Ride the Trains this Holiday Season 2025!

Looking for something special to do with the kids this holiday season? Why not hop aboard one of the many Santa trains throughout the greater New Jersey area. These Christmas and holiday trains are fun for both children and adults. Meeting Santa Claus and his helpers is one of the many highlights of the ride. So don't forget to buy your train tickets in advance.

The Polar Express Train Ride At Whippany Railway

Through December 30, 2025. Relive the magic of the classic holiday story Polar Express on a one-hour train ride. Listen to a story reading, enjoy hot chocolate & short bread. Santa will meet families. Buy tickets online. 1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany, NJ.

The Polar Express Train Ride at Delaware River Railroad Excursions

November 28, 2025 - December 21, 2025t. Get whisked away on a magical 1.5 hour train ride, meet Santa, and listen to classic book The Polar Express. Each guest receives a silver sleigh bell. Buy tickets online. 34 Market St, Phillipsburg.

Ride with Santa! in Wayne NJ

Saturday, December 13, 2025, check website for details. Sponsored by the Tri-State Railway Historical Society. This ride is 1 hour of fun aboard a NJ Transit train. Each child will meet Santa. Train times: 9AM, 11AM, 1PM, 3PM. Buy tickets online. Board at the Wayne/Route 23 Transit Center.

The Santa Express - Cape May Seashore Lines

November - December 2025, select dates. Take a fun 85 minute Santa Express train ride, meet Santa Claus and his helpers. Santa visits with each child, young and old. Buy tickets early. Departing from Richland Village or Tuckahoe in Cape May, NJ, seashorelines.org

DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express

 Select Dates November - December 2025. Enjoy a magical train ride through Christmas lights. Meet and Greet with Santa and his elves in his Workshop with a free photo-op. Also enjoy a walkthrough holiday village. Purchase tickets online. 1151 S White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ.

Santa’s North Pole Express Train At New Hope Railroad

November 16 - December 30, 2025, select dates. All Aboard a vintage diesel locomotive! Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Santa's helpers for a 1 hour North Pole Express train ride through historic Bucks County on the way to the North Pole. Tickets available online. 32 West Bridge St, New Hope, PA, newhoperailroad.com (also available: Santa’s Steam Train Ride)

Strasburg Rail Road Christmas Trains

November - December 2025. A tradition for generations. Christmas at Strasburg Rail Road in Lancaster PA features several special holiday train rides. Advanced tickets available online. 301 Gap Road, Ronks, PA.

• Santa's Paradise Express offers a magical 45 minute steam train ride. Santa Claus will be aboard to greet families. Small gift for kids ages 11 & under.

• The Night Before Christmas Train ride recreates the excitement and anticipation of Christmas Eve. Milk and a cookie for each guest.

• Santa Claus Limited is a day time 45 minute ride aboard 100 year old decorated train cars. Children and their families will see Santa.

Read more at NJ Kids