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Salem Yuletide Special
CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE
Salem Yuletide Special
Celebrate the holiday season aboard the Salem Yuletide Special. Climb into a festively decorated historic train for a cozy 35-minute Christmas train ride through Salem County, complete with a personal visit from Santa and a special gift for every child.
35 Minutes
Family Friendly
December 5th
From $29
902 & 903
Why you’ll love it
The Salem Yuletide Special turns a short holiday train ride into a warm, intimate Christmas memory. Guests ride inside a beautifully restored 1937 caboose decorated for the season while Santa makes his way through the train to visit families and share a special gift with each child.
- Ride inside a historic decorated train
- Enjoy an intimate 35-minute holiday train experience
- Travel approximately six scenic miles through Salem County
- Receive a personal visit from Santa during the ride
- Every child receives a special holiday gift
- Take in winter views of forests, farmland, and the Salem area
- Enjoy the classic railroad character
what’s included
- 35-minute holiday train ride
- Approximately 6-mile round-trip journey through Salem County
- Ride aboard a beautifully restored historic caboose
- Personal visit from Santa during the excursion
- Special gift for every child
- Festive holiday decorations throughout the caboose
- Historic railroad atmosphere
- Food and Beverages
- Professional photography services
- Transportation to or from the departure location
plan your trip
- Arrive 20–30 minutes before your scheduled departure
- Check in with the ticket agent at Pedersen Park
- Boarding begins approximately 15 minutes before departure
- Dress for winter weather and outdoor station time
- Wear comfortable footwear for boarding historic railroad equipment
- Bring a camera or smartphone for family photos and Santa memories
- Festive holiday clothing is welcome
- Only registered service animals are permitted
- Historic passenger equipment is not fully wheelchair accessible
event details
Dates:
Friday, December 5, 2026
Train Departs:
1:30PM and 2:30pm
Location:
Pedersen Park, Salem City, NJ
how the ride works
1. Arrive & Check In
Arrive at Pedersen Park in Salem City approximately 20–30 minutes before your scheduled departure and check in with the ticket agent.
2. Board the Christmas train
Boarding begins approximately 15 minutes before departure. Settle into the festively decorated historic caboose and explore its unique railroad character.
3.Ride Through Salem County
Enjoy an approximately 35-minute, six-mile scenic journey through Southern New Jersey and the Salem County countryside.
4. Meet Santa
Santa walks through the train to visit each family during the ride and presents every child with a special gift.
5. Return to the Station
The train returns to the departure point at Pedersen Park, where passengers exit after the holiday ride.
Make a day of it
Turn the Salem Yuletide Special into a holiday outing in Salem County. Pair your train ride with a meal, seasonal shopping, historic Salem sightseeing, or another local holiday stop before heading home.
New Excursions coming Soon!
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“Amazing for all ages!”
Shirley S.
“The staff were wonderful, it was a great experience.”
Timothy B.
We loved the train and so did our kids.”
Amanda S.
Hear from our riders
4.8 on Google
“Amazing for all ages!”
Shirley S.
“The staff were wonderful, it was a great experience.”
Timothy B.
“Friendly, experienced, and a unique experience.”
Tracy B.
Explore Salem County
Turn your train ride into a full day adventure.
frequently asked questions
How long is the Salem Yuletide Special?
The Christmas train experience lasts approximately 35 minutes and covers about six miles round trip.
Where does the train depart?
The Salem Yuletide Special departs from Pedersen Park in Salem City, New Jersey.
Does Santa visit the train?
Yes. Santa personally visits the caboose during the excursion and spends time with families onboard.
Does every child receive a gift?
Yes. Each child receives a special gift from Santa during the ride.
How many guests can ride in the caboose?
The historic caboose has limited capacity. FareHarbor notes that the caboose accommodates up to 16 guests, including children and toddlers.
Is the caboose private?
Not automatically. Unless a private charter has been purchased, guests may share the caboose with other passengers.
Does the caboose have heat?
The caboose includes a historic stove that helps create a warm, cozy atmosphere. Guests should still dress for December weather and outdoor station time.
Is the experience suitable for young children?
Yes. The Salem Yuletide Special is designed as a family-friendly Christmas experience, but parents should closely supervise young children inside the compact historic railcar.
How early should we arrive?
Please arrive approximately 20–30 minutes before your scheduled departure. Boarding generally begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Are pets allowed?
Only registered service animals are permitted aboard the train.
Does the train operate in bad weather?
Woodstown Central makes every effort to operate during most weather conditions. Severe weather may result in schedule changes or cancellations, so guests should monitor railroad communications before departure.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are generally permitted when they can be consumed neatly and safely. Follow any event-specific instructions shown during booking