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Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in New Jersey

Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
10/23/22 - By Laurie Rein

Every year Polar Express train rides come to New Jersey, with the Garden State's railroads decked out in their holiday best. We know it's a bit early to start hauling out the holly, but these Polar Express trains and Christmas trains are a popular holiday tradition, and they sell out fast! 

Though these Christmas trains don't go all the way to the North Pole, most include a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with treats, caroling, movies, and stories. We've even included a trolley ride hosted by Mrs. Claus herself. Read on to find out where to take a Christmas train ride near New Jersey with Santa, and book your tickets as soon as possible. 

If you're already thinking about other must-do activities this holiday season, be sure to check out our rundown of the most spectacular holiday light displays in New Jersey and other tips in our Guide to Christmas and Holiday Events in NJ for Families. 

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All aboard DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express Christmas train for the journey to the Holiday Village. Photo courtesy of the DiDonato's
All aboard DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express Christmas train for the journey to the Holiday Village. Photo courtesy of the DiDonato's

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in New Jersey

The Polar Express

Whippany
Select dates from Friday, November 4-Thursday, December 30, 2022
 Join a magical trip on the Polar Express, powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Each ticket includes fantastic entertainment, delicious hot chocolate, shortbread, and a keepsake sleigh bell to bring home. READ MORE

DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express

Hammonton
Select dates from Saturday, November 5-Friday, December 23, 2022
All aboard DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express! Experience a train ride through millions of Christmas lights, meet Santa and his elves in his workshop, chat with Mrs. Claus, and so much more. READ MORE

Black River & Western Railroad Santa Express

Flemington
Weekends from Sunday, November 20-Sunday, December 4, 2022
A ride on the Santa Express is the perfect way to get the entire family into the Christmas spirit. This popular annual event features an onboard meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, gifts for children, and photo-ops.  READ MORE

Cape May Seashore Lines Santa Express

Tuckahoe
Select dates from Friday, November 25-Friday, December 23, 2022
Take a ride on the train at Cape May Seashore Lines with Santa on board during this holiday season. Board the train at Richland Village or Tuckahoe Village for a 35-minute ride.  READ MORE

The Polar Express

Phillipsburg
Select dates from Friday, November 25-Sunday, December 18, 2022
Make sure the Christmas jammies are ready for this experience straight out of the beloved movie of the same name. The Polar Express at Delaware River Railroad Excursions is set to sounds from the motion picture, and sells out fast, so don't procrastinate. READ MORE

Santa's Trolley Rides

Cape May
Weekends from Saturday, November 26-Sunday, December 18, 2022
Join Mrs. Claus as she shares stories and songs on the jolly holiday trolley ride through the town of Cape May. Catch up with Santa at the Gazebo on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate. READ MORE

Santa Train

Wayne
Saturday, December 10, 2022
The Tri-State Railway Historical Society hosts its annual holiday train ride. Passengers are treated to musicians playing carols, costumed characters and Santa himself. READ MORE

Black River & Western Railroad North Pole Express

Flemington
Weekends from Saturday, December 10-Saturday, December 24, 2022
Climb aboard the Polar Express for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, cookies ad hot cocoa, a photo booth, sleigh bells for the kids, photo ops and more.  READ MORE
Meet Santa on the Christmas Tree Train in Ronks, Pennsylvania. Photo courtesy of the Strasburg Railroad
Meet Santa on the Christmas Tree Train in Ronks, Pennsylvania. Photo courtesy of the Strasburg Railroad

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in Pennsylvania

North Pole Express

New Hope
Select dates from Saturday, November 12-Friday, December 30, 2022
Wear your pajamas and climb aboard the North Pole Express at New Hope and Ivyland Railroad. Children can enjoy riding the rails pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive with a visit  from Santa at the end of the journey. READ MORE

Santa’s Paradise Express

Ronks
Weekends from Saturday, November 19-Saturday, December 24, 2022
Ride to Paradise, Pennsylvania and back on this 45-minute train excursion. The train is decorated for the holidays, and there are readings of favorite Christmas stories until Santa makes his grand entrance and gives a special gift to all children age 11 and under. Passengers sitting in the President's Car can purchase drinks and treats, while those who buy tickets for the Dining Car can choose a sandwich and dessert at booking.  READ MORE

Christmas Tree Train at Strasburg Rail Road

Ronks
Weekends from Friday, November 25-Saturday, December 3, 2022
Travel on an authentic steam train to Leaman Place Grove to choose the perfect pre-cut Christmas tree. After selecting a Frasier fir, passengers can sing along to Christmas carols around a campfire. On evening trips, old-fashioned Edison lights illuminate the way around the grove.  READ MORE

Night Before Christmas Train

Ronks
Weekends from Friday, December 2-Friday, December 23, 2022
Experience the excitement of Christmas Eve even when it's not December 24 on this very special one-hour train ride. Listen to the classic poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas on this journey aboard a decorated holiday train, where drinks and treats are available for purchase. READ MORE

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About the Author

Laurie R
Laurie Rein is thrilled to have made a career of digging up activities (especially free ones!) for her twin daughters. Prior to working with Mommy Poppins NJ, Laurie wore many hats in the television industry including gigs as an NBC page, NBC copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show and research manager for CBS. She is currently the Events Editor for Mommy Poppins NJ and can be reached at njevents@mommypoppins.com
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