The West Chester Railroad has gained the attention of Smithsonian.com, which highlights the historic railroad in its recent piece, “Six Historic Trains that Embody the Holiday Spirit.”

The vintage 1830s railroad offers a 90-minute holiday ride complete with music and hot chocolate, taking passengers through Chester Creek Valley to the historic rail station of Glen Mills. There passengers can disembark, explore and have a picture taken with Santa.

One of the nation’s oldest railroads, the West Chester Railroad was originally used for both passenger and freight trains. It’s currently managed by private railroad management company States Railway Service Inc.  Santa’s Express runs through Dec. 21.  The railroad is always looking for volunteers for its living history preservation effort.

The nearby Strasburg Railroad is also among the Smithsonian’s suggested Polar Express holiday rides.  Read more here:

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Top Photo Courtesy of Smithsonian.com