I've never met a kid that didn't love a train, and every winter, Pittsburgh parents start looking for the best place to see trains. Where can they see miniature train displays and where to go for the best Polar Express and holiday train experiences near Pittsburgh. We've done some digging, and here's the scoop from some local Pittsburgh parents on their favorite miniature train displays, Polar Express, and Holiday Train experiences for their families! Choo choo!
Polar Express & Holiday Train Experiences
1. The Polar Express at the Dennison Depot
400 Center Street, Dennison, Ohio 44621
Put on your favorite pair of pajamas and hop aboard THE POLAR EXPRESSTM for a magical journey to the North Pole! The Dennison Depot offers the authentic POLAR EXPRESSTM Train ride, sanctioned by Warner Brothers and Rail Events. dennisondepot.org
What you need to know:
- 1.5 hour drive from Pittsburgh making this an easy day trip
- Polar Express trips run Thursday through Sunday in December.
- Ticket prices range from $46-81 per person
- everyone ages 1 and older require a ticket.
- 90 minute experience
- Tickets go on sale to the public in June
- Pittsburgh moms suggest booking first class for the extra perks
2. The Polar Express™ Train Ride (1 hour duration)
13 Canal Street, Cumberland, MD 21502
Inspired by the hit movie, this Mountain Maryland holiday favorite comes to life on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad during the holiday season for The Polar Express™ train ride! wmsr.com
What you need to know:
- approximate 2-hour drive from Pittsburgh
- operates weekends only in December
- Tickets range from $40 - $70 depending on class,
- ages 2 and under free on lap
- duration of train ride is 1 hour
- All passengers are provided hot chocolate, a cookie, and a commemorative silver sleigh bell.
- Due to the historic nature of the equipment, the train at WSMR is not ADA accessible, and mobility assistance devices cannot be brought aboard the train.
3. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad North Pole Adventure
1630 Mill Street West, Peninsula, Ohio
This is more than just a train ride – it’s an immersive experience that will create cherished memories for children and adults of all ages. Watch in awe as the winter wonderland unfolds before your eyes, and feel the warmth of the Christmas spirit fill the air. Be greeted by Santa’s cheerful elves as you step into a world of pure magic. Sip on delightful hot chocolate, savor delicious cookies, and let your voice soar with joyous carols. www.cvsr.org
What you need to know:
- approximate 2-hour drive from Pittsburgh
- Operates 7 days a week starting mid-November through December
- Tickets ranging from $45 – $92 (excluding fees)
- ages 2 and under on lap are free
- Round trip ride is 90 minutes
- Ticket sales start in October
- Car seats and strollers are not permitted on the train
- North Pole Adventure™ offers an accessible car with a lift for passengers with mobility issues
4. Santa Trolley at Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
1 Electric Way, Washington, PA
While the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum does not offer a Polar Express-
branded event, Pittsburgh parents are very willing to accept their holiday offerings as the real thing. Pennsylvania Trolley Museum has recently undergone a makeover to a larger, updated space, making the Santa Trolley experience grander than ever! When you book your Santa Trolley ticket you can expect a ride on an original trolley with caroling, cookies, hot cocoa, and plenty of interaction with the big man! pa-trolley.org
5. Jolly Trolley Holiday Sightseeing Tour
Downtown Pittsburgh
See Pittsburgh’s holiday traditions come to life from the comfort of a vintage-style trolley every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 25th to December 18th! Special youth guests might even receive a small gift - sent all the way from the North Pole! Tickets are $15/adult and $10/children under 12. mollystrolleyspgh.com
6. 35th Holiday Train Display at Western Pennsylvania Model Railroad Museum
Gibsonia, PA
The requested donation for The Holiday Train Show are: 10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children under 12. wpmrm.org
7. Miniature Railroad and Village at Carnegie Science Center
North Shore, PA
The miniature village and model trains at the Carnegie Science Center encapsulate iconic Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania landmarks, from Primanti’s and Kaufmann’s to Fallingwater and the largest train display in Western PA! The Miniature Railroad, which celebrated its’ 100th Anniversary in 2019, features hundreds of wonderfully realistic animated scenes that illustrate the Pittsburgh region’s rich and diverse history up until 1940. New models are added annually to the village. carnegiesciencecenter.org
8. The Grand Concourse
Station Square, PA
Step into the beautifully preserved Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Station turned restaurant for their Sunday brunch, and you will not be disappointed. Kids will marvel in awe over the cathedral ceilings while keeping their eyes peeled for the trains that inevitably pass by. This is a Pittsburgh train experience that both children and their parents will love!
9. Reginald's Coffee
Bethel Park, PA
Come explore the schoolhouse and check out the Historical Society's holiday train display Thursday, December 14th from 6-8pm and Saturday, December 16th from 9am-12pm. The event is free, but there will be a donation box for BPHS.
Local Malls with Christmas Trains for Kids to Ride in:
All Aboard the Robinson Express! at The Mall at Robinson
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Noon - 6pm, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 11am - 7pm, Sunday Noon - 5pm, Christmas Eve 11am - 5pm. 1 ticket $3.50 I 4 tickets $10, cash only.
Holiday Express at Ross Park Mall
Kids can take a ride on the Holiday Express train Monday-Thursday: 11AM-7PM, Friday-Saturday: 10AM-8PM, and Sunday: 11AM-6PM. Located in the Center Court, next to Santa!
Santa's Express at Monroeville Mall
Located on the upper level near Santa and Cinemark, this festive train ride is a must for the kiddos. Don't miss out on this merry adventure. $3.50 each or 4 rides for $10.00. Cash only
Do you have a favorite holiday train display that's not on our list, or photo or tips to share about any of these experiences? We'd love to hear about it!
