out in Christmas lights. Even the outside of the train is lit up!
As you roll along the tracks, look out the windows at the many homes participating in the festive fun.
The Holiday Lights Express runs most evenings from December 6th – 30th. Tickets start at $17 for kids and $19 for adults.
17. Night Before Christmas by Strasburg Railroad
This special holiday train ride by the Strasburg Railroad in Ronks, PA, runs select evenings in November and December.
Guests will be treated to a professional reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” during their one-hour train ride.
Every guest receives a complimentary milk and cookie treat. If you book a first-class ticket, you have the option to purchase other treats and beverages on board.
Tickets for the Night Before Christmas Train start at $29 for children and $39 for adults. Rides start November 29th.
18. New Years Eve Celebration by Colebrookdale Railroad
This adults-only train ride by the Colebrookdale Railroad will have you ringing in the New Year in style!
The train ride includes a complimentary beverage, hors d’oeuvres, dessert, and champagne as you coast through The Secret Valley celebrating the start of 2025.
The New Year’s Eve Celebration train leaves the station at 10:30 pm on 12/31 and costs $120/person.
19. Snowflake Special by Colebrookdale Railroad
Many parents are always looking for things to do over winter break. A fun option is the Snowflake Special by Colebrookdale Railroad, which is a 90-minute train ride through the Secret Valley.
Coach guests can purchase snacks and drinks from the a la carte menu. First-class guests (must be 13 years and older) are treated to a complimentary adult beverage, light hors d’oeuvres, and dessert.
Snowflake Special trains run from December 26th to the 31st and start at $20 for kids and $45 for adults.
20. Christmas Tree Train by West Chester Railroad
The Christmas Tree Train by West Chest Railroad is a fun way to get your live Christmas tree for the season. This holiday train ride only runs on December 1st, 8th, and 15th and leaves promptly at 8:00 a.m.
The Christmas Tree Train takes you to Wiggins Tree Farm, where you can pick out the best Christmas trees you can find. The tree will be bagged up and loaded on a flat car while you all return to the station. The trip is about 2 hours in total.
On board, riders can purchase coffee, hot chocolate, and donuts for a tasty treat.
Tickets start at $25 for kids and $30 for adults. Christmas trees are $80 (cash or check).
Preparing for Your Holiday Train Ride Near Philadelphia
Before heading out on your Christmas train ride, ensure you are prepared!
- Purchase your tickets ahead of time. Santa train rides are very popular, especially the closer it is to Christmas. If you know the day you want to go, buy those tickets now! They may sell out well in advance.
- Arrive early to find parking. As stated above, these rides are popular, which means parking lots will fill up quickly. Give yourself plenty of time to park, check-in, and check out some of the other things available at the train station.
- Put on your best holiday outfit. These train rides provide an excellent opportunity for family photos and pictures with Santa. Dress the part with a fun ugly Christmas sweater or cute Christmas PJs.
More Christmas Fun in the Philadelphia Area
There is so much more to do to celebrate the holiday season in the Philadelphia area.
There are several light displays including Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square and Shady Brook Farm in Yardley. And we love all of the Christmas fun you can have right in center city!
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