Holiday Trains in Strasburg, PA

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Celebrate the holiday season as the Choo Choo Barn transforms Traintown USA to bring the magic of Christmas to its gigantic model train display. Homes, businesses and attractions along the tracks have decked their halls to share the holiday spirit with the public from November 29 to January 5, 2014.

As 22 moving trains travel the massive, 1,700 sq. ft. model train extravaganza, visitors can search for the 52 hidden Santas and watch as Santa’s sleigh flies above the 150 hand-built animations that delight spectators. Enjoy the holiday decorations throughout the display including holiday lights and the snow-covered landscape. Plus, take a close look at the zoo animals in Traintown to see how they’re celebrating the season.

The Choo Choo Barn is located along Route 741 East in Strasburg, PA. The display is open daily from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., now through January 5, 2014. (Display closed November 27, 28, December 25 and Jan. 1) Admission price is $7 for adults and $4 for children ages 3-11. For more information and to learn about group rates, please call (717) 687-7911 or visit www.choochoobarn.com. For more details and updates on the 2013 season, check out Choo Choo Barn on Facebook: www.facebook.com/choochoobarn.

The Night Before Christmas Train returns to Strasburg Rail Road this holiday season, giving families a one-of-a-kind Christmas celebration. This nighttime train ride recreates the excitement and anticipation of Christmas Eve and the spirit of giving. Departing Friday evenings in December at 7 p.m.

Dressed in PJs or holiday best, children snuggle onboard with their families enjoying milk and cookies and the warmth of the potbelly stoves. As the train travels, readers dressed in a Victorian nightshirt and cap delight the children with the holiday classic, The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore.

At the station, the fun continues with more old time holiday storybook readings in the quaint, heated Caboose (stationary). Families can also enjoy the Tinsel Trolley ride (a self-propelled motor car), a warm, fun trip down the tracks, all included in the ticket price. The Night Before Christmas Train runs December 6, 13 and 20 at 7 p.m. (For families wanting to meet Santa aboard the train, Santa’s Paradise Express will chug along the tracks November 29-30, December 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21 and 22, 2013.)

In the spirit of giving, families are invited to bring a new pair of pajamas to be donated to Water Street Ministries. Just by attending this event families will help men, women and children who are in need in Lancaster County. Five dollars from every ticket will support the work of Water Street Ministries. In 2012 the Night Before Christmas Train helped raise $5,900 to benefit the mission of Water Street Ministries. To learn more about the organization, visit http://www.waterstreetministries.org

*Special thanks to Turkey Hill Dairy and Hershey Farm Restaurant & Inn, in-kind sponsors of the Night Before Christmas Train.

What: The Night Before Christmas Train at Strasburg Rail Road

When: Friday December 6, 13 and 20 at 7:00 pm

Where: Strasburg Rail Road

Rt. 741 East, Strasburg, PA

Information: http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/the-night-before-christmas-train.php

Tickets: Coach tickets – $17 for adults, $11 for children ages 3-11, and $3 for kids 3 and under. ($5 from every ticket goes to charity).

For information please visit www.StrasburgRailRoad.com.

Strasburg Rail Road welcomes Santa to the station for a very special holiday train event, Santa’s Paradise Express.Kicking off on Thanksgiving weekend, families can join Santa on his journey to spread the magic of the season and to bring a smile to every child. This year, Santa’s Paradise Express will chug along the tracks November 29-30, December 1, 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22, 2013.

Children enjoy a 45-minute train ride as Santa, carolers and musicians stroll from car-to-car on the journey to Paradise, PA, and back. Santa greets each child aboard the train and gives them a train-themed gift (for children ages 3 to 11). The holiday festivities continue on the platform of the East Strasburg Station as the air is filled with sounds of the season and holiday decorations adorn the station.

After the train ride, children are treated to old time holiday storybook readings in the caboose at the station. Families can also enjoy the Tinsel Trolley ride (a self-propelled motor car), a warm, fun trip down the tracks, all included in the ticket price. For families who enjoy an evening train, Strasburg Rail Road offers the Night Before Christmas Train on December 6,13 and 20 at 7 p.m. This nighttime train recreates the excitement and anticipation of Christmas Eve and the spirit of giving.

Coach tickets are priced at $17 for adults, $11 for children ages 3-11, and $3 for kids 3 and under. For a complete listing of dates and times, or to purchase tickets go to www.StrasburgRailRoad.com or call (717) 687-7522. Follow us on Twitter @StrasburgRR or Like us on Facebook.com/StrasburgRailRoad for updates and special offers.