Strasburg Rail Road – Santa and Night Before Christmas Train

Disclosure: In any review for a product or service, products or compensation may have been provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” and "Terms of Use" tabs for more information.

Does your little one (or big one, or husband?) love trains as much as mine does? If they do, then you will want to make sure that at some point, you take the time to visit the Strasburg Railroad.
Recognized as one of the most significant historic railroads in the USA, the Strasburg Railroad has acquired historic trains from all over the country, and recently celebrated operating for 50 years as a tourist railroad.

It is in a beautiful location, with lovely views and rolling landscapes. You will feel as though you stepped back in time from the minute you arrive- from the sharply dressed conductors and train operators, to the ticket sales window where you will purchase your passes, all decorated for the holidays.

Jolly Old St. Nick is at Strasburg Rail Road Saturdays and Sundays through December 16 for the holiday tradition: Santa’s Paradise Express. Families will relax on the 45-minute ride as Santa, his helper and musicians stroll from car-to-car, greeting and entertaining children of all ages. After the train ride, children are treated to storybook readings of holiday classics. Children ages 3 to 11 also receive a gift from Santa and his helper. Carolers will tour each train car singing much loved holiday classics.

Also on site is the Cagney Steam Train (a mini train), the Tinsel Trolly- the oldest operating in the USA, have a holiday book read to them in a heated (sedentary) car, and give your kids a go on the little Cranky Cars and wear them out before your ride home or to the hotel.

We took the kids over for a ride on the “Santa Train”, where Old Saint Nick makes a visit to the railroad and joins junior for a photo and a gift for your kids. Needless to say, my son had a great time and loved riding a train with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Strasburg Railroad has so many exciting special events, from a wine and cheese train for mom and dad, to a Day Out With Thomas for the kids to meet their favorite little blue engine. Kids can even celebrate their birthday at the Railroad!

Also on site is a Thomas the Train toy shop, and just across the road is the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, as well as the Choo Choo Barn and adorable train shops- for both the serious collector and young enthusiast. If you get hungry, there is a diner on site and also a deli across the street at the Choo Choo Barn strip mall.