themed gift. Rockhill Furnace, PA https://eastbroadtop.com/events/christmascoal-country/ Bellefonte Historical Railroad The 30-minute Sugar Plum Limited on the Budd rail diesel car travels along picturesque Spring Creek. The Candy Cane Express is a magical holiday journey with an appearance by Santa who provides a cookie and goodie bag for children on the nice list. Bellefonte, PA https://bellefontetrain.org/ Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad Weekends through December till Christmas Eve, the Polar Bear Express travels to the “North Pole” while The Conductor shares a special Christmas story. Santa boards with a gift for every child up to 11-years old. The Santa’s Surprise train runs through mid-month. Middletown, PA www.mhrailroad.com/ New Hope Railroad Santa’s Steam Train Ride takes guests, Santa, and Mrs. Claus on a magical adventure through the historic countryside of Bucks County. The one-hour, round-trip from New Hope to Lahaska can be enjoyed in platinum, first, or coach class cars. 32 West Bridge St, New Hope, PA 18938; https://www.newhoperailroad.com/ Electric City Trolley Museum Santa on the Trolley weekends run through December and kids can post letters to Santa onboard. In mid-December a Holiday Tea event with a trolley excursion, carols, and demonstration takes place plus a Special Holiday Celebration with the Grinch, Mrs. Claus, and a magician. Scranton, PA www.ectma.org/ Ma and Pa Railroad The Christmas City Express runs Saturdays and Sundays through early December with a dramatic reading of a -130- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ December, 2023
unique, local holiday story. Visitors will enjoy carols, create holiday decorations and crafts, and search for the pickle ornament. Santa will pose for photos. Airville, PA https://maandparailroad.com/ West Chester Railroad Due to its proximity to Philadelphia, Santa’s Express and the Christmas Tree Train often sell out prior to their first run
in mid-November. Santa’s Express is a 75-minute journey through Chester Creek Valley and Santa visits all passengers. West Chester, PA https://wcrailroad.com/ Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad The Santa Claus Special runs the first weekend in December with the Claus’, Frosty, and Elves bringing the holiday season alive with free gifts for the children. A model train display is in the red coach behind the ticket office. Kempton, PA https://kemptontrain.com/ Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train The Pioneer Tunnel hosts a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus through the first weekend in December. The Christmas spirit is alive in the open car steam locomotive. Dress warmly as guests travel in open cars to the destination. St, Ashland, PA www.pioneertunnel.com/