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Illustration: A lit steam train arriving at a decorated station with a big Christmas tree and families
Illustration, not a photo of this event.

Christmas

Santa's Polar Bear Express — Colebrookdale Railroad

  • Run by Colebrookdale Railroad (Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust)
  • Boyertown Station — Boyertown, Pennsylvania, United States

Next: Nov 21 – Dec 24, 2026

A one-hour Santa train ride from Boyertown station in southeastern Pennsylvania, aboard heated coaches through the Secret Valley, with a gift from Santa for every child.

Updated

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Next edition

Nov 21 – Dec 24, 2026

Nov 21–22 and 27–29; Dec 5–6, 12–13 and 19–24. Several departures a day, from morning to evening on peak days; times vary by date.

From $45 (as published by the operator)

About this event

The Colebrookdale Railroad, a nonprofit operated by the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust, runs Santa's Polar Bear Express as a one-hour round trip that leaves from and returns to Boyertown, Pennsylvania. The operator describes a journey into "Christmas past" through the Secret Valley, with the Victorian charm of heated coaches.

Santa visits each car and brings a gift for every child. Children can hand him their Christmas letter and receive a Colebrookdale Railroad-themed coloring book, crayons included. Passengers who arrive early receive complimentary hot cocoa and Christmas cookies in the decorated train yard before boarding.

No meals are served on this excursion, but an a la carte snack and beverage menu is available in all cars. The railroad sells Coach Class (Deluxe Coach, Diplomat, Valhalla and Woodland cars), Family Class (Dining and Beaver cars, with butler-style table service from the a la carte menu) and First Class (Parlor and Lounge cars, with a complimentary beverage and dessert). The operator sells its 'Twas the Night Before Christmas ride, a separate 90-minute excursion, and its Winter Wonderland dinner train as products of their own.

What to expect

A one-hour round trip out and back along the same line, with Santa visiting each car, a gift for every child, the chance to give him a Christmas letter and a themed coloring book with crayons. Hot cocoa and Christmas cookies are offered in the train yard before boarding. No meal is served; snacks and drinks can be bought on board. The coaches are heated.

Practical info

Trains leave from and return to Boyertown Station; parking is free in the main lot at 64 South Washington Street, with a borough lot at 20 E Philadelphia Ave a short walk away. The operator asks passengers to arrive 30 minutes before departure, with boarding about 15 minutes before; tickets are will-call at the station, so keep the confirmation email on your phone. Trains run rain or shine unless otherwise posted. Restrooms are in the railyard; those on board are limited. The operator's accessible car is under restoration, so it cannot currently accommodate some wheelchairs and scooters; boarding assistance is available and the operator asks to be told in advance. Phone: 610-367-0200.

Where it happens

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Frequently asked questions

How long is Santa's Polar Bear Express at Colebrookdale Railroad?▾
The operator lists a one-hour round trip leaving from and returning to Boyertown, Pennsylvania. Its FAQ says the train goes out the line for half the trip and returns along the same tracks.
Where do I board and park?▾
Trains leave from Boyertown Station. Parking is free in the main lot at 64 South Washington Street; the operator also points to a borough lot at 20 E Philadelphia Ave, a short walk from the railyard.
When should we arrive?▾
The operator asks passengers to arrive 30 minutes before departure to park, collect tickets and prepare to board. Boarding usually begins about 15 minutes before departure.
How do we pick up our tickets?▾
All tickets are will-call at the station. Give your name at the ticketing station and keep your confirmation email saved on your phone.
Is a meal served on this train?▾
No. The operator says no meals are served on this one-hour excursion, but an a la carte snack and beverage menu is available for purchase in all cars.
What do children receive?▾
Santa visits each car with a gift for every child. Children can give him their Christmas letter and receive a Colebrookdale Railroad coloring book with crayons, and everyone who arrives early gets hot cocoa and Christmas cookies in the train yard.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?▾
The operator says its ADA-accessible car is under restoration, so it cannot currently accommodate some wheelchairs and scooters. It asks passengers to note any boarding assistance needs when booking or to call 610-367-0200.
Does the train run in bad weather?▾
Trains run rain or shine unless otherwise posted, and the cars are heated. The operator asks passengers to check its Facebook page for schedule updates in severe weather.

Sources

Dates checked on Oct 8, 2026 from the official site: fareharbor.com. Schedules can change — always confirm with the operator before you travel.

Official website: colebrookdalerailroad.com

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