Seasonal
Season Ended

Santa Express

A merry, unforgettable journey filled with joy, wonder and holiday cheer

This Season Has Ended

About This Ride

Climb aboard the Santa Express for a magical holiday journey. Enjoy festive music as Santa strolls through the decorated train, greeting families, chatting with kids and posing for photos.

Every child receives a special gift bag with goodies and a wish list to give to Santa. During the ride, Santa, Mrs. Claus or one of Santa’s cheerful elves reads the classic tale The Night Before Christmas.

It’s an unforgettable holiday tradition that brings the spirit of the season to life in Gettysburg.

What's Included

  • 60-minute ride in a holiday-decorated train
  • Visit and photos with Santa
  • A gift bag, goodies and a wish list for every child
  • A reading of The Night Before Christmas

Not included: meals and transportation to the station.

Check-In & Boarding

Please be at the boarding area 30 minutes before departure. The train leaves on time.

With your QR code on your phone or printed, go directly to the waiting area under the pavilion. Your coach number is listed next to your QR code.

Know Before You Go

Parking

Limited parking, including handicap parking, is at the station, 106 N. Washington St. Free additional parking is at 260 Constitution Ave., a gravel lot about 0.3 miles from the station.

What to Bring

Your ticket (QR code on your phone or printed) and a valid ID, comfortable clothing and walking shoes, and weather-appropriate gear. The boarding platform is not covered.

On Board

The commissary car sells light snacks and refreshments (cash, Visa, Mastercard and Discover). Restrooms are on board. Foldable strollers are welcome and are stored in the vestibules during the ride; please leave large suitcases behind.

Good to Know

The train runs rain or shine and departs on time. Children must be with an adult. No pets (certified service animals are welcome; please call ahead), smoking, vaping or alcohol. Schedules can change due to weather or operations. Prices include the Borough of Gettysburg (5%) and Gettysburg Area School District (2.6%) admission taxes.

Changes & Cancellations

With Trip Protection, you can cancel or change your date up to 2 hours before departure. Without it, changes or cancellations must be made at least 48 hours before departure, and a cancellation or exchange fee applies per ticket. Within 48 hours of departure, tickets are non-refundable. Questions? Call (717) 573-7888.

Christmas-themed Santa Express train event poster with holiday decorations.

Ride Details

Tickets on sale
Schedule
December 4, 5, 18, 19 & 20, 2026
Duration
60 minutes
Departs
See the booking calendar
Meeting point
Gettysburg Railway station, 106 N. Washington St., Gettysburg, PA 17325
Groups
Group pricing isn't available for themed rides
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible boarding is available at select platforms; other cars have about five steps to board. Certified service animals are welcome with documentation. Call (717) 573-7888 ahead of time for accommodations.

Tickets

  • AdultsAges 13+$54.99
  • ChildrenAges 2–12$46.99
  • SeniorsAges 65+$46.99
  • MilitaryActive or retired, with military ID$46.99
  • InfantsUnder 2, with a paying adultFree

Upcoming Departures

  • Friday, December 4 · 4:00 PM
  • Saturday, December 5
  • Friday, December 18
  • Saturday, December 19
  • Sunday, December 20

Questions or group bookings?
Call (717) 573-7888.

Themed & Seasonal Trains

More Train Rides

3 Days Only
Season Ended
Ride behind visiting Northern Central Railway of York steam locomotive No. 17 on a one-hour trip honoring Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and America250. November 19–21 only.
Weekends
Season Ended
Weekend mornings at 10 AM. Grab locally sourced coffee and a Hollabaugh Bros. apple cider donut in the concession car, then relax on a 90-minute ride through Adams County farmland.
Seasonal
Season Ended
Costumes encouraged! A 60-minute family ride with trick-or-treat bags, Halloween trivia, costumed car hosts, and a Witches’ Walk performance back at the station. Oct. 31 at 3 PM.
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