When children’s author and illustrator Chris Van Allsburg published The Polar Express in 1985, he likely had no idea his little book would one day turn into a blockbuster holiday film starring Tom Hanks or a seasonal themed train ride for families across the country.
For some, hopping on at least one Polar Express train ride is as much a part of the overall Christmas experience as decorating a Christmas tree or swapping presents with loved ones. (Tip: Check out our 27 Gifts For Train Lovers for Christmas gift ideas.)
Fortunately for us, we’re deep inside train country, and there’s no shortage of holiday train rides in PA.
Read our full blog to learn more!
Table of Contents
What Is A Polar Express Train Ride?
Polar Express Train Rides In PA
Other Holiday-Themed Train Rides In PA
What’s the Difference Between A Polar Express Train Ride and A Santa Express Train Ride?
Get Close to Even More Trains At The Station Inn
What Is A Polar Express Train Ride?
Done well, a Polar Express train ride brings the original book to life. It is, at its core, a live, theatrical recreation of the book and film that transports passengers to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. Expect cookies, hot chocolate, and a live reading of the book along the way!
Related Reading: Steam Locomotive Train Rides In Pennsylvania
Polar Express Train Rides In PA
Believe it or not, there actually aren’t any authentic Polar Express train rides in Pennsylvania, but there are three very close by in bordering states:
1. Delaware River Railroad Excursions
Address: 99 Elizabeth St, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
About: Each year, Delaware River Railroad Excursions announces its much-anticipated Polar Express train ride. Although it’s located in Phillipsburg, NJ, and is part of the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton metro area, it’s also a relatively short distance from both New York City and Philadelphia.
So, if you venture to Phillipsburg to enjoy this train ride, consider exploring some of the nearby attractions!
2. Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
Address: 400 Center St, Dennison, OH 44621
About: The Dennison Railroad Depot Museum is a National Historic Landmark—thanks to its importance in transporting 1.3 million service members during WWII. Today, its historical status and architecture make it the perfect atmosphere for starting your Polar Express train ride (and it’s especially lovely if you’re a fellow railfan, like us).
3. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Address: 13 Canal St, Cumberland, MD 21502
About: Situated in Cumberland, MD, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is only about an hour from our railroad-themed B&B in Cresson, PA. With its mountainous, wooded terrain, this railroad offers a special ambiance on your journey! (And there is often a “bar” car for the parents!)
Other Holiday-Themed Train Rides In PA
If you can’t make it out of the state for a licensed Polar Express train ride, you could settle for one of the popular holiday train rides in PA. Here are some of our favorite alternatives to the genuine Polar Express:
1. Everett Railroad: Santa Express
Address: 244 Pullman Dr, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
About: Less than 20 minutes from our front porch in Cresson, you’ll find the Everett Railroad’s Santa Express—a magical evening of hot cocoa, cookies, Santa, and Christmas cheer. Combined with the view of the winter countryside, you’ll have an evening of timeless family fun!
2. Colebrookdale Railroad: Santa’s Polar Bear Express
Address: 64 S Washington St, Boyertown, PA 19512
About: There’s something magical about that old-time train interior on the real Polar Express, and Colebrookdale Railroad nearly matches it with its Victorian charm on Santa’s Polar Bear Express. Be sure to bring your Christmas list; Santa is going to collect them!
3. Lehigh Gorge Railway: Santa Claus Special
Address: 1 Susquehanna St, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
About: If you’ve never visited Jim Thorpe, you’re missing out on one of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful gems. Plus, the Santa Claus Special is your opportunity to hang out with Mr. and Mrs. Claus while overlooking the Lehigh River.
4. Ma and Pa Railroad: Christmas City Express
Address: 1258 Muddy Creek Forks Rd, Airville, PA 17302
About: Ma and Pa Railroad’s Christmas City Express leans into storytelling, transporting riders back 100 years through a holiday tale set in Muddy Creek Forks. Before and after the ride, families can enjoy crafts, carols, and cocoa—and, of course, a visit from Santa.
5. New Hope Railroad: Santa’s Steam Train Express
Address: 32 W Bridge St, New Hope, PA 18938
About: New Hope Railroad brings the holiday nostalgia full force with roaming musicians, cocoa, cookies, Santa, and Mrs. Claus aboard their steam-powered Christmas rides. Be sure to check Santa’s Steam Train Express schedule ahead of time.
6. Northern Central Railway: Santa Express
Address: 117 N Front St, New Freedom, PA 17349
About: Northern Central Railway’s Santa Express mixes small-town charm with Christmas wonder. Enjoy a festive ride to Glen Rock, complete with gifts and photos with Santa. Afterward, warm up with cocoa, cookies, and live music—or join the Elves Express for some mischievous holiday storytelling.
7. Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad: Santa Train
Address: 409 S Perry St, Titusville, PA 16354
About: Oil Creek & Titusville’s Santa Train feels like a classic Christmas evening—carolers onboard, hot chocolate and cookies, and Santa greeting riders throughout the journey.
8. Pennsylvania Trolley Museum: Santa Trolley
Address: 1 Electric Wy, Washington, PA 15301
About: For a holiday experience with a vintage twist, ride the beautifully restored streetcars at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. Santa joins the journey, hot cocoa flows freely, and the massive LEGO layout in the Visitor Center is worth the trip all on its own.
9. The Stourbridge Line: Santa Christmas Tree Express
Address: 812 Main St, Honesdale, PA 18431
About: The Santa Christmas Tree Express takes riders to a real Christmas tree farm, making it feel like a mini holiday adventure. Travelers can sip hot chocolate, meet Santa, and even bring home a fresh fir—truly a Christmas outing wrapped neatly in a train ride.
10. Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad: Santa Claus Express
Address: 42 Community Center Dr, Kempton, PA 19529
About: If you prefer your Christmas rides with a cast of characters, WK&S has you covered with the Santa Claus Express. Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty, and the elves greet families aboard the Santa Claus Express, followed by a charming model train display.
11. West Chester Railroad: Santa’s Express
Address: 230 E Market St, West Chester, PA 19382
About: If you’re craving a classic Christmas ride, West Chester Railroad’s Santa’s Express checks every box: decorated cars, live entertainment, and plenty of time with Santa. Families can even ride to Wiggins Tree Farm to pick the perfect Christmas tree right off the lot.
Related Reading: Christmas Train Rides Near Pittsburgh
What’s the Difference Between A Polar Express Train Ride and A Santa Express Train Ride?
If you’re deciding between whether to hop on a genuine Polar Express experience or a “generic” Santa Express ride, the question really comes to this: What are you looking for?
A Polar Express train ride is a licensed experience that follows the book and film. But a Santa Express train ride is a non-licensed version without the same flair as the original. That said, the Santa Express train rides can be equally fun in their own way—but it’s important to know what to expect on your journey!
Get Close to Even More Trains At The Station Inn
We can’t offer you Christmas-themed train rides at The Station Inn, but we can offer you a stay at our railroad-themed B&B, only an hour and a half from Downtown Pittsburgh!
Enjoy a delicious breakfast with fellow railfans before overlooking multiple active Norfolk Southern train lines—or venture out to historic railroad towns like Altoona and Johnstown, or check out the famous Horseshoe Curve.
Book a room today to get started!