Christmas City Express Train Rides
Guests gather inside the festively decorated general store to sing carols, make holiday crafts, and search for the hidden pickle ornament. Groups are then escorted to the historic mill for a dramatic reading of the Christmas City Express story, a keepsake ornament, and a special visit. Afterward, passengers board a motorcar train for a scenic ride, concluding with Santa photos, warm cookies, and hot chocolate.
What to Expect
Holiday story reading, village crafts, Santa visit, and motorcar train ride.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Muddy Creek Forks
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad Preservation Society
Food & Drink
Warm cookies and hot chocolate are included.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and cozy
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adults $20; children $15; under 3 ride free when on a lap. All tickets include family activities and crafts, a performance of the Christmas City Express, a train ride on the Ma & Pa Railroad, cookies, and hot chocolate. – Get tickets
- Hours: Saturday, December 5: 5 pm & 7 pm; Sunday, December 6: 1:30 pm & 3:30 pm; Saturday, December 12: 5 pm & 7 pm; Sunday, December 13: 1:30 pm & 3:30 pm; Saturday, December 19: 11:30 am, 1:30 pm & 3:30 pm; Sunday, December 20: 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm & 5:30 pm.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets online early, because tickets are limited and advance purchase is required for every Christmas City Express departure.
- Get to the general store 20 minutes before your story time to pick up tickets and join the carols, crafts and pickle ornament hunt.
- Have your camera ready when the train pulls back into the station, because Santa is waiting there for family photos.
- Dress for the weather, because the event runs rain or shine unless ice makes rail travel unsafe, and tickets are non-refundable unless cancelled.
- Plan to hold children under 3 on your lap during the train ride, since that's how they ride free.
Special Events & Promotions
- Private charter runs of the Christmas City Express for groups larger than 30.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during the Christmas City Express?
You start in the decorated general store with carols, holiday crafts and a hunt for the pickle ornament. Groups then go to the mill for a dramatic reading of a story about a young girl visiting her grandparents in Muddy Creek Forks for Christmas a hundred years ago. There's a visit from someone special and a keepsake ornament. Next comes a day or nighttime ride on the motorcar train. When the train returns, Santa is waiting for photos, along with hot chocolate and cookies.
Where do we check in?
Check in at the general store, which opens 20 minutes before your story time. You pick up your tickets there and join the holiday activities.
Do we need tickets in advance?
Yes. Tickets are limited, so you have to buy them in advance online.
What if the weather is bad?
The event runs rain or shine. It's only called off if ice makes travel by rail unsafe. Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled.
Can we book a private run for our group?
Groups larger than 30 can charter a special run of the Christmas City Express. Email info@maandparailroad.com to arrange it.
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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.