By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Reindeer arrive later in the week but cats get here first.On December 20, the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Ave., Oaks, 484-754-3976, http://www.phillyexpocenter.com) is hosting the
“Loving Cats Worldwide® Catstravaganza: Philadelphia,” which is billed as “the show for people obsessed with cats!”
The feline-based experience features Steven Meserve’s international cat competition where all kinds of cats (breeds, household cats and rescues) compete for titles like Best Kitten, Best Neuter, and Overall Best in Show.
Visitors can discover cats they’ve never seen before, shop the Vendor Village for cool cat products, and enjoy the Loving Cats Catwalk® as their favorite cats strut their stuff on stage in style.
They will also be able to meet Steven Meserve, founder of Loving Cats Worldwide®, and hear his expert insights on cat breeds, care, and the global impact of the LCWW community. They can also check out the “Very Important Cat Class,” where Meserve presents his personal Best in Show pick.
The event will run from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
It’s Christmas week – and the penultimate weekend for holiday attractions.
There are also many non-holiday attractions on tap for the next 10 days.
Christmas-influenced music, advertising, TV shows and events are everywhere. It is virtually impossible not to be affected by the Christmas holiday season — but not everyone celebrates Christmas.There are many people who partake in holiday celebrations but do not celebrate Christmas itself for a variety of valid reasons — most commonly because they are of a different religion. For Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Shintos, Sikhs, and Muslims, Christmas is not a religious holiday.
Fortunately for them, there is a special event in Philadelphia at Christmastime created for people who do not celebrate Christmas.
The long-running annual event is held each year on December 25 at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History (101 South Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, 215- 923-3811, www.nmajh.org).
For years, the event was known as “Being Jewish at Christmas.” Now, the name of the one-day celebration, which will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on December 25, is called “Being _ _ _ _ _ _ at Christmas.”
The museum’s website offers the following invitation — “Snowy…Jewish…Happy…Caring…Buddhist…Generous…Family…Creative…Friendly…Sparkly…Fill in your own blank and join us for our annual day of family fun!”
From top to bottom, the Museum will be filled with performances and activities for visitors of all ages.
The visit can start on the fifth floor with exciting live performances, including a family-friendly drumming workshop led by Joseph Tayoun.
There will also be make-and-take craft activities, including winter-themed foam sticker picture frames, Hanukkah paper lanterns, paper crowns, and coloring sheets.
Families can head to the second floor for storytime and the third floor for a sensory-friendly play zone with a foam floor, Legos, blocks, and puzzles.
As an added attraction, classic winter movies will be screened throughout the day in the museum’s Dell Theater.
Visitors should also explore the Museum’s core exhibition and check out what other fun activities are happening throughout the building.
Regular December 25 pricing is $20 adults and $15 children. All tickets are $25 at the door.
On Christmas Day, there is often a lull between the early morning hours when presents are exchanged and the late afternoon when a multi-course holiday meal is served.
Washington’s Crossing
If you’re looking for something different to do during this time gap, consider taking a trip to Washington Crossing Historic Park (1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, www.washingtoncrossingpark.org).
In a tradition that has existed for more than a half-century, the park’s rangers and associates present a program which features a re-enactment of George Washington crossing the Delaware River with his troops.
This year’s 73rd annual staging of the free event, which will be held weather permitting, will take place at 1 p.m. on December 25 at Washington Crossing Historic Park.
Activities will get underway at noon with George Washington delivering an address to his troops.
There will also be presentations of other famous speeches as well as a display by re-enactment groups of what military camp life was like during the era.
The focal point of the free event will be when Washington and his men recreate the crossing of the Delaware River in a small group of wooden Durham boats.
River crossings are contingent upon safe conditions for participants. However, even if conditions do not allow for crossing, ceremonies, speeches and commemorative activities still occur.
There will be a “Winter Solstice Celebration” on December 21 at Glen Foerd (5001 Grant Avenue, Philadelphia, www.glenfoerd.org).
The annual celebration of the shortest day of the year offers a choice between a guided walk with naturalist Mike Weilbacher, a yin-style yoga class with Melissa Gyuraki, and creative crafts for the whole family brought to you by Lily P.A.D.S educators.
Everyone will come back together at the end for hot drinks, light refreshments, and a sunset bonfire by the river.
The event, which gets underway at 3:15 p.m., will conclude at 5:30 p.m. after the bonfire and refreshments at 4:15 p.m.
Admission is Pay-What-You-Wish/$5, Pay-It-Forward Donation/$10 or Pay-What-You-Wish/$15.
For the second year in a row, Philadelphia is one of the host cities of Astra Lumina.
Astra Lumina Philadelphia, which is the 24th experience in the Lumina Enchanted Night Walk series, will be held now through December 31 at the Abington Art Center (515 Meetinghouse Road, Jenkintown, astralumina.com).
Astra Lumina Philadelphia welcomes visitors to an extraordinary place — a garden right here on earth that shares a special connection with the sky above. Come nightfall, the garden sets the stage for a phenomenal event — a visit from the stars.
Astra Lumina Philadelphia is a one-mile-long enchanted night walk through a wooded sculpture park of varying terrain that guides visitors on a journey to discover the wonder of visiting stars.
Through the magic of projections, lighting, and music, astral energy transforms the garden into a celestial pathway, connecting visitors to the stars and the vast world around them.
The stars are descending from the night sky. Set off across mysterious grounds to discover a celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song.
Participants can immerse themselves in illuminating encounters of lighting, projection and sound, and connect with the stars before they return to the sky above.
Located on a historic 27-acre campus, just 10 miles from Center City Philadelphia, Abington Art Center is a beautiful setting for the enchanting Astra Lumina. The campus has been transformed to create a magical journey.
Weapons (including off duty officers), flash photography, outside food or alcohol, light-up accessories that distract from the experience, or anything that may disturb other patrons are prohibited.
All guests must pass through handheld metal detector wands and bag check before entering the experience.
Video link for Astra Lumina — https://youtu.be/2mPra01OgCM.
The event will run now through December 31. Ticket prices start at $29.
For the next three weekends, the Neag Planetarium at the Reading Public Museum will host “James Hood’s Beautifica.”
“Beautifica 360 – A Celebration of Life” was created by visionary composer James Hood and acclaimed immersive artists.
Celebrated as a versatile musical pioneer, Grammy-nominated artist James Hood is known for his groundbreaking work, and multi-sensory projects blending music and art.
His extensive musical résumé includes drumming for The Pretenders, more than two decades as the creative force behind the visionary ambient act Moodswings, and a wide array of production and soundtrack projects.
Before “Beautifica,” Hood transformed the world of immersive artistic experiences with “Mesmerica 360,” the record-breaking experience that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
With “Beautifica 360,” breathtaking worlds of light and sound come alive in this 360° dome experience.
Audiences can lose themselves in mesmerizing constellations and ethereal landscapes.
Nestled within the Reading Public Museum, the Neag Planetarium is a captivating destination that transports visitors into the depths of space. It is located at 500 Museum Road in Reading.
Show times are 5:30 and 6:45 on December 20 and 5:30, 6:45 and 8:30 p.m. on December 21, 27 and 28.
Tickets are $39.50.
On December 20, Rockwood Park (4651 Washington Street Extension, Wilmington, Delaware, www.nccde.org/431/Rockwood-Park-Museum) is hosting “Winter Wonderland.”
Capturing the quiet wonder of walking through a snowy winter forest, this winter season Rockwood celebrates its roots. It does so literally by reimagining the nature that inspired its construction.
From snowy evergreens and icicles to cozy scenes inspired by family letters and diaries, the site invites visitors to stroll through a dreamy blend of reality and whimsy that captures the seasonal excitement that comes with the first snowfall.
On December 21, Laurel Hill Cemetery (3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, laurelhillphl.com) will present “A Merry Laurel Hill Christmas.”
What do Christmas and cemeteries have in common?
Well, not much… but as the secular aspects of the holiday evolved over the decades of the 19th century, those who contributed to that evolution have found their final resting place at Laurel Hill East.
This tour will explore those individuals connected to events and incidents that have indelibly arisen from the holiday.
The event will run from 1-3 p.m. with Russ Dodge as the Tour Guide.
Tickets are: $17/General Admission (Ages 13 and up); $15/Seniors (Ages 65+) and Students with ID; $8.50/Youth (Ages 6-12).
A good location for a nature walk is Tyler Arboretum (515 Painter Road, Media, 610-566-9134, www.tylerarboretum.org).
The arboretum’s schedule for this weekend features a “Saturday Wildflower Walk: Winter Edition” on December 20.
With 650 protected acres of beautiful woodland, seasonally charming meadows, and a lively program of seasonal events and activities, Tyler Arboretum is a delight for nature lovers, birders, botanists, and those who want rediscover the natural world.
Dating to 1681, making it one of the oldest public gardens in the United States, and home to eight generations of three families, Tyler Arboretum connects visitors to the region’s rich culture and history while preserving, developing, sharing, and celebrating Pennsylvania’s priceless horticultural heritage.
“Saturday Wildflower Walk,” which runs from 1-3 p.m., features wildflower expert Dick Cloud on an informative two-hour hike that will take guests through meadows, woods, and occasionally streamside.
These walks are for those who have a love of plants, their role in ecology, or for those who want to learn more.
Although the focus is on plants, Cloud will also talk about whatever else is seen on the tour. Walkers should wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a camera and/or a wildflower guide, for this botanical-filled walk.
Admission to Tyler Arboretum is $18 for adults and $10 for children (ages 12-17).
A popular Lancaster County attraction is “Magic Lantern Show: A Victorian Christmas,” which is running through December 31 at the Amish Experience Theater at Plain & Fancy Farm (3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, 717-768-8400,http://amishexperience.com/magic-lantern-shows/christmas-show).
Visitors are taken back in time and become part of a Victorian family’s traditional Christmas Eve celebration. The family is very excited as Grandpa tells fabulous Christmas stories with the help of the amazing Magic Lantern.
The surprises and joys of the season are brought to visual delight with this collaboration between the Amish Experience and the American Magic Lantern Theater featuring classic Christmas stories and poems.
The presentation includes sing-alongs and a narrator delivering iconic stories and poems like “The Night Before Christmas” and “A Christmas Carol” with stunning visual images, heartfelt music and legendary storytelling.
Tickets are $19.95 for adults and $13.95 for children (ages 4-12).
A good way to chill out – to relax and temporarily block out the holiday-induced insanity all around you — is to head into an area theater to attend a live show.
Whether it’s Broadway-style theater, holiday spectaculars, ballet performances or musicals, it is equally effective.
The Crossing (www.crossingchoir.org) is an American professional chamber choir based in Philadelphia. The Crossing is conducted by Donald Nally and dedicated to new music.
It is committed to working with creative teams to make and record new, substantial works for choir that explore and expand ways of writing for choir, singing in choir, and listening to music for choir.
Many of its nearly 90 commissioned premieres address social, environmental, and political issues. With a commitment to recording its commissions, The Crossing has issued 19 releases and received two Grammy Awards for Best Choral Performance (2018, 2019), and three Grammy nominations in as many years.
This year’s “The Crossing @ Christmas” presents the world premieres of Sarah Rimkus’ “Nativity” and r Natalia Tsupryk’s “Kyiv” (choral version).
The Crossing will introduce works of Ukrainian composer Natalia Tsupryk, including a world premiere of a choral transcription of her “Kyiv.”
At the center of “The Crossing @ Christmas” is the culminating work of 2024–2025 Resident Composer Sarah Rimkus’ “Nativity” featuring The Crossing’s long-time collaborative cellist Thomas Mesa.
Shows will be performed on December 19 at Saint Mark’s Church in Philadelphia, December 20 at Alice Tully Hall in New York and December 21 at Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia.
Tickets are $40 general admission, $30 for seniors and $20 for students.
There are many holiday activities which have become yearly rituals for area families. A popular family activity is attending a live performance of the classic ballet, “The Nutcracker.”
The Philadelphia Ballet’s annual production of “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” is one of the most cherished—and longest running—family holiday traditions for families in the region.
For many, a visit to Philadelphia to enjoy the lavish presentation by the world-famous Philadelphia Ballet is an integral part of the holiday season.
This year’s production, which is running now through December 30 at the Academy of Music (Broad and Locust streets, Philadelphia, 215-893-1999, www.philadelphiaballet.org), is in the fifth decade of staging of the classic ballet.
The ballet is based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s tale “The Nutcracker and The Mouse King” and set to a score by Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky.
Featuring lively dances, colorful costumes and elaborate sets, “The Nutcracker” is a production that appeals to audiences of all ages. The original version of the timeless classic was first presented in Saint Petersburg, Russia in 1892.
The ballet is performed under the guidance of artistic director Angel Corella. The ballet is based on the choreography of George Balanchine.
Born in Madrid, Spain, Corella joined American Ballet Theatre in 1995 and was quickly promoted to principal dancer. In his 17-year career with ABT, he established himself as one of the greatest male dancers of his time.
Corella has also appeared as a guest artist with the Royal Ballet in London, the Kirov Ballet in Russia, and New York City Ballet. From 2008-2014, he served as director for his own company, the Barcelona Ballet.
“I was born in Spain and there is not a tradition of ‘The Nutcracker’ in that country,” said Corella.
“The first time I danced in the ballet was with the American Ballet Theater when I was 19. I thought it was the most beautiful ballet I had ever seen.
“I still feel that way. Mr. Balanchine said dancers are showing the music. The dancers make the music visible.
“The challenge is to keep it fresh. But, no-one would dare to change the choreography.”
Balanchine’s choreography plays a major role in the Philadelphia Ballet’s annual production of “The Nutcracker.” The company has been doing both acts by Balanchine for the last 30 years.
George Balanchine, who was named Giorgi Balanchivadze when he was born in Russia in 1904, was one of the last century’s most celebrated choreographers.
He was a primary developer of ballet in the United States in his position as co-founder and ballet master of New York City Ballet. Balanchine created his version of “The Nutcracker” for the New York City Ballet in 1955.
The Philadelphia Ballet’s production of the ballet features more than 100 performers and has an annual audience attendance of more than 50,000. And it is staged in one of the most beautiful performance halls in the country.
The version of “The Nutcracker” performed by the Philadelphia Ballet features everything audiences associate with the timeless ballet—a cast of 19th-century families celebrating Christmas Eve, a little girl’s dream of her
Nutcracker Prince, the Prince’s toy soldiers battling a fleet of mice led by the Mouse King and the crowd-pleasing second act of dances in the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
“Right now, we’re still doing Balanchine’s ‘Nutcracker’ because it works,” said Corella. “Balanchine’s ‘The Nutcracker’ is one of the best in the world.
“The whole process makes it feel like it’s Christmas. There is hot chocolate. It’s snowing outside. The whole family is there and time seems to stop. It goes back to a certain place and time that everyone seems to recognize—being able to re-connect and share.”
Video link for Philadelphia Ballet’s “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” – https://youtu.be/ypfQQ2duYS0.
Ticket prices start at $29.
“The Nutcracker” has been an annual tradition for the Brandywine Ballet Company (www.brandywineballet.org) since 1985.
It’s back again for another run this weekend from December 19-21 at West Chester University’s Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall (700 South High Street, West Chester).
Audiences are invited to celebrate the season with Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and be transported to the magical Land of Sweets. There, they can join Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy on the journey of a dream.
This performance, which is one of Chester County’s signature holiday events, features original, traditional choreography along with new choreographic elements.
Brandywine Ballet’s six-performance run of “The Nutcracker” has continued to delight audiences each year for more than four decades with a tour de force of beauty and elegance.
The ballet is based on the timeless tale “The Nutcracker and The Mouse King” and set to a score by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. With its familiar music and energetic dance numbers, “The Nutcracker” is a show that appeals to audiences of all ages.
The Brandywine Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” is a professional show that features skilled dancers, lively choreography, colorful costumes and sparkling sets.
Performances of the ballet are scheduled for December 19 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., December 20 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and December 21 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Ticket prices range from $30-$50.
The Grand Opera House (818 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-652-5577, www.thegrandwilmington.org) is hosting performances of “The Nutcracker” by the First State Ballet Theatre on December 20 and 21 in its Copeland Hall.
“The Nutcracker” is a ballet in two acts that had its premiere on December 18, 1892 at the Mariinsky Theatre, St. Petersburg.
The First State Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” features music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreography by Pasha Kambalov and Kristina Kambalov after Lev Ivanov and Marius Petipa.
In the ballet, the Stahlbaums and their children Marie and Fritz are hosting their annual Christmas party. The mysterious Herr Drosselmeyer enters and entertains the children.
Drosselmeyer later appears disguised as a magician and presents a puppet show, followed by three life-size dancing dolls, to the delight of the guests.
The children begin to open gifts and Drosselmeyer presents his gift of a beautiful nutcracker to Marie. Marie admires it more than all the other toys. Fritz wants to play with the new doll; he pulls it away from Marie and throws it on the floor. Marie is heartbroken, but Drosselmeyer quickly repairs the nutcracker.
As the evening grows late, the guests depart and the Stahlbaum family retires for the evening. Marie comes downstairs to steal one last glance at her nutcracker under the Christmas tree. She falls asleep.
In a dream she sees the drawing room. A mouse scurries out of a hole, and then mice scamper out from everywhere. The mice try to take the nutcracker from Marie until the Mouse King enters. Marie is terribly frightened and hides behind a chair.
Suddenly her nutcracker appears life-size. Overcoming her fear, she runs up to him. The Nutcracker leads a regiment of soldiers to defend Marie. The Mouse King is defeated and disappears with his army.
Drosselmeyer transforms Marie into a lovely maiden and the Nutcracker into a handsome prince. Together, they set off on a journey to the Land of Snow where they are welcomed by dancing snowflakes.
In Act II, Marie and the prince arrive in the Land of Sweets and the festivities begin. First comes Chocolate, then Coffee and Tea, followed by Honey Cake, Marzipan and Gingerbread, Gumdrops and the Waltz of the Flowers. Marie and the prince dance merrily with the rest.
At last the wonderful dream is over and Marie awakens.
Video link for First State Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” — https://youtu.be/FuZ4u4NdXI4.
Performances are scheduled for 2 and 7 p.m. on December 20 and 2 p.m. on December 21.
Ticket prices for the shows at Copeland Hall range from $24.99-$67.
Three area theaters always have special annual productions for the holiday season.
This year, People’s Light (39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, peopleslight.org) is presenting a production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” now through January 4 on the Leonard C. Haas Stage.
With inventive staging by People’s Light Producing Director Molly Rosa Houlahan, the company’s Producing Artistic Director Zak Berkman brings Dickens’ beloved classic to life through the eyes of a child.
In this surprising and whimsical adaptation, audiences follow Ebenezer Scrooge and a gathering of benevolent ghosts on a journey through time showing the redemptive power of kindness, hope, and love.
This imaginative retelling features traditional English carols woven with a Barrymore-nominated original score by Berkman.
People’s Light remains committed to making theatre accessible and welcoming for all.
Open Captioning will be available during all performances from December 30-January 4, displaying dialogue on an LED screen to support patrons with hearing impairments and English language learners.
A Christmas Carol” will run now through January 4 on the Leonard C. Haas Stage at People’s Light.
Ticket prices start at $35.
Candlelight Dinner Theatre (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware, www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org) is celebrating Opening Night for its annual holiday show .
“Christmas by Candlelight” will run through December 21.
The show features favorite seasonal and sacred tunes, as well as some new surprises, brought to life by some of the theater’s most popular cast and staff.
Tickets, which include dinner and show, are $77.50 for adults and $35 for children (ages 4-12). “Show Only” tickets, which have limited availability, cost $35.
The American Music Theatre (2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, 800-648-4102, www.AMTshows.com) has its holiday show running now through December 30.
The AMT’s 2025 show “Deck the Halls” is an all-new presentation of favorite sacred and secular holiday songs performed by professional artists from across the country.
The show will feature spectacular vocal harmonies, lively musical arrangements, impressive dancing and the music of the AMT Orchestra.
The show features incredible singers, astonishing dancers, wondrous costumes, breathtaking sets, and all the endearment of a perfect fireside family moment. Patrons can bask in the beauty of the season and cherish the stories of spirit and love.
The show will have both matinee and evening performances each week with the addition of 10:30 a.m. performances on Saturdays throughout December. Tickets are $59 for adults, $57 for seniors and $30 for children.
Another fun way to get away from mainstream Christmas activity is taking a train ride with Santa Claus. Fortunately, there are quite a few very good options in our area.
One of the best train rides with Santa Claus is the one presented by the West Chester Railroad (Market Street Station, West Chester, www.wcrailroad.com).
The special “Santa’s Express” trains (which feature heated cars decorated for the holidays) will run on December 21 and 22.
The 75-minute journey on the trail line’s heated decorated train travels through Chester Creek Valley. Santa Claus will be greeting everyone at Market Street Station and then going along for the ride to Glen Mills.
Adult fare for the West Chester Railroad trips is $40. Tickets for children (ages 2-12) are $30 while toddlers (ages 9-23 months) get to ride for $15.
The Wilmington & Western Railroad (2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-998-193, www.wwrr.com) will run its “Santa Claus Express” on Saturdays and Sundays between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be riding along with passengers on the steam-powered 90-minute round trip to Ashland Station. They will be greeting everyone on board and offering chocolate treats to the youngsters. Santa will also be posing for pictures with his fans.
Steam locomotion will return to the Wilmington & Western for its annual Santa Claus Express. The rail line’s 0-6-0 switcher No. 58 has returned to service after a multi-year restoration and will power Santa’s train through the Red Clay Valley this season.
Tickets for these trains, which run now through December 23, are $27 for adults, $26 for senior citizens and $25 for children.
The tourist rail line will also be running special “Holiday Night Express Trains,” featuring a peaceful evening ride in the railroad’s 1929 Doodlebug rail car. Tickets for these trains, which are running now through December 30, are $19 for adults, $18 for senior citizens and $17 for children.
The Strasburg Rail Road (Route 741, Strasburg, 717-687-7522, www.strasburgrailroad.com) is running its “Santa’s Paradise Express” now through December 24. Santa will be the featured guest on each ride from Strasburg to Paradise and back.
The rotund guy in the red suit will be greeting passengers, shaking hands, posing for photos and giving a treat to each child. After the train ride, children are treated to storybook readings of holiday classics. Visitors of all ages can also enjoy a ride aboard the Tinsel Trolley, a self-propelled motor car.
Tickets start at $29.
Other “Christmas Experiences” offered by the rail line are “Santa Claus Limited,” “Night Before Christmas,” and “Breakfast or Dinner with Mrs. Claus.”
The New Hope Railroad (32 Bridge Street, New Hope, www.newhoperailroad.com) is running its “Santa’s North Pole Express Train — The Magical Journey Begins Here” now through December 30.
Riders can join Santa and Mrs. Claus as they depart New Hope Station for a train ride through the historic Bucks County countryside on the way to the North Pole.
The journey begins when the Conductor calls “All Aboard!”
Passengers will experience the sounds and tastes of the holiday season as they sing along with roaming musicians playing Christmas carols, sip warm cocoa and enjoy a freshly baked cookie.
Each child will receive his or her own sleigh bell gift from Santa himself. Children and adults alike are encouraged to indulge in the season’s spirit by wearing pajamas and settling in for a relaxing ride with family and friends aboard the festive railway cars adorned with holiday decorations.
Ticket prices start at $66.
The Northern Central Railway (2 West Main Street, New Freedom, www.northerncentralrailway.com) is running its “Santa Express Train” excursions now through December 21.
On a 45-minute train ride to Glen Rock, passengers can listen to Christmas music while enjoying the scenery of southern York County and Heritage Rail Trail County Park. And Santa Claus to appear with a special gift for each child.
After the ride, passengers can visit the NCR Engine House for a mini-Winter Wonderland, for magic-filled family photo ops and complimentary hot chocolate and a cookie.
Tickets are $39.99 for adults and $26.99 for children.
The Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad (Reading Outer Station, Reading, www.rbmnrr-passenger.com) is running its 2025 “Santa Claus Special” Excursions from a variety of locations — Tunkhannock, Tamaqua, Minersville and Reading.
Santa Claus will be visiting with each of the children and there will be live holiday music performed throughout the ride.
Tickets start at $20.
The Colebrookdale Railroad (South Washington Street, Boyertown, www.colebrookdalerailroad.com) is running its “Santa’s Polar Bear Express” now through December 23.
Kids can join Santa on a magical adventure into “Christmas Past” on an exciting train journey. They will be able to sip complimentary hot cocoa or enjoy Christmas cookies and, on some trains, sing favorite carols as the Secret Valley passes by the window. Santa will bring a gift for every child, and every child has an opportunity to give their Christmas letter to him.
The rail line also is running “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” excursions now through December 23.
These special evening trains bring the storybook magic of the season to life. Kids are invited to wear pajamas and sip complimentary hot cocoa as the train crew reads “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
Ticket prices start at $40.
The Allentown and Auburn Railroad (35 Railroad Street, Kutztown, 570-778-7531, https://allentown-and-auburn-railroad.square.site/) is running special “Santa Claus Train Rides” on December 20 and 21.
Guests will be able to visit with Santa during the scenic train ride and have some pictures done.
The train will make a brief stop at the railroad’s picnic grove where riders will have the option to purchase “holiday evergreens with a sprinkle of Christmas magic.”
When they get back to the Kutztown Train Station, visitors can also do some holiday shopping in the Allentown & Auburn Gift Shop, which features handmade and antique items.
Trains depart at 10 a.m., noon and 2 and 4 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, $12 for children and $.01 for toddlers.
The Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad (136 Brown Street, Middletown, 717-944-4435, www.mhrailroad.com) will be running its “Santa Surprise Trains” and “Polar Bear Express Trains” throughout December 21.
It is an 11-mile round-trip train ride along the Swatara Creek. Passengers board 1920’s vintage Delaware,
Lackawanna & Western coaches at the 1891 Station in Middletown, which was originally built as a freight station and in more recent years converted for use as a passenger station. The Station contains a ticket window, gift shop and modern ADA restrooms.
Santa Claus will have a special present for all kid riders.
