It’s that time of year again! With Christmas coming up, it’s time to start watching the Polar Express and dust off that old Lionel train set for under the tree. Trains have been associated with the holidays for decades, so what better way to get into the mood of the season than to go out and ride some of Pennsylvania’s plentiful historic railways? Here’s some of our top picks from within a stone’s throw of Boyertown.

5. Wanamaker Kempton & Southern

Located in Kempton, the Wanamaker Kempton and Southern Railroad’s “Santa Clause Special” runs the weekend of December 7,8, and 9. About a 45 minute round trip between Kempton, Berks County and Wanamakers, Lehigh County this ride is a great one for families with small children for its brevity and affordable ticket price. https://www.kemptontrain.com/

4. Allentown & Auburn

The Allentown and Auburn Railroad operates similar rides from Kutztown. Utilizing the oldest diesel locomotive in revenue operation in the United States (built in 1939), their rides with Santa are about an hour and a half, which includes a stop at the railroad’s picnic grove. http://allentownandauburnrr.com/

3. Strasburg Railroad

The famous Strasburg Railroad in Lancaster County runs through four miles of picturesque Amish farmlands. Featuring live carolers and brass music on the train, every child on board also receives a small gift from Santa. Back at the station, passengers can opt to do some Christmas shopping or take a ride on the railroad’s live steam miniature train. https://www.strasburgrailroad.com/

2. Reading Blue Mountain & Northern

The only railroad on our list which is a primarily a freight operation, the Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad owns and operates almost 400 miles of track, with its mainline stretching from Reading to Scranton along the Schuylkill, Lehigh, and Susquehanna rivers. Following the route of the Reading Company’s old mainline from North Reading to Port Clinton, this year’s Santa Clause Specials will feature the railroad’s own steam locomotive, number 425, for every weekend in December, and is around an hour and a half round trip. http://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/

1. Colebrookdale Railroad

Boyertown’s hometown railroad, the Colebrookdale Railroad, runs along the scenic valley formed by Manatawny Creek to Pottstown. On board the elegantly restored coaches, every passenger receives complimentary hot chocolate from the railroad’s antique dispenser, and rumor has it Santa is on board to visit the children. Several BASH students volunteer at the railroad, so be on the lookout for familiar faces! https://www.colebrookdalerailroad.com/