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Holiday Trains Are F
Trains became synonymous with Christmas as a means of travel during the Golden Age of railroading. Today, volunteers and spirited enthusiasts keep the flywheels turning on independent railways for the entertainment of locals and tourists. There has been a resurgence of interest in recreational train travel on small rail lines, which has spurred everything from murder mystery dinners on the tracks to luxury wine pairings through scenic countrysides. Beginning in November and up until Christmas Day, many railroads—especially in Pennsylvania—invite guests to climb aboard a holiday train for some old-fashioned, wholesome fun. Pennsylvania offers “the most prolific collection of railroad attractions throughout the country,” says American-Rails.com.
Strasburg Railroad
The most recognizable name in PA trains is the Strasburg Railroad. For the holidays the railroad in Amish Country runs four trains—Santa’s Paradise Express, Night Before Christmas Train, Santa Claus Limited, and a Christmas Tree -128- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ December, 2023
Train—at various times and days. Ronks, PA www.strasburgrailroad.com/
Stewartstown Railroad
Holiday trains are food drives at Stewartstown Railroad, including the Santa Claus Express, The Grinch Express, and the Ice Princess Special—children are invited to dress up as their favorite princess for photos with the Ice Queen, the Ice Princess, and the Ice Harvester. Let it go and sing along! Stewartstown, PA https://stewartstownrailroadco.com/ Northern Central Railway A replica Civil Warera steam locomotive or mid-20th century diesel locomotive is decked out for the holidays for the Santa Express, a leisurely trip from New Freedom to Glen Rock. For one night only the trains become the Glen Rock Carolers Special. 2 W Main St, New Freedom, PA 17349; https:// www.northerncentralrailway.com/ Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad The round-trip Santa Claus Special runs select weekends from Minersville, Tamaqua, and
