The ringing of the silver sleigh bell in The Polar Express is one a child never forgets. This year, board a nearby train for the ultimate holiday experience. You and the kids can meet Santa, pick out a Christmas tree or even get a chance to meet Anna and Elsa, the princesses of Disney’s Frozen and Frozen 2. It will surely be a trip for everyone.
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B&O’s Magical Holiday Express
Est. 60 miles, One-and-a-half hours from Northern Virginia
If you’re looking for a wide array of holiday-themed train rides to choose from, B&O Magical Holiday Express is the way to go. This year’s theme is Tidings in Transit, and the train company is planning to donate a portion of its proceeds to local nonprofits along the train’s route, such as the Paul’s Place, Baltimore Outreach Center, the Harlem Park Rec Center and more. Donations will be gathered on weekend rides, including new and gently used blankets, children’s books and personal hygiene items and hats, gloves and scarves. Take a train ride with Santa (from Saturday, Dec. 7 to Sunday, Dec. 22), or ride the rails with Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff of Disney’s Frozen (Saturday, Dec. 28 and Sunday, Dec. 29). // B&O Railroad Museum: 901 W. Pratt St., Baltimore; $20 for adults, $12 for children under 12 years old, purchase tickets on-site
The Polar Express Train Ride
Est. 130 miles, Two-and-a-half hours from Northern Virginia
Bring the magic of the holiday classic to life by taking your family on Maryland’s own Polar Express train ride. Every child will receive the famous silver “sleigh bell,” known best from the picture book and animated film, as well as as a cup of hot chocolate, cookies, on-train entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus himself. Leave with your “punched” ticket from the train conductor and make holiday memories that will last a lifetime. // Western Maryland Scenic Railroad: 13 Canal St., Cumberland, Maryland; Tickets start at $55
Strasburg Rail Road
Est. 120 miles, Three hours from Northern Virginia
There are five ways to celebrate the holiday season on wheels with Strasburg Rail Road this year. Santa’s Paradise Express welcomes passengers of all ages for a magical steam train experience, with a visit from the big man himself. The Night Before Christmas Train is the perfect way to get your kids extra excited for Christmas Eve, where they can learn about Christmas past and much more. If trains are a big step for your young ones, consider the Christmas trolley, which is truly a special experience aside from the local rails. Strasburg also hosts a Christmas tree train (where attendees can hop on, pick out their tree and head back home), and a Christmas Feast, where guests enjoy a robust meal on The Night Before Christmas ride. Be sure to get your tickets before it’s too late. // Strasburg Rail Road: 301 Gap Road, Ronks, Pennsylvania; $18-$53, prices vary by event
West Chester Railroad Christmas Tree Ride
Est. 150 miles, Three hours from Northern Virginia
A new year means a new Christmas tree. Create a new tradition by taking a ride on the 2019 Christmas Tree Train with West Chester Railroad. The train will depart the station at 8 a.m. and take passengers to Wiggins Tree Farm to pick, cut and load their trees onto the train, and head back home with their very own handpicked tree to decorate and enjoy. The train ride will include fresh coffee, hot chocolate and doughnuts. Santa’s Express, another local train ride for kids (where Santa Claus makes an appearance) has all pre-sale tickets sold out, but first-come, first-served walk-up tickets are still available. // West Chester Railroad: 230 E. Market St., West Chester, Pennsylvania; $22 adult, $16 children 12 and under; Trees sold separately for $50
Santa Express by Old Dominion Chapter National Railway Historical Society
Est. 150 miles, Three-and-a-half hours from Northern Virginia
This 45-minute excursion is designed for kids and families to have fun and enjoy the holiday spirit. Catch the train on the Buckingham Branch Railroad, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will spread the joy of the season to children from near and far. Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet every child on the train, and everyone is sure to enjoy the singing conductor. All seats are on a first-come, first-served basis, but you’ll want to grab your tickets early, several of the time slots for the Santa Express have sold out or are dwindling fast. // Old Dominion Railroad Excursions: 1063 Main St., Dilwyn; $25 for all ages, $30 for after dark