Santa, trains and Christmas trees are a thing. And tickets just went on sale for what may be the country’s most authentic Santa train ride — aboard the East Broad Top Railroad in central Pennsylvania, a railroad that Smithsonian calls a “national treasure” and USA Today has named one of the “Top 10 Scenic Train Rides.”
The railroad’s 109-year-old steam engine pulls the train along its small, narrow-gauge line for the annual holiday ride, running Friday through Sunday from Nov. 27 through Dec. 20. The Christmas train is filled with nostalgia, festive lights, cookies and hot chocolate. Families can also write their letters to Santa inside the railroad’s historic 1906 train station.
Officially called “Christmas in Coal Country,” the holiday train ride is one-hour long. The trains feature “retro” heated passenger cars with modern conveniences and depart from Orbisonia Station, traveling north along the line. Along the way, guests encounter Santa, who has a gift for every child. Trains depart at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $28 for adults and $22 for children. Caboose rides cost $32 for adults and $26 for children. The train is wheelchair accessible (please contact the ticket office prior to booking)
For information visit The East Broad Top Railroad at www.eastbroadtop.com.
