Project 113’s locomotive will pull Schuylkill County’s only steam-powered Santa trains in December

Steam-powered Santa trains will operate from Minersville on two days this year: Saturday, the 11th of December, and Sunday, the 12th of December. Three trips each day will travel from the Minersville Station to south of Schuylkill Haven and back, a fifteen-mile, 70-minute round-trip, with departures at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 and 3:30 p.m. Santa rides every train and talks with every child!

Railway Restoration Project 113 maintains and operates the steam locomotive that pulls the trains – Schuylkill County’s only steampowered Santa trains in 2021 – and the Reading & Northern Railroad provides the coaches.

Tickets cost $17 for every person 12 years old and up and $9 for every child 3-11; those under 3 ride free. Every rider of every age requires a ticket.

Families and anyone else wishing to ride may order their tickets by sending a check, made out to Project 113, to Project 113 Santa Train, 113 East Sunbury Street, Minersville PA 17954. Please indicate the date and time of the train you wish to ride, how many adult tickets, how many children’s tickets, and how many free tickets. Ticket orders must also come with a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Project 113 does not accept reservations and does not accept credit cards.

Tickets also go on sale at the Minersville Borough Building, 2 East Sunbury Street, office hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday. The borough likewise accepts cash or check only, with no credit card sales.

On the days of the trips, riders must park at the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit/Schuylkill Technology Center at 17 Maple Avenue, Pottsville (a mile south of Minersville), and ride buses to the Minersville station. Please arrive at the parking area at least 45 minutes ahead of train time. For directions, please visit RRProject113. org/parking-directions.

Project 113 will gladly answer questions at 570-544-8300.

With the cooperation of partner Reading & Northern, anthracite burning locomotive #113, built in 1923, powers passenger excursions from Minersville a few times each year, offering affordable, familyfriendly opportunities to experience the golden age of train travel. A 501(c) (3) non-profit, Project 113 works to preserve the history of railroading in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, thanks to the generous donations of individuals, corporations, and foundations from throughout the county and throughout the United States. The locomotive, a rolling ambassador from times past, brings our region’s history to life. For more information, visit RRProject113.org.