All Aboard in 2021!
Pajamas and hot cocoa feels magical when you are sitting on a steam locomotive listening to Christmas music waiting to meet Santa Claus. Thus, our tradition began several years ago to travel on all the holiday trains in New Jersey. At Mommy University, we love trains. Since we are enchanted with everything involving holidays, we can tell you that riding on a special holiday train is a unique experience that the entire family enjoys!
There are holiday train options throughout New Jersey that offer different qualities that make each train ride special and unique. Don’t be surprised if you see families with matching pajamas as even Scrooge can jump on this bandwagon train. We strongly advise you to purchase tickets as soon as possible since most locations sell out quickly and in some instances the tickets are sold out right after the ticket sales begin. There is no room for Bah Humbug on this holiday adventure!
2021 Amazing Holiday Trains in New Jersey
Delaware River Railroad Excursions, Phillipsburg
In November, the Delaware River Railroad is transformed into The Polar Express! It is a 90 minute train ride where families can meet characters similar to the movie including Santa. This train ride is full of holiday spirit as musicians and jugglers walk throughout the colorfully lit train. There are many magical moments including the ticket punched with the word “BELIEVE” as well as hot cocoa and cookies for all the kids! The tickets for this train go on sale in the summer and sell out quickly.
2021 Dates: Nov. 26-28; Dec. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, and 19
Fares: Adult $42.00, Child $32.00 (ages 3 to 12), Lap Sitter $5.00 ( 2 and under- no child carriers allowed- child must sit in your lap)
Times leave: 6 and 8pm on Friday, 2, 4, 6 and 8pm on Sat, 2, 4 and 6pm on Sunday
Black River & Western Railroad, Flemington
Black River & Western Railroad has been known for its excursion trains for years. The Santa Express includes a 120 minute train ride that includes time with Santa, his wife and the elves. There is also a unique and FREE photo option inside the Ringoes train station.
2021 Dates: Nov. 20, 21, 27, and 28; Dec. 3, 4, and 18
Fares: $29 ages 12+, $28, ages 3-11, under 3 is FREE
Times leave: Times vary based on date
The NJ Museum of Transportation, Allaire State Park
The Christmas Express with Santa Claus has been running for over 35 years by the New Jersey Museum of Transportation. Tickets go on sale in the fall and this special event is sold out every year. Santa rides on the train and talks to each child individually.
*Due to covid-19, this event has been cancelled.
Tri-State Railway Historical Society, Wayne
Offered on one special date, the Santa Train departs from the Wayne station hosted by the Tri-State Railway Historical Society. This special ride includes not only a special visit from Santa but there are also surprise guests each year. The ride lasts one hour.
*This event is sold out but there is a wait list.
Morristown and Erie Railway, Whippany
The Polar Express Train Ride will begin service to the North Pole onboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride offered by Morristown and Erie Railway. The magical story comes to life when the train departs Whippany Station and embarks on its journey to the North Pole. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa will greet the children and each child will receive their own sleigh bell, just like in the movie. Hot chocolate and cookies will also be served. Experience the joy of caroling and holiday entertainment that will surely encourage you to join in and take part of the whole experience.
The Santa Express, Cape May
The Santa Express is offered by Cape May Seashore Lines operating roundtrip rides on the weekends between Tuckahoe and Richland. During the 60 minute ride, Santa will stop to visit each passenger. Another option is The Santa Starlight Express which takes place Friday evenings, December 10 – 25, and one ride on Wednesday, December 22. Ticket prices range from $24.95-$30.95.
2021: November 20, 21, 27, and 28; December 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 and 22.
Bonus:
New Hope & Ivyland Railroad, New Hope PA
If you want to cross over to the edge of Pennsylvania for a Holiday Train, then we highly recommend the New Hope & Ivyland’s North Pole Express and Santa’s Steam Spectacular! Both excursions offer a wonderful experience filled with holiday cheer. They depart from the New Hope train station and offer gorgeous views of the countryside. Santa visits each child and hot cocoa and cookies are served. A highlight is receiving a bell inspired from the film Polar Express. The North Pole Express is pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive while Santa’s Steam Spectacular takes place on historic #40 steam locomotive.
2021: November 13-December 30, price ranges by Coach or First Class, date, and age.
You can also stop by Peddler’s Village for some hot cider and amazing outdoor lights and last-minute shopping.
While we continue to explore holiday trains in New Jersey, we want to know which trains are your favorites?
If you like this post, you might like:
I love this post! I’m from eastern pa and really wanted to take my daughter on the breakfast with Santa train ride out of new hope this Christmas but it is so expensive! I see some other more affordable options on the list that’d be worth driving for. Plus we go to cape may around the holidays every year. I had no idea there was a Santa train there! Maybe that’s what we will do! Thanks for sharing!
I am so happy this was helpful for you! We love holiday trains and will continue to share new ones as we find them. If you find any that are not on this list, please feel free to share it with us. Thank you so much for following Mommy University!
This is an informative article.I’m really thankful to find it