Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway Santa Claus Train Ride
Passengers take a scenic holiday train journey departing downtown Jim Thorpe into Lehigh Gorge State Park. During the ride, Santa Claus and his elves walk through the train cars to talk with passengers and hand out small treats. The trip offers seasonal views of the surrounding scenery and opportunities for family holiday photos.
What to Expect
Scenic holiday train ride visiting Santa and his elves with treats.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Jim Thorpe
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Reading & Northern Railroad
Food & Drink
Passengers may bring food and non-alcoholic drinks onboard, and a snack and souvenir car is available on the train.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and scenic
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Standard Coach: adults $25.00; children age 3–12 $9.00. Crown Class Coach: adults $27.00; children age 3–12 $10.00. Vista Class Dome: adults $35.00; children age 3–12 $21.00. First Class Lounge: adults $54.00 each; children age 3–12 $45.00; fare includes a complimentary snack and beverage. Children 2 and under receive a free ticket for any seating option. – Get tickets
- Hours: 10:30am, 1:00pm, & 3:30pm.
- Parking: The page recommends arriving at least 1 hour before the scheduled train ride to allow time for parking. Parking in Jim Thorpe is owned and controlled by Carbon County, not the railway or an affiliated company; it recommends contacting the local parking authority or checking the linked parking information, especially during peak times such as the holiday season.
- Accessibility: An ADA-certified lift is available at Jim Thorpe station, and most wheelchairs fit inside Standard Coaches.
- Pets: Well-behaved pets ride free with their own special ticket. Just tell the ticket agent.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive at least an hour before your departure so you have time to park and pick up your tickets at the booth with your email confirmation.
- Larger parties should get in line to board early, because seating is first-come, first-served and arriving early improves your chances of sitting together.
- Buy tickets in advance, since online sales close the night before each trip and same-day tickets at the Jim Thorpe window depend on availability.
- Pack your own snacks and drinks for the ride, as anything except alcohol is allowed on board, or pick something up from the snack car.
- Bring your camera or phone, since Santa and his elves walk through the cars and the trip is made for family photos.
Special Events & Promotions
- Children 2 and under ride free in any seating option.
- First Class Lounge seats include a complimentary snack and beverage.
- Group discounts on Standard Coach seats for parties of 10 or more, booked in advance by phone.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens on the Santa train?
The train leaves downtown Jim Thorpe, heads into Lehigh Gorge State Park and comes back. On the way, Santa chats with the children, families and everyone else on board, and he and his elves hand out small treats.
Can we choose our seats?
You choose a class: Standard Coach, Crown Class Coach, Vista Class Dome or First Class Lounge. Seats within it aren't assigned, though; it's first-come, first-served as you board. Larger groups should arrive earlier if they want to sit together.
Can we bring food and drinks?
Yes, you can bring any food and drinks you like except alcohol. There's also a snack and souvenir car on the train.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Jim Thorpe station has an ADA-certified lift, and most wheelchairs fit inside the Standard Coaches.
Does the train run in bad weather?
Yes, it runs rain, snow or shine. If bad weather stops you from riding, you can exchange advance tickets for a future trip.
More Christmas Events Near Jim Thorpe
More Christmas Events near Hazleton
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.