The Night Before Christmas Train at Strasburg Rail Road is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season! At the station, we were welcomed by carolers and a platform fully decorated for the coming holiday. The anticipation was felt by both children and adults as we waited to board the beautiful train. Each cabin had a host dressed in old fashion pajamas who was happy and helpful and full of the Christmas spirit! One of the things we really like about Strasburg Rail Road is that the train is so comfortable. It is warmly heated by a coal stove, and seating areas face each other, creating the perfect family experience. After collecting tickets and starting our train ride, children were entertained by a reading of The Night Before Christmas, and more than one adult was caught whispering along!
The hour long trip (out and back) also included delicious milk and sugar cookies, a visit from a mouse puppet, and all the children receiving their very own coloring books of The Night Before Christmas. After spotting some reindeer and an empty sleigh outside the train window, a surprise visitor appeared in the train car to the delight of all the children! The experience ushered in the magic of the holiday season and was full of surprises that kept everyone entertained and engaged.
After our train ride, we enjoyed time in the stationary caboose with additional storytelling, as well as a ride on the Tinsel Trolley, the predecessor to modern day buses and trolleys. As a cabin host nearby explained to us, these were affectionately called "doodle bugs" in their day. Both these additional activities were free of charge and definitely worth it! In addition to The Night Before Christmas Train, visitors can also ride with Saint Nick on Santa's Paradise Express and pick out an evergreen to take home on the Christmas Tree Train.
Plan on close to 2 hours total at the railroad depending on which train you are riding, including arriving early to pick up tickets and board the train, as well as enjoying the holiday lights and additional activities at the station. We love that there is a restroom aboard the train, which eased the stress of many parents with young children. Many kids were wearing their favorite Christmas pajamas, which added to the experience! We can easily see visiting this train ride year after year, or traveling a far distance to enjoy this unique experience that allows both kids and adults to be caught up in the joy of Christmas.
Strasburg Rail Road will be donating $5 from each adult ticket sold to the
Clinic for Special Children.
Visitors are encouraged to bring an old-fashioned storybook to benefit the Clinic for Special Children.
-------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------
Sounds like a great way to get into the Christmas Spirit!
ReplyDelete