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Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Philadelphia for 2022

Journey through Chester Creek Valley aboard Santa's Express. Photo courtesy of the West Chester Railroad
Journey through Chester Creek Valley aboard Santa's Express. Photo courtesy of the West Chester Railroad
10/23/22 - By Kristen Sullivan

Everyone loves a good Polar Express train ride! There's something about trains that evokes the spirit of Christmas; whether it's memories of model trains under the tree, that "coming home for the holidays" feeling, or Tom Hanks playing the conductor in one of the best kids' Christmas movies ever.

Visits with Santa are even more fun on a train, so we've rounded up all the railroads hosting Polar Express trains and Christmas train rides near Philly. At many of these locations, families can ride a real locomotive with Santa Claus, hear Christmas stories, sing carols, sip hot chocolate, and admire views of the passing countryside. So put on those PJs and get ready to ride the rails with Santa!

Stay up to date on all things holidays by browsing our Philadelphia Holiday Guide, which is packed with great ways to celebrate the season.

A few of these are further out than we might normally recommend, but we feel like the longer drives are justified for such a special holiday outing. 

 

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North Pole Express on the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad. Photo by Anthony Sinagoga for Visit Bucks County
North Pole Express on the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad. Photo by Anthony Sinagoga for Visit Bucks County

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains with Santa Near Philly

North Pole Express

Select dates from November 12 - December 30, 2022
New Hope, PA
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

'Twas The Night Before Christmas Train Ride

Select dates from November 18 - December 23, 2022
Boyertown, PA
The magic of the season comes to life at Colebrookdale Railroad. Guests are welcome to wear their pajamas and listen to "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" while sipping complimentary hot cocoa and munching on cookies. This two-hour round trip departs from Boyertown. Santa also has gifts for each child. READ MORE

Santa's Express

Saturdays & Sundays from November 19 - December 18, 2022
West Chester, PA
Journey through Chester Creek Valley aboard Santa's Express. Santa greets passengers at the station and joins them for the ride aboard the heated and festively decorated train, so don't forget your camera and Christmas list!  READ MORE

Santa’s Paradise Express

Saturdays & Sundays from November 19 - December 24, 2022
Ronks, PA
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

Santa's Paradise Express Train

Saturdays & Sundays from November 19 - December 24, 2022
Ronks, PA
Strasburg Rail Road offers a special Christmas trolley ride with Santa this season. Passengers can expect an exclusive tour aboard the historic LO&S Motorcar as well as an opportunity to visit with St. Nick during this 45-minute excursion to Paradise and back. READ MORE

Cape May Seashore Lines Santa Express

Select dates from November 25 - December 23, 2022
Tuckahoe, NJ
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

Santa's Steam Spectacular

Select dates from November 25 - December 24, 2022
New Hope, PA
The New Hope and Ivyland Railroad invites guests to join Santa aboard the magical and historic #40 Steam Train as they take a ride to the North Pole by way of historic Bucks County. Sing along with roaming musicians as they play Christmas carols while sipping warm cocoa and enjoying a freshly baked cookie. Then kids can share special wishes with Santa & Mrs. Claus. READ MORE

The Polar Express

Fridays - Sundays from November 25 - December 18, 2022
Phillipsburg, NJ
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 Polar Bear Express

Saturdays & Sundays from November 25 - December 24, 2022
Boyertown, PA
Colebrookdale Railroad's two-hour journey takes passengers on a trip while sipping hot chocolate and singing Christmas carols. Santa visits each child with a gift, and kids have the chance to give him their wish lists.  READ MORE

Santa Claus Express at Wilmington & Western Railroad

Saturdays & Sundays from November 25 - December 23, 2022
Wilmington, DE
Bring your camera and climb aboard for a train ride with Santa at Wilmington & Western Railroad. During this 90-minute trip to Ashland, the Jolly Old Elf tags along to greet guests and hand out chocolate treats. READ MORE

Santa Claus Express

Saturday & Sunday, December 3 & 4, 2022
Kempton, PA
From 11 am to 3 pm, every hour on the hour, the Santa Claus Express departs for a magical journey at Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad. Bring a camera for pictures with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman, and the elves. Free gifts for kids as Santa walks through the train, and special treats for everyone! READ MORE
Wilmington & Western Railroad Holiday Lights. Photo by Don Richard
Wilmington & Western Railroad Holiday Lights. Photo by Don Richard

More Festive Holiday Train Rides Near Philly

Christmas Tree Train at Strasburg Rail Road

Fridays & Saturdays from November 25 - December 3, 2022
Ronks, PA
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

Christmas Tree Train at West Chester Railroad

Sundays from November 27 - December 11, 2022
West Chester, PA
West Chester Railroad's heated and festively decorated Christmas Tree Train departs the station promptly at 8am to take passengers to Wiggins Tree Farm, where they can cut their own Christmas tree. The crew helps load Christmas trees onto vehicles at the end of the trip. READ MORE

Mrs. Claus’s Christmas Singalong Celebration

Friday, December 2, 2022
Kempton, PA
The elves Snickerdoodle and Jingle are ready to sing Christmas songs to children while riding this special train at Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad. The journey takes passengers to the North Pole to meet Mrs. Claus.  READ MORE

Night Before Christmas Train

Select dates December 2 - 23, 2022
Ronks, PA
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

Holiday Lights Express at Wilmington & Western Railroad

Select dates December 9 - 30, 2022
Wilmington, DE
All aboard festively decorated coaches covered in thousands of sparkling lights. This hour-long train ride at Wilmington & Western Railroad takes passengers through the Red Clay Valley to view the sights and lights of decorated homes along the way.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Strasburg Rail Road
Strasburg Rail Road
Delaware River Railroad Excursions
Greenbank Station at Wilmington & Western Railroad
Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad
Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad
Strasburg Rail Road
Greenbank Station at Wilmington & Western Railroad