Just in time for the holidays, Santa’s Paradise Express is pulling in to Strasburg Rail Road Thanksgiving weekend, starting November 23rd. Join Santa on his journey to spread the magic of the season to thousands of families who believe. This year, Santa’s Paradise Express will chug along the tracks mid-morning through late afternoon on Nov. 23-25, 2012 and Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 2012

The Christmas celebration begins on the platform of the East Strasburg Station as the sounds of the season fill the air. Relax as an authentic vintage steam train, warmed by a potbelly stove, takes its passengers on a 45-minute ride, traveling past more than 1,000 acres of picturesque farmland on its way to Paradise, PA. Santa, carolers and musicians will stroll from car-to-car, greeting and entertaining families.

For a complete listing of dates and times, or to purchase tickets go to www.StrasburgRailRoad.com




Location: Strasburg Rail Road, Route 741, Strasburg, PA

This event is appropriate for: all ages

Just in time for the holidays, Santa’s Paradise Express is pulling in to Strasburg Rail Road Thanksgiving weekend, starting November 25th. Join Santa on his journey to spread the magic of the season to thousands of families who believe. This year, Santa’s Paradise Express will chug along the tracks mid-morning through late afternoon on November 25-27, December  2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17 and 18.

The Christmas celebration begins on the platform of the East Strasburg Station as the sounds of the season fill the air. Relax as an authentic vintage steam train, warmed by a potbelly stove, takes its passengers on a 45-minute ride, traveling past more than 1,000 acres of picturesque farmland on its way to Paradise, PA. Santa, carolers and musicians will stroll from car-to-car, greeting and entertaining families.


Santa’s Paradise Express will be at Strasburg Rail Road, Route 741, Strasburg, PA, starting Thanksgiving weekend, November 25, 26 and 27.  Also, see Santa December  2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17 and 18. Trains start running at 11:00 am each weekend. For a complete listing of dates and times, or to purchase tickets go to www.StrasburgRailRoad.com

Location: Strasburg Rail Road, Route 741, Strasburg, PA

This event is appropriate for: all ages

Cost: Tickets are priced at $17 for adults, $10 for children ages 3-11, and $3 for kids 3 and under.

Be transported back into the early history of American culture with the Strasburg Rail Road, America’s oldest short line railroad and a designated heritage site. Founded during the first term of President Andrew Jackson, Strasburg Rail Road can trace it's roots back to 1837 when it began hauling freight, most likely by horse-drawn cars. Locomotives began to rumble down the tracks and through the Amish farms and countryside in the 1850s. In 1958 the railroad was purchased by railroad buffs and set toward a goal of preserving this piece of railroad history.


But putting all the history aside for a second, the Strasburg Rail Road is all about fun with some learning mixed in. My family and I were recently invited to visit and take the trip back through time. Just showing up at the station we felt like we stepped back into history. From the preserved buildings to the uniforms train personnel wear, it really got my kids excited to go for a train ride.

Once you step on the train you'll immediately notice the amazing condition the cars have been restored back to. You'll be welcomed by comfortable cloth seats that switch direction based on the direction of the train, brightly restored wood, and ornate wood stoves used for heat in the winter. The train conductor welcomes everyone and then gives the history of the railroad.

The trip takes 45-minutes, departs daily and passengers can choose to ride Coach, First-Class, Open Air or the Dining Car. Then line takes you through beautiful Lancaster County farmland and past working Amish farms. The conductor tells the history of the land and the role the railroad played in it's development. They also tell stories of long-lost trains that will truly entertain your kids.

You can also choose to bring your own picnic and be dropped off at a picnic area along the route. The next train that comes by will pick you up when you want to leave. We didn't take advantage of this option and I would call to ask for details before you plan your picnic.

My kids are not enthusiastic about trains and I wondered if they would enjoy the trip. I can now tell you that your child doesn't have to be in love with trains for them to have fun. In fact, the whole family enjoyed this trip through history on a great train and a special railroad. You can plan to visit anytime of year and have fun. However, I think the fall might be the perfect time visit the Strasburg Rail Road, pick up a pumpkin and visit a corn maze or two on the way home.

Here some more things to do while visiting the Strasburg Rail Road; ride on the miniature Cagney steam train, the authentic Pump Car, or take a behind-the-scenes tour to see steam engines being built, restored and refurbished. Strasburg Rail Road also has a number of combo passes with area attractions such as Dutch Wonderland, Railroad Museum of PA and Cherry Crest Farms.


Watch our video to get a taste of the sights and sounds of the Strasburg Rail Road before you go!



Disclosure: My family and I received complimentary tickets to visit the Strasburg Rail Road

 Thomas the Tank Engine is set to roll into Strasburg Rail Road for Day Out With Thomas: The Leader of the Pack 2011 Tour. All Thomas fans are invited to spend the day with their favorite from June 18th-26th, 2011. This nine-day event will include activities and excitement for the whole family.


There are lots of family friendly activities to do while at the Strasburg Rail Road

· Storytelling and video viewing

· Ride on the Cagney, a miniature steam train

· “Steer” the pint-sized Cranky Cars around a track

· Ride Strasburg Rail Road’s hand-powered Pump Car

· Shop a large selection of Thomas merchandise, including toys, books, railway sets, DVD’s, apparel and more

The train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine will depart every 30 minutes, rain or shine. Check www.StrasburgRailRoad.com for specific train times.

Advanced ticket purchase is recommended. Ticket prices are $18 for ages 2 and up (service charges and fees may apply). Purchase tickets for Day Out With Thomas:by calling Ticket Web toll-free at 866-468-7630, or by visiting www.ticketweb.com or www.StrasburgRailRoad.com.



For more information and directions contact the Strasburg Rail Road at 717-687-7522 or www.StrasburgRailRoad.com.

All aboard for the best birthday party ever! Thomas the Tank Engine is set to roll into Strasburg Rail Road for Day Out With Thomas: The Celebration Tour 2010. All Thomas fans are invited to spend the day with their favorite engine and celebrate his 65th birthday from September 11-19, 2010. This nine-day event will include activities and excitement for the whole family.



· A 22-minute ride with Thomas the Tank Engine

· The opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt™, Controller of the Railway

· A Thomas & Friends™ Imagination Station, featuring stamps, temporary tattoos, hands-on arts and crafts activities and coloring sheets

· Storytelling and video viewing

· Ride on the Cagney, a miniature steam train

· “Steer” the pint-sized Cranky Cars around a track

· Ride Strasburg Rail Road’s hand-powered Pump Car

· 2010 commemorative merchandise and giveaways, including a mini-view finder giveaway that tells the story of Thomas’ upcoming adventure, Misty Island Rescue

· Shop a large selection of Thomas merchandise, including toys, books, railway sets, DVD’s, apparel and more



The 22-minute train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine will depart every 45 minutes, rain or shine. Check www.StrasburgRailRoad.com for specific train times.

Advanced ticket purchase is recommended. Ticket prices are $18 for ages 2 and up (service charges and fees may apply). Purchase tickets for Day Out With Thomas: The Celebration Tour 2010 by calling Ticket Web toll-free at 866-468-7630, or by visiting www.ticketweb.com or www.StrasburgRailRoad.com.

For more information and directions contact the Strasburg Rail Road at 717-687-7522 or www.StrasburgRailRoad.com. Day Out With Thomas: The Celebration Tour 2010 is presented by HIT Entertainment and sponsored by MEGA Brands.