All aboard—taking one of the Christmas train rides in New Jersey this upcoming season is a festive and fun way to get into the holiday spirit. After all, who doesn’t like sipping hot cocoa while spending quality time with Santa and his elves? And when it’s all from the comfort of your seat (and if you choose, wearing Christmas PJs), it feels even more spirited. Scroll down for where you can hop aboard a holiday train ride, and stay tuned for updates to our Christmas Tree Lightings, Drive Through Christmas Lights, or Must-See Light Shows this upcoming season. P.S. it may seem early but grab your tickets now because they sell out fast! (featured photo credit: DiDonato Family Fun Center)
Get your tickets ready for Christmas Train rides in New Jersey
DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
November 5-December 30, select dates
All aboard a train ride through millions of Christmas lights with a meet and greet with Santa and his elves in his workshop. After, head to the Holiday Movie tent, take a photo with your favorite snowman and shop for everyone on your list at the Toy Market and Walkthrough Holiday Village.
Cost: 12 months and younger are free, $19.95 online, $21.95 at the door; there is a discount after December 26
1151 South White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
(609) 561-3040
North Pole Express at the Black River and Western Railroad
December 11, 17, 18 and 24
Don’t miss North Pole Express—the Black River and Western Railroad’s most popular annual event. There’s a North Pole Station with a choose-your-own props photo experience. And when you board, coach class guests can meet Santa and his elves on the train, enjoy a chocolate chip cookie and hot cocoa, face painting, and a special silver sleigh bell. New for 2022, take a photo with their new 6-foot-tall wreath. First-class guests enjoy the same as coach guests, along with express check-in, a reserved table, complimentary drinks, and snacks served at your table.
Cost: $39.99 and up
80 Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ 08822
(908) 782-6622
The Polar Express with the Delaware River Railroad Excursions
November 25, 26, 27 and December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18
If your kids want to be the stars of their favorite holiday movie—this one is for your family. Inspired by the film and the award-winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, this holiday favorite comes to life as you and your family take a ride on The Polar Express. Set to the sounds of the Polar Express, kids can sing along with roaming hobos, watch a Juggling Chef, spend time with Santa, and receive a silver bell. And to make it truly authentic, don’t forget your PJs for the ride.
Cost: $32 per child and $42 per adult
100 Elizabeth Street, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
(877) 872-4674
The Polar Express Whippany
November 4-December 30, select dates
Punch your golden ticket and get all aboard The Polar Express. Your family will experience the magic of The Polar Express and take a one-hour trip to the North Pole with the whole family. Kids will enjoy hot chocolate, Walker’s Shortbread, storytime, meeting Santa, and a silver sleigh bell surprise. It’s one of those Christmas train rides in New Jersey that you won’t want to miss.
Cost: $50 and up
1 Railroad Plz., Whippany, NJ 07981
(973) 419-6255
The Santa Express and the Starlight Santa Express
November 25-December 23, select dates, and for Starlight, select weekday evenings from December 9-December 23
The Seashore Lines will take you on a historic, comfortable, fun train ride with the big man himself. The 75-minute round-trip ride will feature Santa and his helpers, onboard entertainment, and snack service on the First Class cars. You can hop on board at Richland Village or Tuckahoe Village, and The Starlight Express includes the same, but the magic happens at night.
Cost: prices start at $24.95
Richland Village- 1272 Harding Highway, Richland, NJ 08350
Tuckahoe Village- Reading Avenue and Railroad Avenue, Tuckahoe, NJ 08250
(856) 263-2675
The Santa Train with the Tristate Railway Historical Society LLC
December 10
Climb aboard this hour-long round-trip experience with carols, costumed characters, and an opportunity to meet Santa himself. This annual event is sponsored by the Tri-State Railway Historical Society, an educational organization dedicated to preserving, restoring, and interpreting the New Jersey area’s rich railroading history. The Santa Train is the largest fundraiser for this organization, so if you want to catch this train before it sells out, tickets go on sale on October 21.
Cost: TBA
Route 23 Southbound and West Belt Parkway, Wayne, NJ 07040
1-973-656-0707
Which Christmas train rides in New Jersey will you hop aboard?
Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, sign up for our weekly newsletter delivered right to your inbox each week, and don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.
