NEW FREEDOM TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
Santa Express: A One-Hour Holiday Ride from Historic New Freedom to Glen Rock
A festive, one-hour specialty train run by Northern Central Railway that boards at the Historic New Freedom Train Station and pairs a ride with Santa with post-ride hot chocolate, cookies, and model-train viewing.
Santa Express: A One-Hour Holiday Ride from Historic New Freedom to Glen Rock.
Decked out for the season, the Santa Express departs from the Historic New Freedom Train Station for a short, celebratory run to Glen Rock. Onboard, children visit Santa—who brings gifts for kids on the “NICE” list—and after disembarking at the engine house riders are invited to enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, explore the model train room, and listen to live fiddling.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Visit Santa Aboard the Train
Each child has the opportunity to visit with Santa during the ride to Glen Rock; Santa brings a special gift for children on the “NICE” list—one of the experience’s central draws for families.
Post-ride Treats and Model Trains
After the train disembarks at the engine house, passengers are treated to complimentary hot chocolate and a cookie and can visit the model train room while enjoying live music from a strolling fiddler.
Historic Station and Restored Coaches
Board at the beautifully preserved New Freedom station and ride in restored period coaches—options include accessible and vintage-style cars that recreate nineteenth-century rail travel while offering onboard conveniences.
What the day feels like
What the Santa Express Feels Like
The outing is a compact, seasonal ritual: board at the Historic New Freedom station, settle into a Victorian‑styled coach, ride with Santa toward Glen Rock, and disembark at the engine house for warm drinks, cookies, model‑rail displays, and live fiddling—an hour-long loop curated for families and rail enthusiasts.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring warm clothing for winter travel; plan to arrive early to check in—visitors should arrive 30 minutes prior to boarding and pick up boarding passes at the gift shop.
Check in at the Gift Shop to receive your boarding pass; boarding is at the New Freedom Historic Station and the train disembarks at the NCR Engine House.
Coaches replicate period heating and seating; some cars use coal‑stove heating and feature reversible cushioned seats and onboard restrooms in select cars.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where does the Santa Express board?
The train boards at the Historic New Freedom Station (117 North Front Street).
How long is the ride?
The Santa Express experience runs approximately one hour.
Do children get to meet Santa?
Yes—each child will have an opportunity to visit with Santa, who has a special gift for kids on the “NICE” list.
Are refreshments provided?
After the ride, passengers are offered complimentary hot chocolate and a cookie at the engine house.
When should I arrive and where do I check in?
Visitors should arrive 30 minutes prior to boarding and check in at the Gift Shop to receive their boarding pass.