WALKERSVILLE EVENTS FIELD GUIDE
Cowboy Christmas Tale — Santa, Spurs and Private Cars Aboard Walkersville’s Holiday Train
A 1 hour 10 minute holiday train experience on the Walkersville Southern Railroad where families meet Santa, choose private private-car accommodations, and every child receives a gift.
Cowboy Christmas Tale — Santa, Spurs and Private Cars Aboard Walkersville’s Holiday Train.
In Walkersville, the Cowboy Christmas Tale transforms a short rail journey into a compact holiday spectacle: a rootin’-tootin’ one-hour-and-ten-minute ride aboard the Walkersville Southern Railroad where Santa visits families for photos and each child receives a gift. The event offers private cabins — from cozy cabooses to a heavyweight Pullman lounge car — and runs rain or shine; reservations are required. Riders should note the operator’s caution that there will be the sound of gunfire during the experience.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Santa, Photos and Gifts
Santa boards the train to visit each private accommodation for a meet-and-greet and family photos; every child will receive a gift during the ride.
Caboose Cupolas and a Luxury Lounge
Choose a private caboose (standard up to 15 guests, XL up to 20) and take turns in the cupola seats for the best views, or opt for the Lounge Car — the smoothest, most luxurious option with an on-board restroom. Note: the historic cabooses are not wheelchair accessible; the Lounge Car is not inherently wheelchair accessible and the operator asks that you email [email protected] to discuss needs.
A Short Ride, Rain or Shine
Rides run 1 hour and 10 minutes and operate rain or shine; reservations are required. Children under two ride free only if on a lap; otherwise they need a ticket. The operator cautions riders about the presence of gunfire sound effects during the program.
What the day feels like
What the ride feels like
Boarding is brisk and intimate: once doors close the train becomes a contained holiday set. Families settle into private accommodations; during the ride Santa comes through each private space for a personal visit and photos while children receive gifts. The lounge car offers a smoother, more spacious atmosphere and access to an on-board restroom, while the historic cabooses emphasize close-up views from their cupolas. The program runs regardless of weather and is explicitly presented as a short, family-focused excursion.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this event suits — and who should plan accordingly.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Rides last 1 hour and 10 minutes and operate rain or shine. Reservations are required; check availability and book in advance.
Historic cabooses have no on-board restroom access; facilities are available before and after the ride. The Lounge Car provides on-board restroom access.
Private accommodations are available (Caboose, Caboose XL, Lounge Car); cabooses are not wheelchair accessible. For accessibility questions regarding the Lounge Car, email [email protected].
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Cowboy Christmas Tale ride?
Rides last 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Where do I meet for the train?
Boarding is at the Walkersville Southern Railway located at 34 West Pennsylvania Ave., Walkersville, MD 21793.
Are reservations required?
Yes — reservations are required for the Cowboy Christmas Tale.
Do children need tickets?
Children under 2 ride free only if seated on a lap; otherwise they must have a ticket.
Are the cabooses wheelchair accessible?
No — due to the historic nature of the equipment, the cabooses are not wheelchair accessible. The Lounge Car is not inherently wheelchair accessible; please email [email protected] to discuss specific needs.
Will Santa visit during the ride?
Yes — Santa will visit each private accommodation for a meet-and-greet and family photos, and a gift is provided for each child.
Is there anything I should be warned about?
The operator cautions that there will be the sound of gunfire as part of the program.