There’s nothing quite as magical as a train ride at Christmas time.
Perhaps that’s why Polar Express train rides have become so popular all over the country—and why so many non-licensed alternatives have sprung up to join the fun!
We’ve got you covered. There are tons of Christmas-themed train rides near Pittsburgh, and we’ve rounded them up to make your holidays more enjoyable than ever.
Related Reading: Steam Locomotive Train Rides In Pennsylvania
7 Christmas Train Rides Near Pittsburgh
Western PA and the surrounding areas are dotted with terrific train destinations. We’ve listed the seven best right here, organizing them based on drive time distance:
1. Holiday Lights Trolley: BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley
Address: 261 N Shore Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Distance From Pittsburgh: N/A (0 miles)
About: OK, we’re cheating a little here: This isn’t a true train ride or even a real trolley—but it sure does look and feel like one!
The BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley is a party on wheels. This three-hour tour features stops at major Pittsburgh destinations while getting you up close to the city’s beautiful holiday decorations. Plus, enjoy music, trivia, and prizes on your adults-only, BYOB trolley!
2. Molly’s Trolleys: Holiday Nights, Lights, and Sights Trolley Ride
Address: Pittsburgh Strip District
Distance From Pittsburgh: N/A (0 miles)
About: You caught us! Once again, this isn’t a genuine train, but it’s still a fun night out in Pittsburgh. Here’s what’s in store:
Enjoy an evening excursion crisscrossing Pittsburgh on a 1920s-style trolley. These adult-only, BYOB rides feature brief stops at the Market Square holiday market and the U.S. Steel Tower’s nativity scene—plus plenty of sightseeing along the way. Grab your Holiday Nights, Lights, and Sights tickets today!
3. Pennsylvania Trolley Museum: Santa Trolley
Address: 1 Electric Wy, Washington, PA 15301
Distance From Pittsburgh: 27 miles (about 30 minutes)
About: Step back in time at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, where the Santa Trolley blends Christmas magic with vintage streetcar charm. Families board beautifully restored trolleys, sip hot cocoa, and share plenty of laughs with Santa and his helpers as they glide down the rails.
The trip ends at the museum’s Visitor Center, where the massive LEGO layout—built by Steel City LUG—steals the show for kids and adults alike. If you love historic equipment, holiday lights, and a little Pittsburgh-area nostalgia, this is a can’t-miss December outing.
4. Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
Address: 400 Center St, Dennison, OH 44621
Distance From Pittsburgh: 84 miles (about 1 hour, 30 minutes)
About: The Dennison Railroad Depot Museum is more than a place to catch a holiday train—it’s a National Historic Landmark with a story worth hearing. Once known as the “Dreamsville, USA” canteen during WWII, the depot served 1.3 million service members and earned a reputation for warmth, hospitality, and home-cooked comfort.
Today, its preserved architecture and immersive exhibits create an unforgettable backdrop for a Polar Express-style journey. Railfans will appreciate the authenticity; families will love the nostalgia; everyone will walk away feeling like they stepped into a living piece of railroad history.
5. Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad: Santa Train
Address: 409 S Perry St, Titusville, PA 16354
Distance From Pittsburgh: 105 miles (about 1 hour, 44 minutes)
About: Oil Creek & Titusville’s Santa Train captures everything we love about old-fashioned holiday railroading. The route winds through Oil Creek Valley—woods, hills, and winter scenery included—while families enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and cheerful visits from Santa himself.
Local carolers hop aboard to keep the soundtrack festive, and the cozy vintage coaches make the whole experience feel like a holiday postcard brought to life. After the ride, train lovers can browse the gift shop for railroad memorabilia, ornaments, and stocking stuffers that feel straight out of a small-town Christmas movie.
Related Reading: 27 Gifts For Train Lovers
6. Everett Railroad Santa Express
Address: 244 Pullman Drive, Hollidaysburg, PA
Distance From Pittsburgh: 92 miles (about 1 hour, 45 minutes)
About: The Everett Railroad Santa Express is pure holiday magic wrapped inside a steam-powered winter adventure. Families climb aboard a vintage locomotive for a leisurely ride through the snow-covered countryside before meeting Santa in person. Kids receive a small gift, and everyone gets warm cookies and cocoa—because what’s a Christmas train without them?
The Everett Railroad has mastered that blend of charm, authenticity, and nostalgia that makes a holiday ride feel genuinely special. For many families in central Pennsylvania, this trip isn’t just fun—it’s an annual tradition.
7. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Address: 13 Canal St, Cumberland, MD 21502
Distance From Pittsburgh: 106 miles (about 1 hour, 50 minutes)
About: Western Maryland Scenic Railroad delivers one of the most atmospheric winter rides in the region. Departing from historic Cumberland, the journey winds through rugged mountains, forested hillsides, and deep valleys—scenery that feels tailor-made for a Christmas adventure.
Their seasonal trains often feature holiday music, festive coaches, and appearances from Santa, all powered by the railroad’s impressive steam locomotive when conditions allow. If you’re staying at The Station Inn in Cresson, this is an easy day trip—and one of the most photogenic holiday rides you’ll find within two hours of Pittsburgh.
Find Even More Train Thrills In Cresson, PA
We can’t offer you Christmas-themed train rides, but we can offer you a stay at our railroad-themed B&B, only an hour and a half from Downtown Pittsburgh! Here, you’ll overlook multiple active Norfolk Southern train lines, and you’ll be a quick drive away from the historic railroad towns of Altoona and Johnstown.
Book a room today to get started!