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Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in New Jersey

Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
10/25/24 - By Laurie Rein

Every year Polar Express train rides come to New Jersey, with the Garden State's railroads decked out in their holiday best. We know it's a bit early to start hauling out the holly, but these Polar Express trains and Christmas trains are a popular holiday tradition, and they sell out fast! 

Though these Christmas trains don't go all the way to the North Pole, most include a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with treats, caroling, movies, and stories. We've even included a trolley ride hosted by Mrs. Claus herself. Read on to find out where to take a Christmas train ride near New Jersey with Santa, and book your tickets as soon as possible. 

If you're already thinking about other must-do activities this holiday season, be sure to check out our rundown of the most spectacular holiday light displays in New Jersey and other tips in our Guide to Christmas and Holiday Events in NJ for Families. 

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OUR LATEST VIDEOS

All aboard DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express Christmas train for a journey to the Holiday Village. Photo courtesy of DiDonato's
All aboard DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express Christmas train for a journey to the Holiday Village. Photo courtesy of DiDonato's

2024 Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in New Jersey

The Polar Express on the Morristown & Erie Railway

Whippany
Select dates from Friday, November 1-Monday, December 30, 2024
Join a magical trip on the Polar Express, powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Each ticket includes fantastic entertainment, delicious hot chocolate, shortbread, and a keepsake sleigh bell to bring home. READ MORE

DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express

Hammonton
Select dates from Saturday, November 16-Monday, December 23, 2024
All aboard DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express! Experience a train ride through millions of Christmas lights, meet Santa and his elves in his workshop, chat and take photos with Mrs. Claus, and so much more. READ MORE

Black River & Western Railroad North Pole Express

Flemington
Saturdays and Sundays from Sunday, November 24-Saturday, December 29, 2024
Climb aboard the Polar Express for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, cookies and hot cocoa, a photo booth, sleigh bells for the kids, photo-ops, and more. New this year are photo-ops with Santa's giant mailbox. READ MORE

Cape May Seashore Lines Santa Express

Tuckahoe
Select dates from Saturday, November 30-Sunday, December 22, 2024
Take a ride on the train at Cape May Seashore Lines with Santa this holiday season. Board the train at Richland Village or Tuckahoe Village for a 35-minute ride.  READ MORE

Santa's Trolley Rides in Cape May

Cape May
Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday, November 30-Monday, December 23, 2024
Join Mrs. Claus as she shares stories and songs on the jolly holiday trolley ride through the town of Cape May. Catch up with Santa at the Gazebo on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate. READ MORE

The Polar Express at the Delaware River Railroad

Phillipsburg
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Friday, November 29-Sunday, December 22, 2024
Make sure the Christmas jammies are ready for this experience straight out of the beloved movie of the same name. The Polar Express at Delaware River Railroad Excursions is set to sounds from the motion picture, and sells out fast, so don't procrastinate. READ MORE
Meet Santa on the Christmas Tree Train in Ronks, Pennsylvania. Photo courtesy of the Strasburg Railroad
Meet Santa on the Christmas Tree Train in Ronks, Pennsylvania. Photo courtesy of the Strasburg Railroad

2024 Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in Pennsylvania

Santa’s Paradise Express on the Strasburg Rail Road

Ronks
Select dates from Saturday, November 16-Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Ride to Paradise, Pennsylvania, and back on this 45-minute train excursion aboard the Strasburg Rail Road. Santa greets families on the train and gives a special gift to all kids ages 11 and under. READ MORE

North Pole Express on the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad

New Hope
Select dates from Friday, November 29-Sunday, December 29, 2024
Wear your pajamas and climb aboard the North Pole Express at New Hope and Ivyland Railroad. Children can enjoy riding the rails pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive and a visit from Santa at the end of the journey. READ MORE

Night Before Christmas Train (Strasburg Rail Road)

Ronks
Select dates from Friday, December 6-Monday, December 23, 2024
Experience the excitement of Christmas Eve even when it's not December 24 on this very special one-hour train ride. Listen to the classic poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas on this journey aboard a decorated holiday train, where drinks and treats are available for purchase. READ MORE

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About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
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