Christmas & Polar Express Train Rides Near Philadelphia

Nancy L. said:  Pennsylvania's Strasburg Rail Road has a variety of Christmas-themed train events. Choose from Santa's Paradise Express, The Night Before Christmas, Santa’s Railroad Christmas Train, or Christmas Tree Train. Any of the Christmas Train experiences would make a memorable family Christmas tradition!

Shila said:  Experience Jim Thorpe and Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway's Santa Claus Special as you travel through mountain scenery, cliffs and bridges. These round-trip train excursions feature Santa Claus! He will be on board handing out small treats and visiting with the kids.

Shila said:  This charming Edwardian-era train expedition has the evening ambiance of bright holiday lights, mixed with the storybook magic of reading Christmas classics. Families are invited to embark on a 2-hour ride, in their PJs, and sip on hot chocolate while 'Twas the Night Before Christmas is read aloud. Rumor has it, Santa will make an appearance!

Santa's Polar Bear Express offers a scenic ride through the Secret Valley. Hot chocolate, cookies and Christmas carols will make this truly a ride to remember. Little ones can also visit with Santa.

Erin P. said:  Enjoy a magical holiday ride on the North Pole Express, a train pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive. Come in your pj's if you would like, and enjoy Christmas carols, hot chocolate and a cookie. Your little ones will also be delighted by a visit from the man himself - Santa Claus, with Mrs. Claus!

New Hope Railroad also has the Santa's Steam Train Ride, which is a similar experience but pulled by a steam engine.

Dawn said:  Board the train at the Kutztown Train Station and experience some Christmas magic aboard Allentown & Auburn Railroad's Santa Train or Hot Chocolate Train.

Erin P. said:  Hop on board the Polar Express for this magical ride to the North Pole! Step into the pages of the iconic Christmas story and start your own memorable family holiday tradition. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies and sing Christmas carols. Feel free to wear your Christmas jammies on board! Santa will be waiting to greet your children at the North Pole, and each child will receive a sleigh bell, just like in the story!

Erin P. said:  The Christmas Tree Train boards at Market Street Station and will stop at Wiggins Tree Farm where your family can cut your own Christmas tree. Trees will be wrapped, tagged and placed on the train's flat car for the return trip.

Santa's Express will allow passengers a visit with Santa while they enjoy live holiday music aboard the train to Glen Mills. There will be plenty of photo opportunities with Santa!

Erin P. said:  Don't miss this one-weekend only special on board the Wanamaker Kempton and Southern Railroad! Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman and the Elves will all be there to help you kick off the holiday season on the Santa Claus Express. Santa will even hand out a gift to each child!

Erin P. said:   The Santa Express and the Santa Starlight Express are 75-minute trips departing from either Richland Village or Tuckahoe Village,

Dawn Barger Wiggins said:   BR&W's Santa Express is the perfect way to get the entire family into the Christmas spirit! This popular annual event features an opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, a gift from Santa, Santa's Sleigh, family photo ops and more!

Erin P. said:  The whole family will enjoy the Santa Claus Express, a 90-minute round trip train ride with Santa on board! He will visit with every child on board, and will even have a chocolate treat for each child.

Wilmington & Western Railroad also offers the Holiday Lights Express Train. This does not include the Santa experience, but will take families for a ride on a vintage coach train decorated with thousands of holiday lights.