Christmas in Coal Country — East Broad Top Railroad

The East Broad Top Railroad, a National Historic Landmark run by the EBT Foundation, runs Christmas in Coal Country from its station in Orbisonia, near Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania. The operator describes ringing in the holiday season "retro style": a one-hour ride aboard train cars heated by authentic coal stoves.

Along the way Santa Claus boards the train to visit with every family and give each child a special gift. The ticket also includes a cookie and a cup of hot chocolate for every passenger, a letter to Santa written in the historic station and a model train display. The operator sells coach and caboose seating, and the caboose is a historic one built by the railroad in the 1920s.

The theme draws on the way miners' families celebrated Christmas in the coal country, one of the few times of year when the mines were closed. Food trucks and outdoor seating areas are available behind the station.

A one-hour ride in heated coaches, or in the historic caboose, with Santa boarding to visit every family and give each child a gift. Every passenger gets a cookie and a hot chocolate. Before or after the ride there is a letter to Santa to write in the station, a model train display and food trucks behind the station. Trains run rain, snow or shine.

Departs from the East Broad Top station at 421 Meadow Street, Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania (the operator calls it the Orbisonia Station). Passengers must be checked in at the ticket window no later than 15 minutes before the first ride. Coach seats are assigned. The operator says the trip is wheelchair accessible: one enclosed coach has hydraulic lifts rated up to 600 lbs, and the passenger needing the lift should book the "Wheelchair" customer type; the operator asks to be contacted before booking with accessibility questions. Only trained service animals are allowed aboard. Children under two not occupying a seat ride free with each paying adult (18+). All sales are final with no refunds; the full value of a ticket can be transferred to credit if changes are made at least five days before, and a fee per ticket may apply. Motive power and rolling stock are subject to change without notice. Glass containers and alcohol are not allowed on the train. Groups of 20 or more book by phone with the station.