Santa Claus is coming to town! December is a magical time in NEPA, full of twinkling lights and often a festive blanket of snow. One of the best ways to experience it is from a train or trolley. Every holiday season, Scranton leans into its nicknames as Steamtown and The Electric City by offering unique ways to combine its industrial past with holiday cheer and festive visits from Old Saint Nick.
Steamtown’s Holiday Express Train and North Pole Limited
This year, Scranton offers two beloved holiday train experiences—each running on multiple dates throughout the season—giving families plenty of opportunities to ride with Santa. The weekend after Thanksgiving, board the Holiday Express Train at Steamtown National Historic Site with Mr. and Mrs. Claus for a scenic trip through the woods to Moscow Station. After a 30-minute train ride, enjoy a festive stopover in Moscow before returning to Scranton.
On select dates in December, the North Pole Limited offers another magical adventure. Take an unforgettable hour-long holiday journey around Scranton’s historic rail yard and along the scenic route to Nay Aug Park. Roaming musicians and festive characters spread holiday cheer between train compartments. Santa visits every child to collect their wish list and give them an early Christmas present. After the ride, cookies and hot chocolate are served at the station. North Pole Limited is run by the Iron Horse Society, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the Steamtown National Historic Site.
Both rides are in high demand, so buy your tickets online before the train fills up!
North Pole Limited, presented by the Iron Horse Society
Santa Trolley at Electric City Trolley Station & Museum
While many places have a Santa train, Scranton also has a Santa Trolley, offering families a unique way to experience local history and celebrate the Christmas season. Board a historic electric trolley for a 45-minute ride through impressive scenery and one of the longest trolley tunnels ever built. Children will also enjoy sing-alongs and a visit from Santa. Afterward, explore the Electric City Trolley Museum, full of interactive, kid-friendly exhibits and festive holiday decorations.
These popular rides sell out fast, so call the Electric City Trolley Museum to book your tickets well in advance.
Santa on the Trolley
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides in Nay Aug Park
And if you’re craving even more old-fashioned holiday charm, the magic doesn’t stop with trains and trolleys. Just like in your favorite Christmas carol, you can also go dashing through the snow in a horse-drawn carriage ride during the Holiday Light Spectacular held in Scranton’s Nay Aug Park on select dates in December. This is a truly magical way to see the light display. Rides last 10-15 minutes, and each carriage holds up to four guests.
Carriage rides cannot be booked in advance. Upon arriving at the park, check in with a carriage attendant to be added to the wait list.
Horse-Drawn Carraige Rides at the Nay Aug Park Holiday Light Spectacular
Plan Your Trip to NEPA
Lackawanna County is a perfect holiday destination. In addition to our train, trolley, and carriage rides, we have many Christmas light displays and enough holiday events that you’ll have to check your list twice. Don’t miss out on any of our tree lightings, holiday markets, or festive performances. With far too much to see in a single day, we’re here to help you plan your visit. Find recommendations for where to stay, where to eat, and what to do.
Lackawanna County Courthouse Square in Downtown Scranton
FAQs
Is the Polar Express train ride worth it?
Steamtown no longer offers a Polar Express train ride. Scranton’s two current Santa train excursions, the Holiday Express Train and the North Pole Limited, are fun and festive for all ages. They combine holiday songs, cheer, visits with Santa, and scenic rides on historic trains. A worthwhile holiday activity kids are sure to enjoy!
Where is the Polar Express in Pennsylvania?
Scranton offers two holiday train experiences, the Holiday Express Train and the North Pole Limited. The Holiday Express Train travels from Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton to Moscow Station and back. North Pole Limited leaves from Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton and returns thereafter, traveling around Scranton.
Are there Christmas train rides near Scranton?
There are multiple Christmas train rides near Scranton! The weekend after Thanksgiving, the Holiday Express Train travels from Steamtown National Historic Site to Moscow Station and back, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Throughout December, North Pole Limited takes passengers around Scranton as they enjoy carols and visits with Santa. You can also ride the Santa Trolley around Scranton each December.
How much is the Santa Claus train ride?
Current ticket prices for the 2025 Holiday Express Train are $25 for adults (ages 12-61), $18 for youth (ages 3-11), $23 for seniors (ages 62+), and $1 for ages 2 and under. North Pole Limited tickets cost $25 for adults, $15 for children aged 3-12, and $5 for infants 2 and under.
