Ride the Strasburg Christmas Train Near Lancaster

The holidays are just around the corner, and the Strasburg Christmas Train is one of the most magical winter experiences in Lancaster County. This historic railroad, founded in 1832, transforms each winter into a festive wonderland filled with lights, cocoa, and carols. Families come to ride the Strasburg Christmas Train, a 45-minute round trip to Paradise, PA, and back, where steam engines power their way through 2,500 acres of farmland. Watching the smoke curl against a winter sky feels timeless, especially knowing the route passes right by Verdant View Farm.

Located just steps from the tracks, our Bed and Breakfast near Lancaster, PA, makes the perfect home base for this nostalgic journey. The train has been featured in films such as Hello Dolly, Wild Wild West, and Thomas and the Magic Railroad, giving every ride a touch of cinematic charm. During the holidays, the railroad comes alive with music, twinkling lights, and the laughter of families meeting Santa. It’s a tradition that’s warmed hearts since 1959 and continues to be a beloved part of the season.

Our B&B near Lancaster offers cozy rooms, a hearty country breakfast, and a chance to experience life on a working farm. Guests can watch the Strasburg Christmas Train chug past the fields from the comfort of our porch, creating a scene straight from a holiday postcard. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a festive family trip, staying here makes your Christmas adventure even more memorable. Book your stay today!

Santa Claus greets guests at the Strasburg Christmas Train.

Celebrate the Season with the Strasburg Christmas Train

If you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure this holiday season, the Strasburg Christmas Train promises joy for every age. These festive excursions fill November and December with the sights, sounds, and spirit of Christmas. Find your favorite ride and enjoy a magical journey through the heart of Amish Country, right near Verdant View Farm Bed and Breakfast near Lancaster, PA.

All Aboard! Strasburg Christmas Train Experiences

  1. Santa’s Paradise Express has been a beloved Strasburg tradition since 1959. Step aboard a vintage steam train for a nostalgic ride to Paradise and back, complete with live music, letter writing with Mrs. Claus, and a festive “review show” at the Town Square Stage. Santa himself walks through each car to greet guests and share a small gift with children under 11. First-class passengers enjoy cocoa and a cookie while they take in the cozy holiday atmosphere. Advance reservations are required, and seats fill quickly for this Strasburg Christmas train favorite!
  2. The Santa Claus Limited offers a relaxed 45-minute ride through Lancaster County’s winter landscape. Passengers sit in beautifully decorated 100-year-old train cars heated by authentic pot-bellied stoves while Santa makes a personal visit through each car. Holiday music fills the air, and parents can capture the moment as Santa stops to greet the kids. 
  3. The Night Before Christmas Story Experience brings Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem to life. Each car has its own performer reading the story as the train rolls through the countryside. Guests enjoy complimentary milk and a cookie, with additional snacks and beverages available in the first-class cars. While Santa might make a surprise appearance, this particular Strasburg Christmas Train ride focuses on storytelling and Christmas Eve magic rather than personal visits from Santa.
  4. The Christmas Caboose Charter is ideal for families or small groups wanting a private space aboard the train. Built in 1925, this restored caboose offers cupola seating for a unique view over the train and tracks. The 45-minute round trip along the historic “Road to Paradise” includes onboard commentary about the line’s fascinating history.

More Year-Round Strasburg Train Adventures

The fun doesn’t stop after the holidays. The Strasburg Rail Road offers special events and themed rides all year long that keep visitors coming back. Spring features the Easter Bunny Train, where the Easter Bunny hops aboard as the conductor for a cheerful family outing. Summer brings the Day Out with Thomas event: meet Thomas the Tank Engine™, enjoy a 30-minute ride, live performances, and photo ops with Thomas and Sir Topham Hatt. Autumn wraps up the year with Friendsgiving on the Train, a cozy dining-car experience with a festive meal, games, and beautiful Lancaster County scenery.

No matter the season, a ride on the Strasburg Railroad offers a charming glimpse of Pennsylvania heritage. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Easter, or a simple summer afternoon, staying at Verdant View Farm Bed and Breakfast near Lancaster, PA, keeps you close to all the fun and right next to the very tracks that make Strasburg so special.

Little girl pulls little boy on sled. Have old fashioned family fun at our Bed and Breakfast near Lancaster PA.

Festive Family Fun at our B&B near Lancaster, PA

After your ride on the Strasburg Christmas Train, enjoy the comfort and hospitality of our family-friendly Bed and Breakfast near Lancaster, PA, located right along the tracks the trains travel. Our working farm gives guests a front-row seat to watch the steam engines chug through the countryside, creating an authentic Lancaster County experience with cozy lodging and the charm of rural life.

Each morning, guests wake to the aroma of a farm-fresh breakfast made with local ingredients. You might enjoy eggs gathered from the hens just outside, homemade bread, and seasonal fruit grown nearby. Between train rides, you can meet the farm animals as your kids help with chores, stroll through the pastures, or simply relax on the porch and take in the sweeping views of Amish farmland.

Our Bed and Breakfast near Lancaster, PA, offers a variety of comfortable guest rooms designed for couples and families alike. Each space reflects the warmth and simplicity of farm life, with modern amenities that make your stay relaxing. Whether you’re here for a holiday getaway, a summer visit, or a peaceful retreat any time of year, our B&B near Lancaster lets you experience the best of both worlds: authentic country living and easy access to Amish Country’s most beloved attractions. Reserve your room now!

Give The Gift of Verdant View Farm This Christmas

Give your loved one a very special gift of a stay at Verdant View Farm. We offer gift certificates in many amounts.