Celebrate the Season with a Holiday Excursion
Embrace the beauty of Northeastern Pennsylvania this winter by hopping aboard a scenic train ride. These rail excursions offer a unique way to experience our region’s breathtaking landscapes, with a touch of holiday magic. From the comfort of cozy locomotive cars, you’ll witness snow-dusted forests and charming towns decked out with festive decorations.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing or simply a relaxing winter adventure, these local train rides offer something for everyone.
Nov. 30 & Dec. 1 – Bloomsburg, PA
The North Pole Express is a family tradition in Bloomsburg held annually during Thanksgiving weekend. Enjoy a 1-hour train ride from Bloomsburg to Catawissa with holiday stories, carols, and characters! There’s multiple departure times each day, so be sure to check the schedule.
Learn More
Daily Until Dec. 23 – Jim Thorpe, PA
Santa will be trading in his sleigh to ride aboard the Leigh Gorge Scenic Railway. With three departures daily until Christmas Eve, there’s plenty of chances for you to see the big man on this Santa Claus Train Ride. Enjoy listening to holiday music while riding in the toasty, warm coaches as Santa visits each child (and the young at heart).
Learn More
Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 – Scranton, PA
Celebrate the holiday season with a scenic ride at the Steamtown National Historic Site with the Holiday Express: Steamtown Excursion to Moscow! Take a trip through the woods to the Moscow Station to enjoy some holiday festivities. It’s sure to be a fun time for the entire family!
Learn More
Various Dates Until Dec. 22 – Honesdale, PA
Hop on the Santa Christmas Tree Express for a cozy holiday train ride on The Stourbridge Line! Enjoy a visit with Santa and complimentary hot chocolate, with time designated for picking out a pre-cut tree. Watch as your tree is baled, tagged, and loaded onto a flat car for the return journey. Back at the station, the crew will unload your tree, ready for you to take home.
Learn More
Nov. 30 & Dec. 1 – Tunkhannock, PA
Santa and his train will be visiting Riverside Park this holiday season on the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad! Enjoy holiday music, photo ops, and more on this Santa Claus Special. There are three departure times on both Saturday and Sunday for this exciting 80-minute excursion.
Learn More
Nov. 30 & Dec. 1 – Nesquehoning, PA
Santa and his train will be making three stops per day at the Nesquehoning Station on the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad. Take your pick between three different coach options as Santa makes his rounds. Get your cameras ready to capture the magic!
Learn More
Dec. 1 – Pittston, PA
Start the holidays off with aboard The Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad. This private excursion from Pittston to historic Jim Thorpe benefiting The Mayor Cusat’s Hazleton Revitalization Fund! Enjoy a few hours on your own in Jim Thorpe shopping, sightseeing, dining and more.
Learn More
Various Dates Until Dec. 23 – Pittston, PA
Don’t miss Santa at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Regional Railroad Station on select days throughout December! Listen to holiday music while riding in the warm coaches on the The Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad during this Santa Claus Special.
Learn More
Dec. 6 – Honesdale, PA
The Ronald McDonald House of Scranton will be hosting their third annual “Merry & Bright Family Night”, an evening on the Stourbridge Line! This evening train ride will kick off the season centered around the wonder of Christmas and family togetherness.
Learn More
Dec. 7 & Dec. 8 – Tamaqua, PA
Santa’s train will be rolling into the Tamaqua Train Station this holiday season on The Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad! Enjoy festive music while Santa visits each child during this Santa Claus Special. Get ready to soak up the magic on this 80-minute round-trip adventure.
Learn More
Dec. 14 & 15 – Minersville, PA
All aboard at the Minersville Station for a Santa Train! This special trip will run from Minersville to Schuylkill Haven and back at 10:30AM, 1:00PM, and 3:30PM each day. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Learn More
Every Sat & Sun Until Dec. 22 – Scranton, PA
Get into the holiday spirit by joining Santa at the Steamtown National Historic Site! This hour-long holiday trip through’s Scranton Yards and Nay Aug Park gives Santa plenty of time to visit each family. Keep an eye out for multiple departure times.
Learn More
Fri-Sun Until Dec. 22 – Ashland, PA
Board the 1927 Steam locomotive for a magical 45-minute round trip journey with the Grinch! The Destination is Santa’s Retreat, where you will find Mr. & Mrs. Claus ready to meet you. Check their departure schedule for times and availability.
Learn More
Dec. 26-29 – Jim Thorpe, PA
Meet a snowman, reindeer, and other winter characters when you climb onboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway for a Winter Character Train Ride! This team of characters take center stage to entertain during this 70-minute round trip. There’s multiple departure times daily for this special post-holiday event.
Learn More
There's no shortage of festive fun in NEPA. Check out our expansive events calendar for more things to do this holiday season!
Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 11/13/2024.
