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Christmas

Santa Express — Everett Railroad

  • Run by Everett Railroad
  • Everett Railroad Hollidaysburg depot — Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, United States

Next: Nov 27 – Dec 20, 2026

A one-hour holiday train ride from Everett Railroad's depot in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, with a visit from Santa on board, hot cocoa and cookies.

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Next edition

Nov 27 – Dec 20, 2026

Nov 27–29; Dec 5–6, 11–13 and 18–20. Departures between 10 am and 6:30 pm; the Dec 11 and 18 trains run in the evening.

From $24 (as published by the operator)

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About this event

Everett Railroad runs the Santa Express from its depot at 244 Pullman Drive in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, near Altoona. The operator describes an approximately one-hour round-trip holiday ride on which Santa makes his way through the train to greet guests and pose for photos. Families are welcome to take their own pictures, and children receive a small gift from Santa. Hot cocoa and freshly baked cookies are included, and the operator describes it as typically steam powered (diesel equipment may be used when operations require).

Two ways to ride are sold. Coach has historic coach seating. First Class has upgraded seating that, depending on the ticket, ranges from tables and booths to parlour seats, alcoves or private-style arrangements, with enhanced onboard service; the operator says First Class seating is limited and often sells out.

Climate control, restrooms, stroller storage and accessibility vary by railcar, and the operator asks guests who need boarding assistance or specific accommodations to contact it before booking. Festive clothing and pajamas are welcome. An optional professional family portrait, which does not include Santa, is sold separately.

What to expect

About one hour round trip: Santa visits guests aboard the train, children receive a small gift, hot cocoa and freshly baked cookies are included, and personal photos with Santa are welcome. Festive clothing and pajamas are welcome; dress for the weather while arriving and boarding.

Practical info

Departs from 244 Pullman Drive, Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for parking, check-in, restroom use and boarding; boarding begins about 15 minutes before departure. All ages are welcome and guests under 2 ride free; review the checkout details for any seating or capacity requirements for complimentary tickets. The cars are not ADA accessible: there are three steps with handrails to climb into each car. Seat type, climate control, restroom availability and stroller storage vary by railcar. Trains generally operate in seasonal weather; watch the email address used for booking and the operator's official channels for operational updates.

Where it happens

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Spots and live cams nearby

Where to watch trains within 100 km of Hollidaysburg.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Santa Express?▾
The operator describes an approximately one-hour round-trip holiday train ride.
Where does the train leave from?▾
From 244 Pullman Drive in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, near Altoona.
When should we arrive?▾
The operator advises arriving at least 30 minutes before departure for parking, check-in, restroom use and boarding. Boarding begins approximately 15 minutes before departure.
What is included?▾
A round-trip holiday train ride, a visit with Santa aboard the train, hot cocoa and freshly baked cookies, and a small gift from Santa for children.
Can we take photos with Santa?▾
Yes. Santa makes his way through the train and guests may take personal photos during the visit. An optional professional family portrait is offered separately for an additional fee and does not include Santa.
What is the difference between Coach and First Class?▾
Coach has historic coach seating and standard onboard service. First Class has upgraded seating (tables, booths, parlour seats, alcoves or private-style arrangements, depending on the ticket) and enhanced onboard service; Santa, cocoa, cookies and the children's gift are included in both.
Do young children need a ticket?▾
All ages are welcome and guests under 2 ride free. The operator asks you to review the checkout details for any complimentary-ticket, seating or capacity requirements.
Can we wear pajamas?▾
Yes. Festive clothing and pajamas are welcome; the operator suggests dressing for the weather while arriving and boarding, and bringing a camera.
Is the Santa Express wheelchair accessible?▾
No. The operator says the train is not ADA accessible: three steps with handrails must be climbed to enter each car, and guests who need boarding assistance should contact Everett Railroad before booking.
Is the train always steam powered?▾
The operator says the Santa Express typically runs with a steam locomotive when available, and that in some cases diesel equipment may be used because of operational requirements.

Sources

Dates checked on Oct 3, 2026 from the official site: fareharbor.com. Schedules can change — always confirm with the operator before you travel.

Official website: everettrailroad.com

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