Enjoy a classic story time reading of “The Night Before Christmas” aboard our restored Victorian coach cars!
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Santa’s Paradise Express – Executive Seats
Ho, ho, ho! Santa?s aboard this classic steam train for a holiday ride to remember!
A Christmas tradition since 1959, Strasburg Rail Road welcomes a very special visitor every November and December. That’s right, Santa himself will climb aboard the historic steam train to greet families as they travel down the tracks to Paradise, PA, and back. As a special treat, children ages 11 and under will receive a small gift from Santa during this nostalgic 45-minute steam train ride.
Additionally, guests can enjoy the Cranky Cars and miniature steam train attractions (when open), a visit with Mrs. Claus, and music from professional carolers and musicians.
Santa Letters: If you would like a return letter from Santa, please bring a standard-sized (No. 10), self-addressed stamped envelope with you and place it in the “North Pole Express” mailbox located near the Mrs. Claus area.
EXECUTIVE SEATS
Recreate the magic and anticipation of Christmas with a high-end experience as you ride the rails of the Strasburg Rail Road in majestic, holiday style. Your journey begins as you step aboard the historic Philadelphia & Reading (P&R) business-class railcar. Explore the car?s opulence before settling into the cozy Observation Room, Dining Room, or one of the Staterooms (rooms and seats are first-come, first-served). Note: This is a separate accommodation from the First Class cars, on which a uniformed attendant is available. Regrettably, food & beverage service is not available aboard the President’s Car Executive Seat experience.
About The Philadelphia & Reading President’s Car
Philadelphia & Reading Car No. 10, commonly known as ?The Reading? during its heyday, is an Edwardian-era business car. Business-class cars were built for the railroad?s top brass?company presidents and other high-level officials. These cars were essentially a house on wheels that transported railroad officials ?over the line? to carry out their railroad responsibilities. These cars were often the pride of the railroad fleet with their handcrafted woodwork, rich tapestries, over-stuffed furniture, and much more.
Philadelphia & Reading Car No. 10, now known as ?The President?s Car,? was built in 1913 for George F. Bair, then president of both the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad (P&R) and Franklin & Marshall College.
RELATED RIDES
Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas train ride that includes a reading of the timeless classic, “A Night Before Christmas!” Kids love this experience.
Hop aboard our Christmas tree train to choose a pre-cut Frasier Fir tree, then get it delivered back to the station!
Join Santa himself on this historic steam train ride. He will greet families as they travel down the tracks to Paradise, PA. Join us for this holiday ride to remember!
The SANTA CLAUS LIMITED is our standard 45-minute steam train ride through Amish Country with a brief personal visit with Santa as he passes through. A fun, scaled-back, LIMITED experience.