18 Magical Santa Train Rides Near Philadelphia (Plus Holiday Trains!) for 2026

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.

The list below includes all the fun holiday train rides near Philadelphia for 2026. So let’s find the best one for you and your family!

Santa’s Premium 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, unlimited hot chocolate, 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.

The Premium Train Ride offers reserved seating and the option to send a letter to Santa (and get a response!).

Santa’s Premium 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 $113 for coach seating ($23 for infants under 2 years old).

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 does not have reserved seating.

Santa’s North Pole Express train runs 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 $74 for coach seating ($16 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 in Bucks County at Christmastime.

Santa’s Polar Bear Express by Colebrookdale Railroad

Explore the Secret Valley with Santa on this one-hour train ride in Boyertown, PA, by the Colebrookdale Railroad.

Santa brings a gift for every child on board. The youngest riders will also get a coloring book. Everyone will receive hot chocolate in a souvenir mug, along 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 on weekends, Black Friday, and the week of Christmas. Prices start at $55 for adults for coach seating.

Winter Wonderland by Colebrookdale Railroad

Have dinner with Santa on the Colebrookdale Railroad’s Winter Wonderland excursion.

Offered on weeknights on select days in December, starting on the 4th, guests on the two-hour train ride can enjoy dinner (dining class only) or 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 before boarding.

Prices start at $55 for children and $65 for adults. If you choose dining class, you must pre-order your meal before the trip.

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. Most days from Black Friday through Christmas Eve, Santa and Mrs. Claus board the decorated trains and interact with the guests.

The Santa Claus Special rides begin on Black Friday and run through Christmas Eve. Prices start at $9 for children and $25 for adults.

After you enjoy the ride, take the time to stroll through Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania’s Switzerland!

North Pole Express by Black River & Western Railroad

The Santa Express by the Black River & Western Railroad is a two-hour Santa train in Hunterdon County, New Jersey.

Riders will enjoy hot cocoa and a cookie at the station, along with plenty of photo ops and a model train display.

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 on weekends from the Flemington, New Jersey station, from November 21st through December 29th, plus Black Friday and December 19th. Prices start at $34 for children and $37 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!

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, hand them a “magic” sleigh bell, and take photos.

The Polar Express departs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 27th through December 20th. Prices are $38 for kids and $48 for adults (plus fees).

Some dates are already sold out (tickets go on sale on July 1st for this popular train ride), so book your trip as soon as you can.

Santa Claus Express by Wilmington & Western Railroad

The Santa Claus Express by the Wilmington & Western Railroad is a fun way for kids to visit with Santa and get photos while enjoying a scenic railroad ride through Delaware.

This 60-minute ride is one of the more affordable Santa trains near Philadelphia. Prices start at $25 for kids and $29 for adults (children under two are FREE).

The train runs on weekends after Thanksgiving until December 20th, including Black Friday. They also run the trains on December 24th! Seats are assigned, so be sure to account for everyone in your party when booking.

Santa Claus Limited by Strasburg Railroad

The Strasburg Railroad holiday trains are a fun way to celebrate the season. And can make a fun day trip out of it with all of the other fun things to do in Strasburg!

The Santa Claus Limited is one of the few Santa train rides offered on weekdays. This 45-minute train ride lets kids meet Santa without the weekend crowds.

However, the ride is pretty basic, as it does not offer the entertainment of 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 3rd – December 19th. Prices start at $32 for kids and $42 for adults.

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 on board while they wait for a photo with Santa.

This 45-minute train ride offers several seating options, including coach and first class (which includes a cookie and cocoa), or a dining car where you can enjoy a meal (pre-order required).

Kids can meet with Mrs. Claus at the station while everyone enjoys the Christmas Market.

Santa’s Paradise Express runs weekends from November 21st through December 20th, plus Black Friday, and the week of Christmas. Tickets start at $38 for kids and $48 for adults.

Learn more about the Strasburg Railroad Christmas rides here

Night Before Christmas by Strasburg Railroad

This special holiday train ride by the Strasburg Railroad in Ronks, PA, runs mid-November through Christmas.

Guests will be treated to a professional reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and other classic Christmas stories during their 45-minute train ride. Even Santa makes an appearance!

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 $37 for children and $47 for adults. Rides run weekends from November 21st through December 20th, plus Black Friday and the week of Christmas.

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 28th through December 20th. Tickets start at $12 for children and $18 for adults. Children 2 and under are FREE.

Hot Chocolate Train by Allentown & Auburn Railroad

Every Saturday night, from November 28th until December 19th, 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 ‘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.

Santa’s Express by West Chester Railroad

West Chester Railroad offers Santa’s Express, a 75-minute train ride through the Chester Creek Valley. The heated train is decked out for the holidays, and live entertainment will keep everyone smiling.

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 start at $30 for kids and $40 for adults. The train runs every Saturday and Sunday from November 21st through December 20th, plus Black Friday.

Other Christmas Train Rides Near Philadelphia

Here are some fun Christmas train rides near Philadelphia that do not include appearances by Santa or Mrs. Claus.

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 train’s exterior 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 3rd – 31st. Tickets start at $18 for kids and $20 for adults.

Snowflake Special by Colebrookdale Railroad

Many parents look 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 or older) receive a complimentary beverage, a champagne toast (for those 21 and older), light hors d’oeuvres, and dessert.

Snowflake Special trains run from December 27th to the 30th and start at $25 for kids and $50 for adults.

Christmas Tree Train by West Chester Railroad

The Christmas Tree Train by West Chester Railroad is a fun way to get your live Christmas tree for the season. This holiday train ride runs only on November 29th, December 6th, and 13th, 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 tree you can find. Staff will bag and load the tree onto a flatcar as you 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 $90 (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 as Christmas approaches. 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.