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Make “Tracks” for a Train this Holiday

By Carol Reed

Many of us remember watching with young eyes aglow, as a model train chugged ‘round the tracks at holiday time. And, perhaps today, we carry on that tradition for our own children: setting up the train platform, unpacking the treasured rail cars and building a perfect, miniature fantasyland.

Those holiday train-village fantasies can come to life when you take the family to visit and to ride on one of the actual, working railroads in our area. Many trains operate through the winter months, and the tours include special holiday presentations featuring rosy cheeks, nostalgia, holiday goodies and even a visit from Santa.

Climb aboard the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad passenger train, 32 West Bridge St, New Hope, PA. (215-862-2332 www.newhoperailroad.com) Travel in restored passenger cars and experience the “Golden Steam Era” as you chug through scenic, historic Bucks County. Ride the “North Pole Express” which operates during late November, and December 4 -7, and December 11- 23 with four trips daily. Adult costs are $10.00 per person, children cost $7.00 and toddlers under two cost $1.50. Reservations suggested.

Or board the Strasburg Railroad on Route 741 E. in Strasburg, PA. (800-555-2303 ex. 13 www.strasburgrailroad.com) Join Thomas the Tank Engine on December 5, 6 and 7. He’s a full-sized operating steam locomotive who pulls the train. Many exciting adventures are planned, and you can browse in the train-store gift shop. On December 13, 14, 20, and 21, five trips a day carry delighted passengers to Santa-land on America’s oldest “short line” railroad. Skim through Pennsylvania Dutch country as you enjoy holiday cheer and laughter with Santa. Reservations are suggested.

Hop on the Middletown and Hummelstown Railroad at 136 Brown Street in Middletown, PA. (717-944-4435, www.mhrailroad.com). This Railroad Company was created in 1888. Until 1976, the line was part of the Reading Railroad. At the Middletown train yards, in addition to active locomotives, you can see a collection of railway rolling stock displayed in the Middletown Yard. Enjoy an 11-mile train ride along the Swatara Creek as you board a 1920’s vintage, Delaware, Lackawanna & Western coach at the 1891 Freight Station in Middletown or at the Indian Echo Caverns Platform. The train follows the towpath of the historic Union Canal along the peaceful Swatara. Passengers will have a “photographic moment” while crossing a 35-foot bridge above the Swatara Creek. On the return trip from Indian Echo Cave Platform, you will enjoy a “sing-a-long” of tunes from the railroading days. Beginning November 29, on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Santa visits with gifts and Christmas music for the children 11 years and younger. There will be time for pictures after Gift Time. Reservations are recommended.

Travel to Jim Thorpe, PA for a trip with Rail Tours Incorporated (www.railtours-inc.com). The train station was built in 1888 by the Central Railroad of New Jersey. The CRR of NJ discontinued passenger train service to Jim Thorpe in 1952. It then became a part of Conrail. Currently, both the Carbon & Schuylkill Railroad and the Reading and Northern are in operation for freight, while Rail Tours Incorporated operates passenger tours. Families can book a ride through history on diesel powered, 1920’s - 1930’s era coaches and travel amidst miles of woodland in Northern Pennsylvania. Old Time Christmas weekends are planned for December 5,6,7,13, & 14 with special Santa train rides. Call 570-325-4604 or 610-250-0968 for additional information. The first floor of the train station is also home to the offices of the Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau.

Catch the Black River and Western Railroad in Ringoes, NJ. (908-782-9600, www.brwrr.com). From 1872 through 1929, Ringoes Station was Hunterdon County’s gateway to the world. The railroad could take you anywhere - Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, even the Jersey Shore. The sights and sounds of the railroad are still alive in Hunterdon County. Trains run from Flemington to Ringoes, bringing passengers in historic coaches to visit the restored Ringoes station and yard. Santa Claus will be riding along, November 28, 29, 30, December 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th, with some extra special stops visiting Tinseltown, The North Pole and Candyland. Check the website for departure times and fares.

Why not make this unique time of year a memorable one? Share fun, adventure and part of our nation’s history on an old-fashioned railroad trip. Just make “tracks” for a train with your family at holiday time.

Some additional train rides around the area,
that also host special holiday rides:
Wilmington & Western Railroad - 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE. 302-998-1930, www.wwrr.com. West Chester Railroad - 500 S. Adams St. West Chester, PA.
610-430-2233, www.westchesterrr.net.

Carol Reed is a middle school teacher and freelance journalist who specializes in travel writing. Carol’s journeys have taken her as close to home as the New Jersey Pines and as far as the islands in the Caribbean, NewZealand and Australia.