The New Hope Railroad warmly invites you, your loved ones, and your friends to an extraordinary holiday event. Come and celebrate the return of the iconic #40 steam engine as you join Santa and Mrs. Claus on a magical adventure aboard the Steam Train, traversing the historic countryside of Bucks County. This enchanting Santa’s Steam Train Ride departs from New Hope Station, taking you on a round trip to the “North Pole”.
The journey commences with the Conductor’s call of “All Aboard”! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to uphold a family tradition, you’ll be immersed in the sounds and flavors of the holiday season. Sing along with our wandering musicians as they play Christmas carols while you savor warm cocoa and indulge in freshly baked cookies.
Interact with Santa and Mrs. Claus as they spend time with the children, listening to their special wishes. Each child will receive a unique gift of a sleigh bell from Santa himself. Both children and adults are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the season by wearing pajamas and enjoying a relaxing ride with loved ones on our festively adorned railway cars, complete with holiday decorations.
This delightful annual event is sure to become a beloved holiday tradition for the entire family.
Before concluding your experience at the railroad, take a leisurely stroll through our beautifully decorated railway station. Both our restored 1891 Freight House Gift Shop and the Christmas Gift Shop, located within the historic 1891 Victorian-style Passenger Station, will be open for business. They offer the perfect opportunity to find any last-minute decorations or gifts for those special individuals on your list.
The entire team at the New Hope Railroad wishes you a joyful and healthy holiday season, and we eagerly await your presence aboard our train.
*Photo packages are available for purchase at an additional fee. The fees vary depending on the selected package.
New Hope Train Station, New Hope, PA
1 hour (approximately)
New Hope, PA to Lahaska, PA
(Round-trip)
Platinum Class, First Class & Coach Class
All Ages
Please note, meal service is not included or offered on this excursion.
We offer various fare rate categories tailored to meet your needs and financial preferences, aimed at making your journey as budget-friendly as possible. These rate categories encompass value days, off-peak days, peak days, and Christmas Eve, each carrying different dynamic fares and fare level designations.
Off-peak days are invariably the most economical choice, featuring the lowest fare. Peak days, typically the busiest days such as Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, are priced higher. Christmas Eve has the fewest offerings.
Gaining an understanding of the diverse fare rate categories can help you identify the option that aligns best with your needs, ensuring a more cost-effective journey.
OFF-PEAK DAYS (December 18, 19, 20 & 21)
PEAK DAYS (November 24, 25, 26, December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 22 & 23)
CHRISTMAS EVE (December 24)
For optimal experience and booking options, we highly recommend making reservations online.
Group Seating: We strive to accommodate groups by seating them together on the train as closely as possible. Do share your seating preferences with us before boarding.
Additional excursions and events might be on offer. For a comprehensive view of all options, kindly refer to our complete train and event schedule.
Q: HOW DO SANTA’S NORTH POLE EXPRESS TRAIN AND SANTA’S STEAM TRAIN RIDE DIFFER?
A: Both adventures offer an equally enchanting onboard experience. However, Santa’s Steam Train Ride provides passengers with a nostalgic journey aboard a vintage steam locomotive powered train, in contrast to the Diesel-powered locomotive used for Santa’s North Pole Express Train. Steam locomotives, steeped in a rich history, embody the romance of the early era of rail travel, offering a unique experience that diesel locomotives can’t match. Their distinct aesthetics, characterized by steam, the iconic whistle, and timeless design, captivate both rail enthusiasts and the public. Moreover, they are a fascinating educational tool, offering insights into early industrial-era engineering and mechanics.
Q: HOW DOES THE SANTA’S STEAM TRAIN RIDE WORK?
A: Tickets must be purchased before riding the Santa’s Steam Train Ride and can be purchased online or at our self-service ticketing kiosks located at the New Hope Train Station Platform; however, ticket availability isn’t assured, so we suggest purchasing online. When tickets sell out for a specific date and time, there will be no additional tickets for sale (for that date and time).
On the night you will be riding Santa’s Steam Train Ride, you will get in line and board the train within 15-30 minutes of your ticket departure time. For example, if your tickets are for 4:00 – 5:00 pm, you must be in line for the train no later than 4:45 pm.
Q: HOW CAN THE SANTA’S STEAM TRAIN RIDE TICKETS BE PURCHASED?
A: You should make reservations online in advance, but if needed, self-service kiosk ticket sales are available at our New Hope train station platform. However, ticket availability isn’t assured at our platform kiosks.
Q: HOW MANY TRAIN TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED IN ONE TRANSACTION?
A: There is no limit; however, ticket quantities are limited per each time slot.
Q: DOES THE SANTA’S STEAM TRAIN RIDE SELL OUT?
A: Yes. The Santa’s Steam Train Ride will sell out. Once tickets are sold out, you cannot purchase tickets to ride Santa’s Steam Train Ride.
Q: DO I HAVE TO RIDE THE TRAIN TO MEET SANTA CLAUS?
A: Yes. Santa’s Steam Train Ride tickets must be purchased in advance to visit Santa and to take a photo with him.
Q: WHY IS THERE A PROCESSING FEE FOR PURCHASING TICKETS ONLINE?
A: At the New Hope Railroad, our commitment is to provide an efficient, user-friendly, and secure ticket-purchasing process. We utilize advanced technologies, robust hardware and software systems, and dedicated customer support services to achieve this. These resources are crucial in managing and maintaining our reservation system, website, and credit card processing. Our processing fee covers the costs associated with these critical services, including Web Hosting: The costs incurred in maintaining a secure and reliable online platform for customers to access our services. Ticketing Hardware and Software: Investments in cutting-edge technology to streamline the ticketing process and maintain the integrity and security of our systems. Customer Support: The necessary expenses to provide comprehensive customer service, including staff training and compensation. Credit Card Processing Services: Fees associated with securing credit card transactions, which banks and credit card companies impose. Merchant Fees: Costs facilitating electronic transactions and maintaining business relationships with financial institutions. Infrastructure: The upkeep and modernization of computer hardware, software, and telecommunication lines. As a customer-centric organization, we strive to keep this fee as low as possible. We appreciate your understanding that the processing fee is necessary to provide you with the superior and efficient service you expect from the New Hope Railroad.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS OR SNOWS ON THE NIGHT WE ARE SCHEDULED TO RIDE THE SANTA’S STEAM TRAIN RIDE
A: All excursions and events operate rain or shine. However, customers will be promptly informed if the railroad determines that an excursion or event must be canceled due to severe weather or other unforeseen conditions. Please remember that schedules are adhered to as closely as possible. Still, the New Hope Railroad reserves the right, without liability and notice, to cancel and/or otherwise modify the schedule, fares, times, dates, routing, motive power, equipment, and/or seat selection on any excursion, train and/or event whenever, in its judgment, circumstances warrant. The railroad is not responsible for insufficient capacity or adverse weather conditions preventing operations. All excursions, trains, and events are subject to availability.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF WE MISS THE TIME WE WERE SCHEDULED TO RIDE THE SANTA’S STEAM TRAIN RIDE?
A: Please contact our Customer Support Call Center at 215-862-2332 for options.
Q: DOES THE NEW HOPE RAILROAD SELL CHRISTMAS TREES?
A: No, the New Hope Railroad does not sell Christmas Trees.
Q: WHERE DOES THE SANTA’S STEAM TRAIN RIDE DEPART FROM?
A: All of our passenger excursions and special event trains depart from the historic New Hope Train Station, located at 32 W. Bridge St, New Hope, PA. All round-trip excursions and events will return to the New Hope Train Station.
Q: ARE RESTROOMS AVAILABLE ON THE TRAIN?
A: Yes. While most of our First and Coach Class cars are equipped with compact restrooms that are not ADA-compliant, we highly advise passengers to use the restroom facilities at our New Hope Train Station. These restrooms are ADA-accessible and come equipped with baby changing stations for your convenience.
Q: IS THE SANTA’S STEAM TRAIN RIDE ACCESSIBLE?
A: Given the historical nature of our railcars, New Hope Railroad’s passenger trains do not fully comply with the current Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. However, for individuals who use wheelchairs or mobility devices or have difficulty navigating steps, we provide a ramp to our trains on our high-level train station platform. While we can’t assure full accessibility, we offer a range of accommodations to reasonably accommodate each guest desiring a ride on our train. If you or someone in your group is concerned about boarding the train, we encourage you to contact our Customer Support Center at 215-862-2332 to discuss your needs.
Q: IS THERE A DRESS CODE FOR THE SANTA’S STEAM TRAIN RIDE?
A: No, however, due to the continuous movement of passenger coaches and thresholds between them, it is highly recommended that all train passengers wear proper footwear. We recommend rubber sole shoes or tennis shoes be worn. Open-toed sandals, high heels, or flip-flops should NOT be worn on the train. Children and adults alike are encouraged to indulge in the season’s spirit by wearing pajamas and settling in for a relaxing ride with family and friends aboard our festive railway cars adorned with holiday decorations.
Q: ARE PETS ALLOWED?
A: Only service animals, defined by Title II and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are allowed onboard trains at all train stations and other publicly accessible railroad properties.
According to the ADA, a service animal is specifically a dog that has undergone individual training to perform tasks or work for the benefit of an individual with a disability. This could be a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or mental disability. Tasks might include guiding visually impaired people, alerting individuals who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, assisting during a seizure, reminding an individual with mental illness to take medication, and calming a person with PTSD during an anxiety attack, among others.
It’s important to remember that service animals are not pets but working animals. Their assigned work or task must be directly related to the owner’s disability. Dogs whose only role is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
Q: DO YOU OFFER ONSITE PARKING? WHAT ABOUT BUSES AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES?
A: Parking is conveniently located onsite at the railroad. Parking is based on availability and can not be guaranteed. The parking lot will close when capacity is reached. There is limited handicapped parking available. You should arrive a half-hour before your scheduled excursion. The parking lot is managed and operated by EZ PARK 24. Please visit the EZ PARK 24 website at ezpark24.com for rates and more information.
We can accommodate a limited number of Buses and Recreational Vehicles on any given day in a special parking area on our property. Please call us at (215) 862-2332 before your visit so we can reserve a spot for you if available.
Q: WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
A: Cash is no longer accepted at the New Hope Railroad for payment. However, we accept all American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, JCB, and UnionPay credit cards.
Q: CAN WE SMOKE ON THE TRAIN OR AT THE TRAIN STATION?
A: No. We are a non-smoking property. Smoking is prohibited aboard any train, building, or railroad property. We appreciate your cooperation.
Q: CAN I RETURN, REFUND, OR EXCHANGE MY TICKETS?
A: Please note that tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, and we cannot replace them if they’re lost, stolen, or damaged. However, based on your selected fare level, you might be eligible to change your ticket to a different date or time, or a credit may be provided. Please keep in mind that additional charges may apply, and tickets and classes of service are limited to availability.
Q: DOES EVERYONE NEED A TICKET, INCLUDING INFANTS?
A: Yes, every passenger, irrespective of their age, needs to have a ticket.
Q: DO YOU ALLOW LAP RIDERS?
A: Yes; however, a lap rider must have a ticket.
Q: HOW CAN MY FAMILY OR GROUP ENSURE WE SIT TOGETHER IF WE DON’T BUY TICKETS TOGETHER?
A: To increase the chances of your entire group being seated together, it’s suggested that everyone board the train simultaneously. If members of your party enter the train from different ticket lines, they may be seated in separate cars.
Q: WHY DOES THE TRAIN GO UP AND BACK ON THE SAME TRACK?
A: As a heritage tourist railway, the New Hope Railroad trains have operated on the same tracks since 1891. Traditionally, for the concluding section of the journey, the locomotive has consistently run in reverse, uncoupling at the end of the southbound trip and then recoupling at the opposite end of the train for the return northbound journey.
But why is this the case? Historically, the railroad has been a vital part of the transportation network in Eastern Pennsylvania, where efficiency was highly valued. Since there was neither a need nor available space for a turntable and no convincing argument to adjust the locomotive’s direction, this procedure was deemed a practical solution, a practice that continues today!
Q: WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE NEW HOPE TRAIN STATION?
A: The New Hope Train Station offers several engaging activities. You can visit the Railroad’s Freight House and Christmas Gift shops on-site or explore the variety of local eateries and stores located on Main Street and nearby areas, all within a short walking distance.
Q: AM I ALLOWED TO TAKE A STROLLER OR BABY CARRIER ON THE TRAIN?
A: Due to space constraints, strollers can’t be accommodated in our passenger cars. However, we provide a designated area for stroller parking at the station platform. Baby carriers are allowed onboard the train.
Q: CAN I UPGRADE MY COACH CLASS OR OTHER CLASS OF TICKETS TO A HIGHER SERVICE CLASS AT A LATER TIME?
A: Yes, subject to availability; you can upgrade your ticket to a superior service class by contacting our Customer Support Call Center at 215-862-2332. Such upgrades cannot be performed at the train station.
* Please note that provided duration times are estimates. Fares are presented once you’ve chosen a class, fare level, and departure date and time. The fare prices are subject to change based on various factors such as demand, fare level classification, service class, date and time of the event/excursion, when the reservation was completed, and other travel preferences. The fare shown at the time and date of the booking is the lowest available. Our nearly 100-year-old steam locomotive #40 has been assigned as motive power on this train for many years and rarely develops mechanical problems; however, if the steam locomotive isn’t available to provide motive power for the train, one of our vintage diesel locomotives will be assigned. If Santa’s North Pole Premium Train is diesel-powered, the railroad will not offer refunds. However, a voucher will be provided to customers with affected reservations. The voucher will offer you and your family a traditional steam train ride behind our steam locomotive during the next operating season.
