All aboard! Holiday magic awaits on these six festive train rides in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. All within a three-hour drive from Northern Virginia, these family-friendly events provide little ones with a chance to meet Santa, enjoy cozy winter refreshments, and more, all from a real train.
B&O Railroad Museum’s Polar Express
November 28–December 23, Saturdays and Sundays
Drive time from Dulles: About 1 hour, 45 minutes
Dress in your coziest pajamas for a two-hour trip aboard the Polar Express. There will be a live performance of the hot chocolate song and dance from the movie, plus the opportunity to make crafts, enjoy s’mores, and take a photo with Santa. 1100 James St., Baltimore, tickets start around $50 for kids, $60 for adults
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad’s Polar Express
November 21–December 23
Drive time from Dulles: About 2 hours, 15 minutes
Don’t miss your chance to ride through Maryland to the North Pole. Passengers on this 60-minute excursion will enjoy hot cocoa and cookies on their ride and a reading of The Polar Express. Little ones get to meet with Santa Claus, and each guest leaves with a commemorative silver sleigh bell. 13 Canal St., Cumberland, Maryland, starting at $40
The Santa Express at the Virginia Scenic Railway
November 29–December 28, Tuesdays through Sundays
Drive time from Dulles: About 2 hours, 15 minutes (Staunton); About 1 hour, 40 minutes (Louisa)
Hop on a train from downtown Staunton to meet with jolly old St. Nick. The ride lasts around 60 minutes, on a train with table seating. Kids get the chance to meet Santa and take photos, and each passenger gets light refreshments. New in 2025, the train also offers rides from a new location in Louisa. 12 Middlebrook Ave., Staunton; 103 Church Ave., Louisa, $50–$65
Christmas in Coal Country at the East Broad Top Railroad
November 28–December 21, Fridays through Sundays
Drive time from Dulles: About 2.5 hours
Make your way to Pennsylvania for a chance to ride in a 107-year-old steam locomotive. The cars are heated by coal stoves on this one-hour drive, and Santa will visit each family and give kids a “coal-themed gift.” The ride also includes hot chocolate and a cookie. 421 Meadow St., Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania, tickets start around $22–$26 for kids, $28–$32 for adults
Christmas Experiences & Train Rides at the Strasburg Railroad
Through December 24, dates vary
Drive time from Dulles: About 3 hours
The Strasburg Railroad offers several variations of holiday train rides. Take Santa’s Paradise train to ride in a historic steam train, where kids can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, watch carolers, and give letters right to Santa. Other options include brunch trains and a premium Night Before Christmas train in restored Victorian coach cars. 301 Gap Rd., Ronks, Pennsylvania, tickets start around $29 for kids, $39 for adults
West Chester Railroad’s Santa Express and Christmas Tree Trains
Through December 22, dates vary
Drive time from Dulles: About 3 hours
The West Chester Railroad’s Santa Express runs for 75 minutes, taking passengers on a journey through Pennsylvania’s scenic Chester Creek Valley on Saturdays and Sundays. Santa will visit all passengers, so be sure to bring a holiday letter! Or, take the 8 a.m. Christmas Tree Train (available November 30, December 7, and 14) to Wiggins Tree Farm in West Chester to pick out your own tree (price not included) and enjoy coffee or hot cocoa on the way. Note that Santa does not ride on the Christmas Tree Train. 230 E. Market St., West Chester, Pennsylvania, tickets start around $30 for kids, $40 for adults
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
