WEST CHESTER, PA — Santa Claus is trading his sleigh for a train this holiday season as the West Chester Railroad welcomes families aboard Santa’s Express, a festive journey through the Chester Creek Valley filled with Christmas music, holiday cheer and personal visits from Santa himself.
The popular holiday excursion returns on select dates from Nov. 21 through Dec. 20, offering a 75-minute round trip aboard heated, decorated passenger cars traveling from West Chester to Glen Mills and back.
Along the way, children can share their Christmas wish lists with Santa, pose for family photographs and enjoy live holiday entertainment as the train winds through the scenic countryside.
With traditional coach seating and a special Table Car experience featuring live musical performances, the railroad offers families two ways to celebrate the season.
A Christmas Journey Through Chester Creek Valley
The holiday adventure begins at Market Street Station in downtown West Chester, where Santa will greet passengers before boarding the train.
Once underway, Santa will make his way through the passenger cars, visiting families individually, posing for photographs and handing out goodies to children.
Young passengers are encouraged to bring their Christmas wish lists for the special visit.
The train travels approximately 30 minutes from West Chester to Glen Mills, where passengers will have a 15-minute stop before the 30-minute return journey.
During the brief stop, guests can use portable restroom facilities and take a look inside the Glen Mills station.
Santa remains aboard throughout the excursion, ensuring that families can enjoy their visits during the ride rather than waiting in line at the station.
Live holiday entertainment adds to the atmosphere, while snacks and warm beverages, including hot chocolate, will be available for purchase from the onboard snack bar.
A Special Musical Experience in the Table Car
Families looking for a different holiday outing can reserve seats in the railroad’s Table Car, which offers additional space, private tables and a live musician performing throughout the journey.
The interactive musical entertainment takes place exclusively in the car, creating a festive experience for passengers as they travel through the valley.
Located directly behind the locomotive, the Table Car accommodates 48 passengers at 12 tables, each with four seats.
Guests select their seats when purchasing tickets, with each table offering more legroom than traditional coach seating.
Santa will visit Table Car passengers individually, just as he does in the coach cars.
Passengers may also bring their own food and beverages into the Table Car or purchase refreshments aboard the train.
Families should be aware that purchasing fewer than four seats at a table may result in sharing the table with another group.
Holiday Train Rides Throughout November and December
Santa’s Express will operate on 11 dates during the holiday season, with departures scheduled throughout the day.
The first weekend of excursions takes place Nov. 21 and 22, followed by Thanksgiving weekend rides Nov. 27–29.
December departures are scheduled for Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20.
Most operating dates offer departures at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. The Nov. 21 and 22 schedules differ, and passengers should consult the railroad’s website for available departure times.
Coach tickets cost $45 for adults, $35 for children ages 2–12 and $15 for toddlers ages 9–23 months.
Table Car tickets cost $70 for adults, $60 for children ages 2–12 and $25 for toddlers ages 9–23 months.
Because the holiday trains are popular and frequently sell out, the railroad recommends purchasing tickets online in advance.
Event Details
- What: West Chester Railroad’s Santa’s Express, a 75-minute holiday train excursion featuring visits with Santa Claus, family photographs, goodies for children and live entertainment.
- When: Nov. 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29; Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20, 2026. Departures are generally scheduled for 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., except Nov. 21 and 22. Check the website for specific availability.
- Where: West Chester Railroad, Market Street Station, 230 East Market Street, West Chester, PA 19380. The excursion travels to Glen Mills and returns to West Chester.
- Cost/Tickets: Coach seating: $45 adults, $35 children ages 2–12 and $15 toddlers ages 9–23 months. Table Car seating: $70 adults, $60 children ages 2–12 and $25 toddlers ages 9–23 months. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
- More Info: Tickets, departure schedules and additional information are available at https://wcrailroad.com/santas-express/.
What Families Should Know Before Boarding
Passengers should arrive at Market Street Station at least 20 minutes before their scheduled departure to allow time for parking, ticket pickup and boarding.
Those who purchase tickets online must present their email confirmation at the ticket window, either printed or on a phone, to receive their boarding tickets.
The railroad cautions that reservations not redeemed at least five minutes before departure may be released to waiting passengers.
Families hoping to sit together in coach should board together, as train crews assign seating and cannot hold seats for other members of a group.
Parking is limited, particularly when one excursion is returning and another is preparing to depart.
There are no restrooms aboard the train, although portable facilities are available at the West Chester and Glen Mills stations.
Strollers are not permitted onboard, and passengers are encouraged to dress for the weather because portions of the experience take place outdoors, even though the passenger cars are heated.
With Santa making personal visits, holiday music filling the cars and the Chester Creek Valley providing the backdrop, Santa’s Express offers families a chance to create Christmas memories aboard one of Chester County’s historic railroads.
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