The holiday season is almost upon us and with it comes the opportunity to make some very magical memories with your family. How can you make these magical and unforgettable memories? By climbing aboard a holiday train excursion! All three of our historic York county railroads are ready to deck the halls of the railroad cars and spread a little Christmas cheer during the 2022 Holidays Season! Check out the details for each below and be sure to purchase your tickets today as these Holiday excursions sell out fast!
Ma & Pa Railroad Christmas City Express |
The Christmas City Express program is centered around the dramatic reading of a story of a young girl traveling to Muddy Creek Forks a hundred years ago to visit her grandparents for Christmas. The event starts as guests gather in the festively decorated general store (starting 20 minutes before story time) to pick up tickets and enjoy the traditional holiday fun. Visitors can listen to carols, create holiday decorations and crafts, search for the pickle ornament, and spend time with friends and family.
When all have gathered, groups are escorted to the mill for the story, a visit from someone special, and a keepsake ornament. Next folks line up on the station platform as the train pulls into town for a beautiful day or nighttime ride on the motorcar train. When the train returns, Santa will be there so you can take those cherished photos. There will be hot chocolate and cookies to warm everyone up.
Dates:
Saturday, December 5th - 5 pm & 7 pm
Sunday, December 6th - 1:30 pm & 3:30 pm
Saturday, December 12th - 5 pm & 7 pm
Sunday, December 13th - 1:30 pm & 3:30 pm
Saturday, December 19th - 11:30 am & 1:30 pm & 3:30 pm
Sunday, December 20th - 1:30 pm & 3:30 pm & 5:30 pm
The event is rain or shine, unless ice makes travel by rail unsafe. Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled.
Tickets are:
Adults: $20, plus booking fee
Children: $15, plus booking fee
Because limited tickets are available, advanced ticket purchase is required.
Stewartstown Railroad |
Ice Princess Limited
All aboard for a flurry of festive fun on the Ice Princess Limited!
Kick off the holiday season with sparkling winter magic at the historic Stewartstown Railroad, where magical memories await!
This is the Ice Princess final appearance at Stewartstown Railroad. The Princess have to go back to their royal duties.
Climb aboard and join your two favorite ice sisters and their lovable Ice Harvester as they share enchanting stories, songs, and dances throughout the journey.
Young guests will love the festive sing-along, exciting royal games and prizes, and magical character meet-and-greets filled with smiles and surprises.
Dress in your finest royal attire, bring an autograph book if you wish, and get ready for a train ride overflowing with holiday cheer, icy sparkle, and princess magic for guests of all ages.
It’s the perfect way to start the season—so grab your crowns, capes and mittens and “let it go”… to the Ice Princess Express!
Date & Times: November 14, 2026 10:00am, 11:45am, & 2:00pm
Times listed are departure times, please arrive 30 minutes early
Tickets are:
Adult: $24.90
Child (2-12): $21.51
Candy Cane Express
We invite you to take a magical train ride with the big guy himself — Santa Claus!
Our vintage passenger coaches will be beautifully decorated for the season, creating the perfect setting for a relaxing, memorable visit with Santa. Every family will have time to visit Santa. Take your own photos — no extra charge. Every child will receive a special treat from Santa. This is a calm and cozy holiday outing, perfect for families looking to slow down and enjoy the season together. Before or after your ride, stop by the Gift Shop building to browse for an awesome holiday gift.
Dates & Times:
Saturday, November 28 10 am
Saturday, November 28 12:45 pm
Saturday, November 28 2:30 pm
Sunday, November 29 10 am
Sunday, November 29 12:45 pm
Sunday, November 29 2:30 pm
Saturday, December 05 10 am
Saturday, December 05 12:45 pm
Saturday, December 05 2:30 pm
Sunday, December 06 10 am
Sunday, December 06 12:45 pm
Sunday, December 06 2:30 pm
Sunday, December 20 10 am
Sunday, December 20 12:45 pm
Sunday, December 20 2:30 pm
Times listed are departure times, please arrive 30 minutes early
Tickets are:
Adult: $21.51
Child (2-12): $19.24
Senior (65+): $20.38
Locomotive Cab Ride: $67.92
Evening Candy Cane Express
We invite you to take a magical evening train ride with the big guy himself — Santa Claus!
Our vintage passenger coaches will be beautifully decorated for the season, creating the perfect setting for a relaxing, memorable visit with Santa. Every family will have time to visit Santa. Take your own photos. This ride offers a live reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas”. Every child will receive a special treat from Santa This is a calm and cozy holiday outing, perfect for families looking to slow down and enjoy the season together. Before or after your ride, stop by the Gift Shop building to browse for an awesome holiday gift.
Dates & Times:
Saturday, December 05 6 pm
Sunday, December 20 6 pm
Times listed are departure times, please arrive 30 minutes early
Tickets are:
Adult: $21.51
Child (2-12): $19.24
Senior (65+): $20.38
The Grinch Storybook Limited!
All aboard for a holiday train ride like no other! Join us for a festive trip featuring a live reading of Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, complete with sing-alongs, holiday cheer, and a visit from the one and only Mean Green One himself!
He’s grumpy, he’s grouchy, he’s bold, and he’s ready to stir up some holiday mischief! He’s ready to steal the show! Each family will get a chance to meet the Mean Green One, and every child will receive a special treat to take home.
Bring your singing voices and your holiday spirit.
Please note: Santa won’t be on this ride — he and the Mean Green One just don’t mix.
The Mean Green One can be a bit much for our tiniest passengers. This ride may not be best for 2-4- year-olds.
Dates & Times:
Saturday, December 12 10 am
Saturday, December 12 12:45 pm
Saturday, December 12 2:30 pm
Sunday, December 13 10 am
Sunday, December 13 12:45 pm
Sunday, December 13 2:30 pm
Saturday, December 19 10 am
Saturday, December 19 12:45 pm
Saturday, December 19 2:30 pm
Times listed are departure times, please arrive 30 minutes early
Tickets:
Adult: $28.30
Child (2-12): $22.64
Children under 2 ride free on an adult’s lap.
Senior (65+): $26.04
Locomotive Cab Ride: $67.92
Help Us Spread Warmth This Holiday Season
The holidays can be tough for some families. Please bring a non-perishable food item with your to support our local food pantry in Stewartstown. Your kindness can help make someone’s holiday brighter.
Northern Central Railway |
Celebrate the Season with Holiday Train Rides Full of Magic, Merriment & Memories at the Northren Central Railway! Climb aboard for a series of unforgettable winter and holiday-themed train adventures, where twinkling lights, festive tunes, and cozy vibes await around every bend! From laughter-filled family rides to festive nights out with friends, our holiday trains offer a unique and memorable way to celebrate the season.
2026 Holiday Excursitions:
A Cowboy Christmas (Diesel Locomotive)
Join us for our 2nd Annual Cowboy Christmas!! The Green Gang is after Santa’s bag of goodies, but the Good Guys jump in the save the day. Meet Cowboy Santa and his band of elves! There will even be a special treat in Santa’s bag for each child!
Date: November 21
Departure Times: 11:00am & 1:00pm
Pricing:
Adults (Ages 13+) $42.99
Children (Ages 2-12) $29.99
Santa Paws Express (Diesel Locomotive)
Bring your four-legged friends to meet Santa! All pups ride free and will receive a special treat bag. Make sure to bring your camera to capture photos of your pet with the big man himself.
Date: November 21st
Departure Time: 3:00pm
Pricing:
Adults (Ages 13+) $34.99
Children (Ages 2-12) $21.99
Christmas Elves Express (Diesel Locomotive)
“Santa Who?” Can your coach reach peak Christmas spirit and help the elves remember who Santa really is? Only one way to find out! Fun characters, music, dancing, and snow—this is one train ride you won’t forget!
Dates: November 27th, 28th, & 29th
Departure Times:
November 27th 12:00pm, 2:00pm &4:30pm
November 28, 2026 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:30pm, & 4:30pm
November 29, 2026 10:00am, 12:00pm & 2:30pm
Pricing:
Adults (Ages 13+) $42.99
Children (Ages 2-12) $29.99
Tickets - Christmas Elves Express
Santa Express ( Steam Locomotive & Diesel Locomotive)
Our train is decked out for the festive season, bringing holiday cheer, no matter your age. Boarding at the beautiful Historic New Freedom Train Station, you will ride with Kris Kringle to Glen Rock. Each child will have an opportunity to visit with Santa, who will have a special gift for kids on the “NICE” list. After your ride, visit the NCR Engine House for a complimentary hot chocolate and a cookie! Don’t forget to visit the model train room or enjoy the sounds of our strolling fiddler, Keith Engle!
Dates: December 5th,6th,11th,12th,13th,18th,19th, 20th,22nd, & 23rd
Departure Times:
December 5, 2026 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm & 4:00pm (No. 17 Steam Locomotive)
December 6, 2026 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm, 4:00pm & 5:30pm (No. 17 Steam Locomotive)
December 11, 2026 6:00pm (Diesel Locomotive)
December 12, 2026 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm, 4:00pm & 5:30pm (No. 17 Steam Locomotive)
December 13, 2026 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm, 4:00pm & 5:30pm (No. 17 Steam Locomotive)
December 18, 2026 6:00pm (No. 17 Steam Locomotive)
December 19, 2026 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm, 4:00pm & 5:30pm (No. 17 Steam Locomotive)
December 20, 2026 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm, 4:00pm & 5:30pm (No. 17 Steam Locomotive)
December 22, 2026 3:00pm & 5:00pm (No. 17 Steam Locomotive)
December 23, 2026 3:00pm & 5:00pm (No. 17 Steam Locomotive)
Pricing:
Adults (Ages 13+) $44.99
Children (Ages 2-12) $29.99
