While you probably have seasonal markets and Christmas lights on your holiday to-do list, don’t miss out on one of the most festive activities of the season — a holiday train ride. Whether you’re looking to meet Santa, grab your Christmas tree, or see what it would be like to ride The Polar Express, you can find it just a short drive from NoVA. Here are five holiday train rides that’ll help get you in the Christmas spirit.
The Polar Express Train Ride
Various dates from November 24–December 24
2 hours 7 minutes from Dulles
Climb aboard one of the most famous fictional trains to ever exist. Cozy up in your seat with a cup of the hot chocolate and a cookie as you enjoy a reading of The Polar Express along with all of the singing and dancing while traveling along the scenic railway. All riders on the one-hour ride will go home with a commemorative silver sleigh bell. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad: 13 Canal St., Cumberland, Maryland, $40–$500
Strasburg Rail Road
November 24–26 and Saturdays and Sundays from December 2–24
2 hours 30 minutes from Dulles
With four different festive rides, the Strasburg Rail Road is a holiday train ride for all ages and interests. For over 60 years, Santa’s Paradise Express has wowed little ones and their families. Get a picture with Santa, meet Mrs. Claus, enjoy carols from professional musicians, and visit the Christmas Market. Additional train rides include Santa Claus Limited, Night Before Christmas, and the Christmas Tree Train. 301 Gap Rd., Ronks, Pennsylvania, $20–$695
Reindeer Railway Train Rides
Various dates from November 30–December 31
1 hour 3 minutes from Dulles
Get in the holiday spirit with a ride on the Reindeer Railway. The daytime ride will be decked out in holiday decor as you take a trip down the country’s first mile of commercial railroad. The museum will hold an evening Reindeer Railway ride (December 26 and 28) and a Polar Express train ride throughout the holiday season. Tickets can be purchased at the museum. B&O Railroad Museum: 901 W. Pratt St., Baltimore, Maryland $4 for children ages 2–12, $5 for adults, free for B&O members
VRE Santa Train Rides
December 9, times vary
27 minutes from Dulles
The VRE is welcoming a very special guest this holiday season — the big man himself. Join Santa Claus and his friends for a festive ride around NoVA. His helpers will also be on hand, handing out sweet candy canes, coloring books, and other festive gifts. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 27. Burke Centre, Fredericksburg, Manassas, Spotsylvania, and Woodbridge, $5 for cash or check, $6 for credit card
West Chester Railroad
Various dates through December 17
2 hours 38 minutes from Dulles
St. Nick is inviting all of the good girls and boys aboard Santa’s Express. The 75-minute ride includes a meeting with Santa, festive decor, and live entertainment. The railroad also features a Christmas Tree Train. This ride drops passengers off at the Wiggins Tree Farm where you can explore the fields and cut down the family tree. Once it’s tagged, head back to the train for the ride back to West Chester. 230 E. Market St., West Chester, Pennsylvania, Santa’s Express: $10 for toddlers (9 months–23 months), $25 for children ages 2–12, $35 for adults, Christmas Tree Train: $20 for children 2–12, $30 for adults
Feature image by Finn/stock.adobe.com
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