WEST CHESTER, PA — Families looking for the perfect Christmas tree can leave the car behind and take a train instead as the West Chester Railroad brings back its Christmas Tree Train, a holiday tradition that combines a scenic rail excursion with a visit to a local tree farm.
The two-hour experience returns on three Sundays, Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and Dec. 13, 2026, departing from Market Street Station at 8 a.m. and carrying passengers to Wiggins Tree Farm in West Chester.
Once there, families can choose and cut their own Christmas tree before railroad crews load it onto a flatcar for the return journey. The experience offers a memorable alternative to the usual holiday tree-shopping trip, complete with hot chocolate, fresh donuts and a train ride through Chester County.
All Aboard for a Christmas Tree Adventure
The morning begins at West Chester Railroad’s Market Street Station, where passengers board for an 8 a.m. departure.
During the ride, families can purchase coffee, hot chocolate and fresh donuts from the train’s snack bar while enjoying the journey to Wiggins Tree Farm.
Upon arrival, passengers disembark to search for their Christmas tree. Hand saws are provided, allowing families to select and cut a tree together.
After a tree is chosen, it is banded and tagged before being loaded onto the railroad’s flatcar for transportation back to West Chester.
At Market Street Station, the trees are unloaded and made available for pickup. Railroad staff will assist passengers with loading their purchases into their vehicles, although customers are responsible for securing their trees for the trip home.
The partnership with Wiggins Tree Farm gives families an opportunity to support a local business while enjoying an unusual holiday outing.
What Families Should Know Before Boarding
Christmas trees are purchased separately from train tickets. Wiggins Tree Farm has set a price of $90 per tree for 2026 Christmas Tree Train ticket holders.
The farm accepts only cash or checks for tree purchases, so passengers should plan accordingly.
Train tickets cost $35 for adults and $30 for children ages 2–12. Seating is unreserved.
Passengers are encouraged to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure, as the train leaves promptly at 8 a.m.
Families should also be aware that Santa Claus will not appear aboard the Christmas Tree Train. His visits are reserved for the railroad’s separate Santa’s Express excursions.
Event Details
- What: West Chester Railroad’s Christmas Tree Train, featuring a round-trip excursion to Wiggins Tree Farm, where passengers can select and cut their own Christmas trees.
- When: Sundays, Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and Dec. 13, 2026, from 8 to approximately 10 a.m. Passengers should arrive by 7:45 a.m.
- Where: Departing from West Chester Railroad’s Market Street Station, 230 E. Market St., West Chester, PA 19380, with a stop at Wiggins Tree Farm.
- Cost/Tickets: Adults $35; children ages 2–12 $30. Christmas trees cost an additional $90 each for ticket holders, payable to Wiggins Tree Farm by cash or check only. Refreshments are available for purchase aboard the train.
- More Info: Tickets and additional details are available at https://wcrailroad.com/christmas-tree-train/.
Ticket and Weather Policies
Tickets purchased through the West Chester Railroad website are nonrefundable unless the railroad cancels the excursion.
Passengers who need to change their reservations may request a transfer to another scheduled train by contacting the railroad at least 24 hours before departure. Transfers depend on availability and railroad approval.
Trains generally operate in all weather conditions. If severe weather forces a cancellation, the railroad will post an announcement on its website and Facebook page, and refunds will be issued.
With just three departures scheduled for the season, the Christmas Tree Train gives families a limited opportunity to turn the annual search for a Christmas tree into a shared holiday adventure.
From sipping hot chocolate aboard the train to choosing a tree together at Wiggins Tree Farm, the excursion brings a little extra excitement to one of the season’s most familiar traditions.
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