SpotatrainSpotatrain
Illustration: A lit holiday train passing a snowy village with a white church beside a frozen lake
Illustration, not a photo of this event.

Christmas

Santa's Express — West Chester Railroad

  • Run by West Chester Railroad
  • West Chester Railroad station — West Chester, Pennsylvania, United States

Next: Nov 21 – Dec 20, 2026

A 75-minute heated Santa train from West Chester to Glen Mills and back through the Chester Creek valley in Pennsylvania.

Updated

See everything in Pennsylvania15 spots · 17 live cams · 6 experiences · 34 events

Next edition

Nov 21 – Dec 20, 2026

Nov 21, 22, 27–29; Dec 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20. Departures at 11 am, 1 and 3 pm, plus 5 pm on some dates.

From $30 (as published by the operator)

Book on the official siteAdd to calendar (.ics)Google Calendar

About this event

West Chester Railroad runs Santa's Express from its station at 230 East Market Street in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The round trip is 75 minutes: about 30 minutes to Glen Mills, 15 minutes at Glen Mills and 30 minutes back, through the Chester Creek valley.

The operator describes a heated and decorated train, lively holiday entertainment throughout the journey and a visit from Santa, who greets every passenger. Santa stays on the train the whole time and does not get off at Glen Mills.

Seating is in Coach or in the Table Car, which has private tables for groups of four, a live musician for the whole trip and extra legroom.

What to expect

A 75-minute round trip to Glen Mills and back on a heated, decorated train with holiday entertainment and a visit from Santa at your seat. There are no restrooms on board; portable facilities are at West Chester and Glen Mills. Dress for time outdoors.

Practical info

Departs from West Chester Railroad, 230 East Market Street, West Chester, PA 19382. Arrive at least 15–20 minutes before departure; parking is limited to one train load. Strollers are not allowed on the train. Bring the online confirmation sheet (it is not a train ticket). Food and drinks are sold on board. Trains run rain, snow or shine; tickets are non-refundable unless the railroad cancels, and can be moved to another train up to 24 hours before departure if space allows.

Where it happens

Skip map
Map content ends

Spots and live cams nearby

Where to watch trains within 100 km of West Chester.

Gift ideas for the family

Train-themed gifts, picked against our published criteria. No brand pays to be listed here.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. How we pick our gear

Frequently asked questions

How long is the ride?▾
The round trip takes 75 minutes: 30 minutes to Glen Mills, 15 minutes there and 30 minutes back.
Does Santa get off the train?▾
No. Santa stays on the train the whole time and greets every passenger on board.
Are there restrooms on the train?▾
No. Portable facilities are available at both West Chester and Glen Mills.
Can I bring a stroller?▾
No, strollers are not allowed on the train.
Can I change my tickets?▾
Tickets can be transferred to another train up to 24 hours before departure, if space is available. They are non-refundable unless the railroad cancels.
Is food available?▾
Food and drinks are available for purchase on board; Table Car passengers may also bring their own.

Sources

Dates checked on Oct 28, 2026 from the official site: wcrailroad.com. Schedules can change — always confirm with the operator before you travel.

Official website: wcrailroad.com

More christmas trains in Pennsylvania