Enjoy silly, not-too-spooky fun at The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place. Photo courtesy of Sesame Place
Halloween Weekend 2024 in Philly: Trick-or-Treat and More Things To Do with Kids
Photo ops abound at the gorgeous light displays at LumiNature. Photo by Winnie Chung for the Philadelphia Zoo
Best of November: LumiNature, Thanksgiving Cruise, and More Fun Things to Do in Philly
Frolic through Pumpkin Playground at Longwood Gardens. Photo courtesy of the Gardens
Best Fall Festivals Near Philly: Harvest Fests and Fall Family Festivities around Philly
GUIDE
Philly Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2024
Photo courtesy of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Best Philly Tours for Kids: Art Hunts, Food Tours, Ghost Tours, and More
Kids under 18 are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Liz Baill
100 Free Fun Things To Do in Philly with Kids
Fishtown families flock to Penn Treaty Park for the waterfront views, special events, and open space. Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
Fishtown with Kids: 9 Things To Do in the Fishtown Neighborhood of Philly
School Calendars 2024-2025: Important Dates for Philadelphia School District
Grand Slam U.S.A. challenges you to a game of laser tag! Photo courtesy of the center
Best Laser Tag Zones and Paintball for Philly Kids
Build birthday memories brick by brick at LEGOLAND. Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND
31 Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids in Philly
Ricketts Glen State Park is a family-friendly destination with awesome activities for all ages. Photo of Ricketts Glen by the author
Amazing Budget Weekend Getaways for Philly Families
Put your skills to the test on the obstacle course at Urban Air. Photo courtesy of Urban Air
Extreme Sports and More Thrilling Activities for Kids in Philly: Go Karts, Axe Throwing, and More!
Visit the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), located in the heart of Old City.
Visiting Historic Philadelphia: Top Things To Do in the Historic District with Kids
Take in 300 years of history on Elfreth's Alley. Photo courtesy of the museum
3 Days in Philadelphia with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
In addition to Pay-What-You-Wish First Sundays, kids 18 and under are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo courtesy of the museum
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in Philly
Ultimo Coffee serves up treats and pours hearts all day. Photo courtesy of the shop
13 Best Coffee Shops in Philly to Bring Your Kids When You Need Caffeine
Turn your eye of the tiger into the eye of an artist at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art with Kids: Creative Family Time at the Art Museum
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for Kids in Philadelphia
Learn all about fire safety and the history of firefighters in Philly at the Fireman's Hall Museum.Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
14 Free Things To Do Indoors in Philly: Indoor Places To Play On Cold and Rainy Days
Take a bikde ride through Doylestown. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
9 Walkable Neighborhoods near Philly for Family Outings
Six Flag Great Adventure brings big-time thrills and is one of our favorite amusement parks in New Jersey.
Great Theme Parks and Amusement Parks Near New Jersey
Both babies and dogs love stroller walks for some fresh air. Photo courtesy of Gina Massaro for Mommy Poppins
Great Stroller Walks and Stroller Hikes near Philly
Parents eat while kids climb and slide at Craft Hall.
13 Philly Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat
Pony rides always bring out smiles at Linvilla Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard
Animal Farms and Petting Zoos near Philadelphia that are Perfect for Preschoolers
Try a whiz-wit at Tony Luke's, a reliable Philly cheesesteak spot with multiple locations. Photo courtesy of J. Varney for GPTMC
11 Kid-Friendly Philly Cheesesteak Spots
Challenge the rope bridge and zip line at Elmwood Park Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo
100 Things To Do in Philly with Kids Before They Grow Up
Blue Cross RiverRink is open for Summerfest in the warmer months and Winterfest in the colder months. Photo courtesy of J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Top Attractions in Philadelphia: Best Things to See and Do with Kids
Kids can zoom down the slide and, of course, launch scarves at Kith + Kin. Photo courtesy of Kith + Kin
38 Best Indoor Play Spaces and Indoor Playgrounds in Philadelphia
No one walks the plank, but everyone has fun with with Scallywag’s Pirate Adventures in Erie. Photo courtesy of Scallywag's Pirate Adventures.
10 PA Weekend Getaways for Families
Take a hike: Family getaways are a great opportunity to reconnect with nature.
GUIDE
Philly Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways
Spend a gorgeous fall day at Peddler's Village for the annual display of more than 100 handmade scarecrows, a weekend festival, and scarecrow-making workshops. Photo by Chris Burrow
Trunk or Treat, Día de los Muertos, Manayunk Trolley, and More Fun Things To Do in Philly this Weekend

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Philadelphia for 2024

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
10/25/24 - By Kristen Sullivan

Everyone loves a good Polar Express train ride! There's something about trains that evokes the spirit of Christmas and makes visits with Santa even more fun. 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. Looking for more ways to escape the winter chill this season? Check out our Indoor Activity Guide. As always, stay up to date with all the current events in the area with our Activity Calendar.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

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 on the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad

Select dates from November 29 - December 29, 2024
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 and a visit from Santa at the end of the journey. READ MORE

'Twas The Night Before Christmas Train Ride

Select dates from December 13 - December 20, 2024
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 on the West Chester Railroad

Saturdays & Sundays from November 23 - December 22, 2024
West Chester, PA
Journey through Chester Creek Valley for a 75-minute ride aboard Santa's Express. Santa greets passengers at the station and joins them for the ride aboard the heated and festively decorated train complete with live entertainment, so don't forget your camera and Christmas list!  READ MORE

Santa’s Paradise Express on the Strasburg Rail Road

Saturdays & Sundays from November 16 - December 24, 2024
Ronks, PA
Ride to Paradise, Pennsylvania, and back on this 45-minute train excursion aboard the Strasburg Rail Road. Santa greets families on the train and gives a special gift to all kids ages 11 and under. READ MORE

Cape May Seashore Lines Santa Express

Select dates from November 30 - December 22, 2024
Tuckahoe, NJ
Take a ride on the train at Cape May Seashore Lines with Santa 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 29 - December 29, 2024
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 at the Delaware River Railroad

Fridays - Sundays from November 29 - December 22, 2024
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 29 - December 24, 2024
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 29 - December 23, 2024
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 7 & 8, 2024
Kempton, PA
From 11am to 3pm, 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 29 - December 1, 2024
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. Old-fashioned Edison lights illuminate the way around the grove.  READ MORE

Christmas Tree Train at West Chester Railroad

Sundays from December 1 - December 15, 2024
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 6, 2024
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 (Strasburg Rail Road)

Select dates December 6 - 23, 2024
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 6 - 30, 2024
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

Snowflake Special Train Excursion

December 26 - 29, 2024
Boyertown
Climb aboard the train for a two-hour ride and watch the snowy world go by on a journey through the Secret Valley. The trip departs and arrives in Boyertown, Pennsylvania.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

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