Christmas Trains at Strasburg Rail Road

The Strasburg Rail Road in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, runs a family of Christmas trains from its station. The operator lists three of them, each a 45-minute ride through the Lancaster countryside.

Santa Claus Limited runs on weekday evenings and includes a visit from Santa Claus; the operator calls it a more sensory-friendly option than the weekend Paradise Express trains. Santa's Paradise Express adds carolers and brass players, a special gift from the North Pole for each child from Santa's helpers, a visit from Santa, and live Christmas revue shows on the Town Square Stage at the station. Night Before Christmas has a cast reciting the classic poem and other Christmas stories, carolers singing and dancing, milk and cookies, and perhaps a glimpse of Santa Claus.

A 45-minute ride on each of the three trains. Santa Claus Limited and Santa's Paradise Express include a visit from Santa; Santa's Paradise Express also has carolers, brass players and a gift for each child, and Santa Claus Limited is the quieter weekday-evening option. Night Before Christmas adds readings, carols and milk and cookies, and perhaps a glimpse of Santa.

Strasburg Rail Road, 301 Gap Road, Ronks, Pennsylvania. Check in at the station box office between platforms 3 and 4, and arrive at least 30 minutes early; boarding begins 15 minutes before departure. Arriving earlier lets you catch the live Christmas revue shows on the Town Square Stage. Phone: 1-800-514-3849.