Delaware’s Most Magical Holiday Train Is Back—With Caboose Seating and Vintage Cars

As Santa begins his annual tour of malls and parades across the country, one stop on his calendar stands out: a trip to the state of Delaware where he’ll climb aboard a historic locomotive and journey through the scenic Red Clay Valley with an elf and a train of wide-eyed children.

The Santa Claus Express returns to the Wilmington & Western Railroad on Nov. 28, running every weekend leading up to Christmas, as well as during the week of the holiday. The final Santa Claus Express will run on Christmas Eve.

The magical holiday train journey departs from Greenbank Station in Wilmington, Delaware, and winds its way along the Red Clay Valley watershed. The train is pulled by either a first-generation diesel locomotive or an antique steam locomotive, offering an old-fashioned feel and experience. Guests can reserve standard passenger seats or opt for a private group experience in the train’s caboose or parlor car.

The roundtrip Santa Claus Express journey is around 45 minutes and includes a treat for each child and a visit and pictures with Santa. On the days the Santa Claus Express runs, there are four daily journeys: 12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m, 3:00 p.m, and 4:15 p.m.

The standard fare for adults is $29, while children ages 2 to 12 are $25. Seniors are $28 and children under 2 years old ride for free. Groups of 15 to 20 people can reserve the entire caboose for $400 and groups of 20 to 40 people can reserve the parlor car for $600.

The Wilmington & Western Railroad holiday train lit up on the platform.

Wilmington & Western Railroad

On select dates in November, December, and January there is also a Holiday Lights Express train, which includes a trip in 100-year-old heated coaches covered in thousands of holiday lights. Similarly, the 45-minute trip runs through the Red Clay Valley and is powered by one of Wilmington & Western’s historic first-generation diesel locomotives.

The Wilmington & Western Railroad and its holiday trains recently returned to service after a multi-month closure for passenger car and caboose renovations (including seating and window upgrades), along with major repairs to the track and the fleet of diesel locomotives. 

Travelers with accessibility challenges will find a wheelchair lift to board the train at Greenback Station in Wilmington and wheelchair ramps throughout the station buildings. However, train doorways are only 24-inches wide and there is limited space for wheelchair storage on the train. Please contact Wilmington & Western Railroad directly for accommodations or visit wwrr.com.