When it comes to holiday magic in Pennsylvania, few experiences capture the joy of the season like a festive train ride. Whether steam or diesel, these excursions often include caroling, Santa visits, cocoa, and that feeling of being “on the rails to the North Pole.” Below is a roundup of holiday train options (not model/miniatures) across Pennsylvania, with what each offers and where to find them.

Holiday Train Options in Pennsylvania

Jump to a location:

• Strasburg Rail Road (Lancaster County)
• New Hope Railroad (Bucks County)
• Colebrookdale Railroad (Boyertown / Berks County area)
• West Chester Railroad (Chester County)
• Northern Central Railway (New Freedom / York area)
• East Broad Top Railroad (Orbisonia / Huntingdon County)
• Steamtown (Scranton area)
• Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad (Kempton, PA)

Strasburg Rail Road (Lancaster County)

• Train Options:
  • Santa’s Paradise Express (45-minute steam train ride with Santa, caroling, Mrs. Claus meet-and-greet, a Christmas revue show, and letter station)
  • Night Before Christmas (a storytelling ride)
  • Christmas Feast with Mrs. Claus dinner options
• Click here to view all the Christmas Train options
  
• Other things to do in the area:
  • 🚂 After your magical ride with Santa, pop into the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania or the National Toy Train Museum (both right next door!) for more train-themed fun.
  • 🧺 Explore Amish Country with its cozy markets, country stores, and homemade treats.
  • 🕯️ Stroll through downtown Lancaster’s holiday lights, boutiques, and festive cafes.
  • 🎁 Visit a local Christmas market or craft fair for one-of-a-kind gifts.
  • 🍽️ Warm up with comfort food favorites at Fireside Tavern or another local spot.
  • It’s the kind of trip that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie — trains, twinkle lights, and family memories in the making. ❤️ Let’s plan it together!

New Hope Railroad (Bucks County)

• Train Options:
  • Santa’s Steam Train Ride (steam locomotive)
  • Santa’s North Pole Express (diesel)
  • Both options let you sing with wandering musicians as they play Christmas carols, savor warm cocoa, and indulge in freshly baked cookies. Children will get time to interact with Santa as well.
• Unique Feature – Each child receives a sleigh bell gift. 
  
• Other things to do in the area:
  • 🎁 Stroll through downtown New Hope — it’s decked out in lights, filled with boutique shops, cozy cafés, and festive vibes.
  • 🛍️ Browse holiday markets and artisan stores across Bucks County for handmade gifts and local treats.
  • 🥧 Warm up with comfort food or sweet treats at one of New Hope’s charming restaurants or bakeries.
  • 🌉 Take a scenic walk along the Delaware River, or pop over to Peddler’s Village for twinkling lights, photos, and more holiday fun!
  • It’s a weekend that feels straight out of a snow globe — trains, twinkle lights, and memory-making all around. ❤️❄️ Let’s plan it together!

Colebrookdale Railroad (Boyertown / Berks County area)

• Train Options:
  •  Santa’s Polar Bear Express: heated Victorian coaches, Santa visits each car, gifts for children, and the chance to hand over your Christmas letter.
  • ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (Santa + story + small gift)
  • Winter Wonderland Adventure (Dinner Included + Santa and story)
  • Snowflake Special (winter train ride, no Santa)
• Click here to view all the winter train options
  
• Other things to do in the area:
  • 🎁 Stroll through downtown Boyertown and browse local shops & cafés for holiday treats and one-of-a-kind finds in one of SE Pennsylvania’s best-preserved historic towns.
  • 🏞️ Take in the Secret Valley’s winter scenery with a cozy countryside walk or photo stop.
  • 🍽️ Warm up with comfort food and hot cocoa at a local restaurant like Union Jack’s Inn decked out for the holidays.
  • 🏛️ Visit the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles — check out antique cars, old-time buggies & sleighs, all set in the historic factory grounds.
  • ✨ It’s the perfect mix of nostalgia and holiday magic — the kind of weekend that reminds you why this season feels so special. ❤️❄️ Let’s plan it together!

West Chester Railroad (Chester County)

• Train Options:
  • Santa’s Express (75-minutes, with Santa & live music)
  • Christmas Tree Train (ride to a farm to pick and cut your own tree, then return with it). 
• Click here to view the winter train options
  
• Other things to do in the area:
  • 🎁 Stroll Gay Street and High Street, where twinkle lights, boutique shops, and cozy cafés make the perfect holiday backdrop.
  • 🎄 Catch the West Chester Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting — marching bands, floats, and plenty of holiday spirit!
  • 🛍️ Browse the Christkindlmarkt West Chester, filled with local artisans, handmade gifts, and festive treats.
  • 🏛️ Step inside the Chester County History Center’s “Season of Lights” exhibit for glowing displays and multicultural holiday traditions.
  • 🍫 Treat yourself to something sweet at Éclat Chocolate, one of the area’s most famous artisan chocolatiers.
  • ✨ Between the train ride, the lights, and the small-town magic, West Chester makes holiday memories shine brighter than ever. ❤️❄️ Let’s plan it together!

Northern Central Railway (New Freedom / York area)

• Train Options:
  • Christmas Elves Express – Join Santa and the elves on a festive, interactive train ride filled with laugh-out-loud moments, silly pranks, jolly sing-alongs, and heartwarming surprises. Learn more
  • Santa Express – Santa, gifts, hot cocoa and more! Learn more
    
• Other things to do in the area:
  • 🚴‍♀️ Take a winter walk or bike ride along the York County Heritage Rail Trail, right beside the tracks — scenic, peaceful, and full of photo ops!
  • 🏙️ Explore downtown New Freedom, with its festive lights, local shops, and family-friendly cafés.
  • 🏛️ Snap a pic at the historic Howard Tunnel, one of the oldest railroad tunnels still in use in the U.S.!
  • 🍽️ Warm up with dinner at a local favorite like Seven Sports Bar & Grille or Paesano’s Ristorante Italiano.
  • ✨ Between the train ride, the trail, and the twinkle lights, New Freedom is the perfect spot for a family weekend that feels both festive and unforgettable. ❤️❄️ Let’s plan it together!

East Broad Top Railroad (Orbisonia / Huntingdon County)

• Christmas in Coal Country – a one-hour ride in cozy, heated cars (retro style), with Santa boarding to meet families and hand out gifts. Learn more
  
• Other things to do in the area:
  • 🚋 Visit the Rockhill Trolley Museum (right next door!) for vintage trolley rides decked out for the holidays.
  • 🏞️ Take a scenic winter walk at Trough Creek State Park — crisp air, mountain views, and plenty of spots for family photos.
  • 🏛️ Stop by the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale to explore the area’s fascinating rail and mining past.
  • 🛍️ Wander through the tiny but charming town of Orbisonia, where you’ll find local diners, small shops, and friendly faces that make you feel right at home.
  • ✨ Between the steam engines, the history, and the holiday cheer, East Broad Top is the perfect mix of nostalgia and Christmas wonder. ❤️❄️

Steamtown / Scranton area

• North Pole Limited at Steamtown (Scranton) is a special holiday ride behind the historic Baldwin No. 26 steam locomotive. Learn more 
  
• Other things to do in the area:
  • 📍 Visit the Steamtown grounds — explore vintage steam engines, check out the roundhouse, climb aboard a caboose and soak in the rail-history atmosphere. 
  • 🚋 Just next door: hop on the Electric City Trolley Museum for a ride on a historic trolley, plus fun interactive exhibits for the kids. 
  • 🏞️ Take a winter stroll or photo stop at Nay Aug Park — great for a little outdoorsy time between train-rides and cocoa breaks. 
  • 🍽️ Shop or grab a cozy bite downtown Scranton — around the Steamtown / Marketplace area you’ll find local cafés, festive lights and little treasures to bring home. 
  • ✨ Make this weekend one where the steam whistles, twinkle lights, and family laughter add up to holiday cheer you’ll remember for years. ❤️❄️ Let’s plan it together!

Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad (Kempton, PA)

• Santa Claus Express for a ONE WEEKEND ONLY (Dec 6-7). Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty, and Elves join the train and children get small gifts. Learn More
  
• Other things to do in the area:
  • 🌲 Explore Hawk Mountain Sanctuary — Just a short drive from Kempton, this renowned bird-watching destination offers breathtaking winter views and peaceful trails. 
  • 🍷 Visit Stony Run Winery — Warm up with a glass of local wine at this cozy vineyard, known for its welcoming atmosphere and scenic views.
  • 🖼️ Discover Local Art at Dan Christ Gallery — Browse unique artworks by local artist Dan Christ, showcasing the region’s rich artistic heritage.
  • 🍽️ Dine at Local Favorites — Enjoy hearty meals at nearby restaurants, offering everything from classic comfort food to unique local dishes.
  • ✨ Between the train ride, the twinkling lights, and the small-town charm, Kempton is the perfect destination for making family holiday memories. ❤️❄️ Let’s plan it together!

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Parent Tips:

• Book early. Many of these holiday train rides sell out quickly, especially the weekend slots, so plan ahead.
• Check schedules and dates. Some run only on weekends until closer to Christmas, then daily. Others are limited to certain weekends.
• Dress warmly. Even heated cars can be chilly, especially in boarding or walking between cars.
• Keep expectations flexible. Some locomotives are steam, others are diesel; not every train is accessible in all coach classes.
• Pair with local activities. Many railroads are located near shops, lights, local attractions — great to build a full holiday weekend. And I’m here to help! 😉

If you’re looking for a truly magical holiday experience, these Pennsylvania train rides deliver in style. From steam-powered nostalgia to cozy diesel journeys, each offers a unique spin on Christmas cheer — Santa visits, caroling, cookies, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re in Lancaster, Scranton, or Chester County, there’s likely a festive ride within driving distance. Want to make a weekend of it? Let’s find you the best hotel for your family!