Looking for holiday train rides in the Philadelphia region? From Santa trains and evening rides through holiday lights to historic railcars and Christmas tree excursions, there are several ways to enjoy the season by rail.
These holiday train rides take place across southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Here’s what to expect at each railroad, when its holiday excursions run, and where to find tickets for the 2026 season.
Holiday Train Rides Near Philadelphia
Woodstown Central Railroad
Woodstown Central Railroad offers several holiday excursions through the South Jersey countryside. On the Santa Claus Special, families ride a restored, heated vintage train car while Santa visits passengers and gives each child a special gift. The Candlelight Limited combines a festive train ride with a stop at South Woodstown Station, while the Salem Yuletide Special offers a shorter trip aboard a historic caboose. Families can also book a Breakfast with Santa Train for a festive meal aboard a decorated railcar.
- Dates: Santa Claus Special: select dates in November and December; Candlelight Limited: December 4; Salem Yuletide Special: December 5; Breakfast with Santa Train: select weekends from November 28 through December 20.
- Departure location: Varies by excursion. The Santa Claus Special departs from South Woodstown Station in Woodstown, NJ; the Candlelight Limited departs from downtown Woodstown; and the Salem Yuletide Special departs from Pedersen Park in Salem City, NJ.
- Good for: Families looking for a traditional Santa train, a festive evening outing, or breakfast with Santa.
- Tickets and details: Santa Claus Special, Candlelight Limited, Salem Yuletide Special, and Breakfast with Santa Train and other excursions.
New Hope Railroad
New Hope Railroad offers two different rail experiences with Santa and Mrs. Claus that take visitors through Bucks County. Santa’s Premium Train Ride offers reserved seating, unlimited hot chocolate, a cookie, and extra time with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Santa’s North Pole Express provides a more traditional holiday experience aboard a vintage diesel-powered train.
- Dates: Santa’s Premium Train Ride runs on select dates from November 27 through December 27. Santa’s North Pole Express runs on select dates from November 20 through December 30.
- Departure location: New Hope Train Station, New Hope, PA
- Good for: Families looking for a traditional Santa train or a premium reserved-seating experience.
- Tickets and details: Santa’s Premium Train Ride, Santa’s North Pole Express
Strasburg Rail Road
The Strasburg Rail Road offers riders three different holiday rail excursions through Lancaster County’s Amish countryside. The Santa Claus Limited offers a weekday evening ride described by the railroad as a more sensory-friendly option than its weekend trains. The Night Before Christmas ride offers storytelling and carolers with cookies and milk, while Santa’s Paradise Express is its most festive ride, complete with a brass band and carolers.
- Dates: Santa Claus Limited runs Wednesday through Friday from December 2 to December 18. Night Before Christmas runs on select dates from November 21 to December 23. Santa’s Paradise Express runs on select dates from November 21 to December 24.
- Departure location: Strasburg Rail Road, Ronks, PA
- Good for: Different family experiences, including a sensory-friendly ride and an evening Christmas train.
- Tickets and details: Santa Claus Limited, Night Before Christmas, Santa’s Paradise Express
Colebrookdale Railroad
Colebrookdale Railroad offers several holiday excursions aboard its Edwardian-era railcars. Winter Wonderland Adventure pairs a two-hour ride with dinner in Dining Class. During ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, one of Santa’s helpers reads Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem. On Santa’s Polar Bear Express, Santa visits passengers and brings a gift for every child.
- Dates: Winter Wonderland Adventure runs on select dates from December 4 to December 17. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas runs on December 11 and 18. Santa’s Polar Bear Express runs on select dates from November 21 to December 24.
- Departure location: Colebrookdale Railroad, Boyertown, PA
- Good for: Holiday dining, a Christmas story ride, or a traditional Santa excursion.
- Tickets and details: Winter Wonderland Adventure, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, Santa’s Polar Bear Express
West Chester Railroad
West Chester Railroad offers Santa’s Express, a festive ride through Chester Creek Valley with onboard holiday entertainment and a visit from Santa. The Christmas Tree Train takes passengers to Wiggins Tree Farm to choose and cut their own Christmas tree; the tree is purchased separately.
- Dates: Santa’s Express runs on select dates from November 21 to December 20. Christmas Tree Train runs on November 29, December 6, and December 13.
- Departure location: West Chester Railroad, West Chester, PA
- Good for: Families looking for a Santa ride or a Christmas tree outing
- Tickets and details: Santa’s Express, Christmas Tree Train
Wilmington & Western Railroad
Wilmington & Western Railroad offers two holiday-themed rides through the Red Clay Valley. On the Santa Claus Special, Santa visits passengers aboard the train. The Holiday Lights Express is an hour-long evening ride aboard heated historic coaches decorated with thousands of lights, with additional displays along the route.
- Dates: Santa Claus Special runs on select dates from November 27 to December 24. Holiday Lights Express runs from December 3 to December 31.
- Departure location: Wilmington & Western Railroad, Wilmington, DE
- Good for: A holiday lights ride or a traditional Santa experience.
- Tickets and details: Wilmington & Western Railroad Featured Events
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway offers Santa Claus Specials through the winter scenery around Jim Thorpe. Santa and his elves visit passengers and hand out small treats during the ride. Several seating classes are available, including a dome car and first-class lounge.
- Dates: Santa Claus Specials run from November 27 to December 24.
- Departure location: Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, Jim Thorpe, PA
- Good for: A Santa train combined with a scenic winter ride.
- Tickets and details: Santa Claus Specials
Tips for Holiday Train Rides
- Book early. Holiday excursions often run on select dates, and popular departures can sell out. Check the available dates and ticket options before making plans.
- Check the seating policy. Some railways let you select reserved seats or tables, while others seat passengers as they board. If you’re traveling with family or friends, check whether you need to make one reservation to sit together. Also check ticket-pickup instructions; some railroads require you to collect reserved tickets at the station before boarding.
- Arrive with time to spare. Follow the railroad’s arrival and check-in instructions. Allow extra time for parking, particularly in busy destinations such as Jim Thorpe. Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway recommends arriving at least an hour before departure to allow time for parking and ticket pickup.
- Dress for the weather. Even if the train cars are heated, you may spend time outdoors while waiting to board or visiting the station. Check the operator’s guidance before your trip.
More Philadelphia Holiday Events
Looking for more ways to celebrate the season? Visit my guide to holiday and winter events in the Philadelphia region for Christmas markets, holiday light displays, historic holiday tours, and other events happening in 2026.
