Holiday Happenings in Lancaster

Last Spring, my family and I were invited to experience some of the local attractions in Lancaster, PA. Some were new to us and some were old favorites. Since then, we’ve headed back to Lancaster twice. We headed up to Strasburg Railroad for Day Out with Thomas, and, just recently, to ride the train with Santa.

I honestly don’t know which one was more exciting for them!

Santa’s Paradise Express kicked off on Thanksgiving weekend! You can join Santa on his journey along the Strasburg Rail Road December  14-15 and 21-22, 2013. Children will enjoy a 45-minute train ride as Santa, carolers and musicians stroll from car-to-car.

Santa greets each child aboard the train and gives them a train-themed gift. Additional holiday festivities continue on the platform.

Another great experience at Strasburg Railroad is the Night Before Christmas Train. Dress in PJs or your holiday best and snuggle onboard with your family while enjoying milk and cookies and the warmth of the potbelly stoves while the holiday classic, The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore is read aloud. In the spirit of giving, families are invited to bring a new pair of pajamas to be donated to Water Street Ministries. Train departs Friday evenings in December at 7 p.m.

When you are done at the railroad, make the short drive down the street to the Choo Choo Barn. The Choo Choo Barn transforms Traintown USA^® to bring the magic of Christmas to its gigantic model train display.  Homes, businesses and attractions along the tracks have decked their halls to share the holiday spirit. Visitors can search for the 52 hidden Santas and watch as Santa’s sleigh flies above the 1,700 sq. ft. model train extravaganza. The display is open to the public through January 5, 2014.

Disclosure: I was provided free tickets to Santa’s Paradise Express and admission to the Choo Choo Barn. All opinions are my own.