8 Pennsylvania Holiday Train Rides Kids Can Board Starting In November
Santa rides the rails here, and some trains still puff real steam. That beats a long mall line by a country mile.
Pennsylvania has a deep railroad history, and its heritage lines go all out for the holidays. Several start their Santa runs in November, so the holiday season kicks off early.
Who says Christmas has to wait for December?
Routes roll past open farm fields, deep river gorges, and quiet small towns. One ride uses a dome car with big windows for gorge views.
Another follows a creek where riders sometimes spot bald eagles.
Some trips serve cocoa and cookies, and carolers sing along the way. Kids can meet Santa, pose for photos, and admire restored vintage cars.
Can you picture their faces when the whistle blows?
Holiday tickets sell fast, so planning ahead keeps the whole day stress-free.
Which Pennsylvania train will your family board first this year?
1. Strasburg Rail Road
Steam engines and Santa make a pretty good team. At Strasburg Rail Road, that team runs through Lancaster County farmland.
The railroad runs historic steam locomotives, and its holiday excursions include Santa’s Paradise Express. Festive trips operate starting in late November, so the season gets going right around Thanksgiving.
Families will like that the railroad is listed as good for kids. Boarding and seating are set up with families in mind, which helps when little ones are wiggly.
Tickets are best bought ahead of time. Holiday trains are popular, and planning saves you a lot of stress.
The setting does a lot of the work here. You roll past Amish Country scenery while the steam engine chugs along, and kids get a front-row view of how trains once powered everyday life.
Parking is free and on site, so you can focus on the fun instead of circling for a spot. That’s one small headache gone before the ride even starts.
It’s a solid first pick if you want a classic Pennsylvania steam experience with a holiday twist. Bundle up, bring a camera, and let the kids watch the farm fields roll by.
Address: 301 Gap Rd, Ronks, PA 17572
2. New Hope Railroad
A 17-mile heritage line and a Christmas train sound like a fine combo. New Hope Railroad runs steam and diesel locomotives, and it includes illuminated holiday and Christmas trains.
The railroad is marked as good for kids. Snacks suited to younger riders and comfortable family seating make the trip easy for parents.
Most regular excursions run from New Hope to Lahaska and back in under an hour. The trip starts at the restored 1891 Victorian station in the center of town.
Little riders can watch for Pauline’s Trestle, a well-known bridge along the route.
Holiday rides here board starting in November. Weekends tend to be busiest, especially Saturday afternoon and evening, so ticket planning pays off.
Tickets are best bought in advance. Waiting until the last minute can leave you staring at a sold-out sign.
There’s also a short ride option to Peddler’s Village, which has outdoor seating, food, and Christmas lights. Some riders enjoy the 1900s music that plays along the way.
Restrooms and a restaurant are available at the site. Parking is on site and also on the street, though both are paid.
If you want a train outing that lets you pair the ride with a stroll through a festive village, this one makes that easy. Dress warmly and give yourselves extra time to look around.
Address: 32 W Bridge St, New Hope, PA 18938
3. Colebrookdale Railroad
Santa on a Civil War-era railroad? Yes, really.
Colebrookdale Railroad runs themed trips on historic rails, and its list includes history tours, fall foliage viewing, and Santa trains.
The restored vintage cars are a big part of the charm. Families can board them for holiday meet-and-greets with Santa, and children are welcome aboard.
Santa-themed excursions here run starting in November. Check the holiday schedule before you pick a date.
The trains roll through the countryside around Boyertown. Kids get a close look at vintage railcars that have been carefully restored.
Restrooms are available at the station. Parking comes in a few forms, including a free lot, free street parking, and a paid lot.
This is a nice choice if your family likes history as much as holiday cheer. Older kids may enjoy the old-time feel, while younger ones will mostly care about Santa.
Bring a camera for the vintage cars. They make a great backdrop for holiday photos before or after the ride.
Address: 64 S Washington St, Boyertown, PA 19512
4. Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway: Trademark of the Reading & Northern Railroad
Thanksgiving weekend brings more than turkey here. Holiday train runs at Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway begin in late November, and they include the annual Santa Claus Special.
The railway began operating in May 2005. It follows historic tracks tied to the anthracite coal region and travels through Lehigh Gorge State Park.
Regular rides are about 70 minutes and cover a 16-mile round trip. The dome car has large windows, which gives kids a wide view of the river and gorge.
Narration adds some history along the way. The trip starts and ends in the historic town of Jim Thorpe.
The town’s Victorian streets make a fun stroll after the ride, especially with little ones ready to stretch their legs.
Families get a few perks. The railway is listed as good for kids, with kid-friendly activities and discounts for children.
Tickets are best purchased ahead of time. Parking is on site and on the street, and both are paid.
Late November trains can get chilly, so hats and mittens are a smart call. Arrive early to find parking near the station before boarding.
Restrooms and a restaurant are available at the station. That makes it easy to warm up before or after you board.
If your kids love big windows and river views, this ride is a strong pick. Pennsylvania’s mountain scenery does the heavy lifting.
Address: 1 Susquehanna St, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
5. Everett Railroad Company
Cocoa and cookies after the ride? That’s a pretty sweet finish.
Everett Railroad’s Santa train includes a visit with Santa and a family photo.
Holiday Santa Express runs begin in late November. The railroad is described as a family-friendly attraction with seasonal, themed excursions.
Little ones get plenty to enjoy. Carolers, Santa, and friendly staff are part of the holiday experience, and complimentary hot chocolate and cookies are served.
The railroad also runs a pumpkin patch ride with a 1920s steam engine. That trip covers a four-mile out-and-back, giving families another seasonal reason to ride.
The steam locomotive, No. 11, was built in 1920 and remains a point of pride for the railroad. Bring your own camera for the family photo moments, and pack wipes for cookie crumbs.
Small comforts like these keep young riders happy from start to finish.
Discounts for kids make the outing easier on the budget. Parking is free and on site.
The office hours listed are weekdays, so check the holiday schedule for weekend departures. Planning ahead keeps the day smooth.
This is a good pick for families with small children. The ride is short enough to hold their attention, and Santa makes it a highlight.
Address: 244 Pullman Dr, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
6. Northern Central Railway
These rails have some serious history behind them. Northern Central Railway runs excursion trains through the countryside of southern York County.
Seasonal holiday and Santa express trips are part of the lineup. Scheduled holiday runs start boarding passengers in late November.
Young children can board historic train cars here. The railroad is known as a family-friendly destination for a ride on a historic train.
Station hours are on weekends, from 10 AM to 3 PM. That’s worth remembering when you plan your day.
The railroad works to preserve and tell the story of its line and the local towns along it. Kids can soak up some history while Santa adds the holiday fun.
Restrooms are available, including a gender-neutral option. The station is also described as welcoming to many different visitors.
Wear warm layers and arrive a little early. A relaxed start makes boarding with kids much easier.
If you live near the Maryland line or in south-central Pennsylvania, this one is an easy day trip.
Address: 117 N Front St, New Freedom, PA 17349
7. Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad
Keep your eyes on the water. Riders along Oil Creek might spot bald eagles from the train.
This scenic railroad offers educational valley excursions and themed train events. Those include holiday Santa train runs that kick off in November.
The railroad is listed as good for kids. Volunteer staff are known for being accommodating, which helps families feel at ease.
The ride passes through historic Titusville and along Oil Creek. Trains take visitors back in time with nostalgic views and plenty of scenery.
Refreshments are available at reasonable cost. A restroom is on site, and parking is free in an on-site lot.
Tickets are best bought in advance. Weekend afternoons tend to be busiest, while weekday mornings are quieter.
If your family likes nature and history together, this ride delivers both. Kids can scan for wildlife while learning a bit about the valley’s past.
Dress for the weather and bring a camera. Pennsylvania’s northwest corner looks great from a train window.
Address: 409 S Perry St, Titusville, PA 16354
8. Allentown & Auburn Railroad
This railroad says it wants to share railroad history with children and adults alike. That mission fits well with a Santa ride.
Scenic heritage trips run on vintage rail equipment. Dedicated Santa train rides are part of the lineup, with holiday excursions beginning in late November.
Visitors describe the ride as well suited for grandchildren and kids. Seasonal attractions for children show up throughout the calendar year.
Treats and Santa visits are part of the holiday trip. Families can also take pictures with Santa.
The train station is open only on dates of train rides. Check the schedule before you go so you don’t arrive to a closed station.
A restroom is available at the site. That’s a handy detail with younger kids along.
Pumpkin patch rides are another seasonal option. If your kids like trains in every season, this one gives you more than one reason to return.
Plan a visit in late November if Santa is your goal. A short ride, a few treats, and a photo can make a sweet family memory in Pennsylvania.
Address: 232 Railroad St, Kutztown, PA 19530