Santa Claus Special Train Rides at the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway

The Santa Claus Special returns to Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway for select dates from December 3 through 24, offering a one-hour round-trip train ride from Jim Thorpe through the Lehigh Gorge with Santa Claus onboard greeting children and handing out small gifts. Trains depart from the historic Jim Thorpe train station at 11 Broadway, with showtimes varying by date, typically at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. on weekends and select weekdays closer to Christmas. Tickets run around $9 for children and $14 for adults, with advance purchase strongly recommended as popular time slots sell out weeks ahead. The ride runs on vintage rail cars heated for winter comfort, traveling north along the Lehigh River before turning back at Glen Onoko.

The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway operates on tracks originally laid in 1855 for the Lehigh Valley Railroad, which hauled anthracite coal from Summit Hill to markets in Philadelphia and New York. The line served as a critical artery for Pennsylvania’s coal industry until the mid-20th century, when trucking and the decline of coal mining ended regular service. The railway was revived in 1986 as a tourist attraction, offering scenic excursions through the gorge that showcase the same dramatic river views and steep hillsides that made the route an engineering challenge in the 1850s. The Santa Claus Special adds holiday decorations to the vintage cars, with garlands, lights, and holiday music creating a festive atmosphere. December weather in the Lehigh Gorge is cold, typically in the 20s and 30s, but the heated rail cars keep passengers comfortable, and the gorge’s forested walls create a sheltered feeling even on windy days.

The Santa rides attract families with children ages 2 to 10, who receive the most enjoyment from the direct Santa interaction and gift distribution. Each child receives a small present (typically a candy cane or small toy), and photo opportunities with Santa are available onboard. Parents appreciate the one-hour duration, which keeps young children engaged without testing their patience, and the train’s gentle motion works well for families with strollers or mobility devices. After the ride, many families extend their visit by browsing Jim Thorpe’s decorated downtown, which is at its holiday peak during December with lights, window displays, and seasonal shop offerings. The train station sits steps from Broadway’s commercial district, making the transition from ride to shopping seamless.

Turn the Santa Claus Special into a holiday Lehigh Valley weekend by booking a rental on Lake.com in Jim Thorpe or nearby Lehighton, where you’ll find Victorian homes and river-view properties without guest fees. Before the train ride, grab hot chocolate at Molly Maguire’s Pub & Steakhouse (established 1983) or breakfast at The Roadies Motorcycle Bar & Grill (2009), both within walking distance of the station. After the ride, explore Jim Thorpe’s Olde Time Christmas displays or visit the Asa Packer Mansion for candlelight tours. The Santa Claus Special pairs naturally with a visit to Mauch Chunk Museum for local railroad history or a gentle walk on the Lehigh Gorge Trail, making it a centerpiece for families seeking holiday magic, Victorian charm, and Pennsylvania scenery in a single December trip.