UPDATE: This is a test of our announcement bar
Santa Claus Special
CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE
Santa Claus Special
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season aboard Woodstown Central Railroad’s Santa Claus Special. Settle into a beautifully restored, heated vintage train car for a 60-minute journey through South Jersey as Santa visits each family, children receive a special gift, and festive decorations turn the ride into a classic Christmas memory.
60 Minutes
Family Friendly
Select Dates
From $45
No. 9
Why you’ll love it
Step back into a more traditional Christmas aboard Woodstown Central’s restored passenger train. The Santa Claus Special combines vintage railroad charm, winter scenery, festive decorations, and a personal visit from Santa for a holiday experience built around family traditions and time together.
- Ride aboard beautifully restored and heated vintage passenger cars
- Enjoy a 60-minute, approximately 14-mile holiday train journey
- Receive a personal visit from Santa during the ride
- Every child receives a special gift from Santa
- Take in winter views of South Jersey forests, farmland, and historic communities
- Enjoy festive decorations aboard the train and around South Woodstown Station
- Create a classic Christmas memory for children, parents, and grandparents
- Visit the station Gift Shop, fire pits, photo areas, and Santa’s Mailbox
what’s included
- Approximately 14-mile round-trip ride aboard the Santa Claus Special
- 60-minute holiday train experience
- Heated vintage passenger train cars
- Personal visit with Santa during the ride
- Special gift for every child
- Festive decorations aboard the train and around the station
- Access to South Woodstown Station before and after the ride
- Holiday family photo opportunities
- Station fire pits and Santa’s Mailbox for children
- Complimentary on-site parking
plan your trip
- Arrive approximately 30 minutes before departure
- Free parking at South Woodstown Station
- Restrooms available aboard the train
- Train cars are heated, but dress warmly for time outdoors at the station
- Bring children’s letters for Santa’s Mailbox
- Allow time before or after the ride for photos, fire pits, and the Gift Shop
- Light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are generally permitted aboard
- Light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are permitted aboard the train
- Only registered service animals are permitted
- Historic passenger equipment is not fully wheelchair accessible
event details
Dates:
Select holiday dates
Train Departs:
11am, 12:45pm, 2:30pm, 4:15pm & 6pm
Location:
650 Alloway-Woodstown Rd, Woodstown, NJ 08098 how the day works
1. Arrive & Enjoy the Station
Arrive early at South Woodstown Station for check-in. Browse the Gift Shop, gather around the fire pits, take holiday photos, and let children drop letters into Santa’s Mailbox.
2. Board the Christmas Train
Settle into a beautifully restored, heated vintage railcar decorated for the season and get comfortable for the approximately 60-minute journey.
3. Ride Through South Jersey
Travel through the winter landscapes of Salem County, including forests, farmland, and historic communities along Woodstown Central’s route.
4. Meet Santa
Santa makes his way through the train to personally visit each family. Children can share their Christmas wishes, take photos, and receive a special gift.
5. Return to South Woodstown Station
Finish the ride back at the decorated station, where families can enjoy additional photo opportunities, the Gift Shop, and the holiday atmosphere before heading home.
Make a day of it
Turn the Santa Claus Special into a full holiday outing in Woodstown. Arrive early for lunch, browse local shops for gifts, enjoy the decorated station and your train ride with Santa, then finish the day with a seasonal treat or more holiday exploring around Salem County.
New Excursions coming Soon!
Subscribe Today to stay up-to-date with everything Woodstown Central
“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 Santa Claus Special?
The Santa Claus Special lasts approximately 60 minutes and covers about 14 miles round trip through the South Jersey countryside.
Does Santa visit each family?
Yes. Santa makes his way through the train during the journey for a personal visit with each family
Does every child receive a gift?
Yes. Each child receives a special gift from Santa as part of the Santa Claus Special experience.
Are the train cars heated?
Yes. The Santa Claus Special uses heated vintage passenger cars. Guests should still dress warmly for outdoor time at South Woodstown Station.
What can we do at the station before or after the ride?
Families can enjoy the decorated South Woodstown Station, fire pits, holiday photo opportunities, the Gift Shop, and Santa’s Mailbox for children.
Can my child bring a letter to Santa?
Yes. Children may bring a letter and place it in Santa’s special mailbox at South Woodstown Station.
What seating options are available?
Depending on availability, guests may choose Coach seating, a private table in the Mineral Spring deluxe car, a private table in the Woodstown first-class car, or a private caboose rental.
Where does the Santa Claus Special depart?
The train departs from South Woodstown Station at 650 Alloway-Woodstown Road in Woodstown, New Jersey.
How early should we arrive?
Please arrive approximately 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for check-in and boarding.
Are there restrooms aboard the train?
Yes. Restrooms are available aboard the train.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are generally permitted aboard the train. Guests should follow any event-specific instructions shown during booking
Are pets allowed?
Only registered service animals are permitted aboard the train.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
Due to the historic nature of Woodstown Central’s passenger equipment, accessibility is limited. Guests with specific accessibility needs should contact the railroad before booking.
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.