WOODSTOWN GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Christmas Caboose: Santa, a Restored 1937 Caboose, and South Jersey’s Winter Tracks
A private, 60‑minute holiday ride aboard a restored 1937 caboose in Woodstown where Santa visits every family—this guide tells you what to expect and how to plan.
Christmas Caboose: Santa, a Restored 1937 Caboose, and South Jersey’s Winter Tracks.
Step aboard Woodstown Central Railroad’s Santa Claus Special and settle into the restored 1937 caboose, its lush mahogany and maple interior and upstairs cupola evoking an old‑world holiday. Plush seating, festive decorations, an authentic coal‑burning stove and a visit from Santa combine with scenic winter views of forests, farmland and historic small towns across South Jersey to create a cozy, family‑focused 60‑minute excursion.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Historic 1937 Caboose with Cabin Comforts
The excursion takes place in a completely restored 1937 caboose with a plush interior, an upstairs cupola for elevated views and an authentic coal‑burning stove that helps make the car a cozy cabin on wheels.
Santa Visits and Gifts for Every Child
During the Santa Claus Special, Santa walks the length of the train to visit each family and presents each child with a special gift, a core part of the holiday program.
Scheduled Steam Power (Subject to Change)
Steam locomotive #9 is scheduled to operate on Santa Claus Special trains; all motive power is subject to substitution at the discretion of the railroad.
What the day feels like
What the Ride Feels Like
Guests arrive at the South Woodstown Station, check in at the ticket window and board the train about 15 minutes before departure. The private 60‑minute, 14‑mile scenic loop through southern New Jersey unfolds with seasonal decorations and plush seating inside restored 1930s cars; while the train is underway Santa makes his way through the cars for personal visits and gift‑giving before the train returns to the station for post‑ride photos and station‑side activities.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits—and who should plan alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Arrive at 650 Alloway‑Woodstown Road (South Woodstown Station) 20–30 minutes before your scheduled departure; train boarding begins about 15 minutes prior and the excursion lasts 60 minutes.
Non‑alcoholic drinks and light snacks are allowed on board; to prevent spills, drinks should have a lid or cap. Alcohol is permitted only during specific special events.
The train is equipped with restrooms, and a port‑o‑potty is available at South Woodstown Station.
The caboose is offered as a private car and seats up to 16 guests; check operator booking details for private‑charter pricing and availability.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do all passengers need a ticket?
Yes, all passengers require a ticket. Children’s tickets are broken into two age groups: 4–12 (Child) and 0–3 (Toddler).
Is there a bathroom on the train?
Yes, the train is equipped with restrooms. There is also a port‑o‑potty located at South Woodstown Station.
Are pets allowed on the train?
Only registered service animals are permitted aboard the train.
Do you operate during bad weather?
The railroad makes every attempt to operate in all weather conditions; however, during extreme conditions the railroad will cancel operations and notify guests by email, on the homepage and through social media.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Non‑alcoholic drinks and light snacks are allowed on board; to prevent spilling, please make sure all drinks have a lid or cap.
Can I bring alcohol on the train?
Alcohol is only permitted onboard during specific events, such as Brew to Brew trains or BYO and Cheese trains.