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Best Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near Philadelphia (2025 Guide for Families)

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
10/17/25 - By Kristen Sullivan

Everyone loves a good Polar Express train ride! There's something about Christmas trains that evokes the spirit of the holidays and makes visits with Santa even more fun. So we've rounded up all the railroads hosting Polar Express trains and holiday 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 family Christmas activities 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.

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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 on the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad

Select dates from November 15 to December 30, 2025
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 12 to December 19, 2025
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 22 to December 21, 2025
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

Select dates from November 15 to December 24, 2025
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 29 to Tuesday, December 23, 2025
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 85-minute ride.  READ MORE

Santa's Steam Spectacular

Select dates from November 28 to December 28, 2025
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 to Sundays from November 28 to December 21, 2025
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

Select dates from November 28 to December 24, 2025
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

Select dates from November 28 to December 24, 2025
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 6 & 7, 2025
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 West Chester Railroad

Sundays from November 30 to December 14, 2025
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 5, 2025
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 November 28 to December 23, 2025
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 all guests receive a complimentary milk and cookie. READ MORE

Holiday Lights Express at Wilmington & Western Railroad

Select dates December 4 to December 31, 2025
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

Select dates December 27 to December 30, 2025
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