Updated December 7, 2022. The ringing of the silver sleigh bell in The Polar Express is a sound a child never forgets. This year, board a nearby train for the ultimate holiday experience. You and the kids can meet Santa, pick out a Christmas tree, and cozy up with some hot chocolate on the ride. It will surely be a trip for everyone.
B&O’s Reindeer Railway and Polar Express
Est. 60 miles, 1.5 hours from NoVA
If you’re looking for a wide array of train-themed holiday fun, B&O has plenty to offer. On the reindeer railway, kids can take a ride on a decorated train through the first mile of commercial railway and receive a free pair of festive reindeer antlers. For a more immersive experience, families can hop on the Polar Express for a live performance of the family-favorite film, complete with a chance to meet Santa and receive their first gift of Christmas. B&O Railroad Museum: 901 W. Pratt St., Baltimore, Maryland; prices vary by event
The Polar Express Train Ride
Est. 130 miles, 2.5 hours from NoVA
Bring the magic of the holiday classic to life by taking your family on Maryland’s own Polar Express train ride. Every guest will receive the famous silver “sleigh bell,” known best from the picture book and animated film, as well as a cup of hot chocolate, cookies, on-train entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus himself. Leave with your “punched” ticket from the train conductor and make holiday memories that will last a lifetime. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad: 13 Canal St., Cumberland, Maryland; tickets start at $35
Strasburg Rail Road
Est. 120 miles, 3 hours from NoVA
There are four ways to celebrate the holiday season on wheels with Strasburg Rail Road this year. Santa’s Paradise Express welcomes passengers of all ages for a magical steam train experience, with a visit from the big man himself. The Night Before Christmas train is the perfect way to get your kids extra excited for Christmas Eve, where they can learn about Christmas past and much more. Strasburg also hosts a Christmas-tree train (where attendees can hop on, pick out their tree, and head back home), and a Christmas feast, where guests enjoy a robust meal on the Night Before Christmas ride. Be sure to get your tickets before it’s too late. Strasburg Rail Road: 301 Gap Road, Ronks, Pennsylvania; tickets start at $20, prices vary by event
West Chester Railroad Christmas Tree Ride
Est. 150 miles, 3 hours from NoVA
A new year means a new Christmas tree. Create a new tradition by taking a ride on the Christmas Tree Train with West Chester Railroad. The train will depart the station at 8 a.m. and take passengers to Wiggins Tree Farm to pick, cut, and load their trees onto the train, then head back home with their very own handpicked tree to decorate and enjoy. Hot chocolate and other treats will be available for sale during the ride.
If you’ve already got your tree, the West Chester Railroad also runs Santa’s Express, a 75-minute train ride through the Chester Creek Valley, where Santa will meet with each passenger. Tickets sell out fast, but a waiting list is available for same-day walk-up sales. West Chester Railroad: 230 E. Market St., West Chester, Pennsylvania; $25 adult, $17 children 12 and under; trees sold separately for $80
Santa Express by Old Dominion Chapter National Railway Historical Society
Est. 150 miles, 3.5 hours from Northern Virginia
This 45-minute excursion is designed for kids and families to have fun and enjoy the holiday spirit. Catch the train on the Buckingham Branch Railroad, where Santa will spread the joy of the season to children from near and far. Santa will greet every child on the train, and everyone is sure to enjoy the singing conductor. All seats are on a first-come, first-served basis, but you’ll want to grab your tickets early as several of the time slots for the Santa Express have sold out or are dwindling fast. Old Dominion Railroad Excursions: 1063 Main St., Dilwyn; $30
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