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A New Jersey Christmas Train Ride On The Santa Express!

Published: October 28, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Tucked into the rolling farm country of Hunterdon County, New Jersey, the Black River and Western Railroad is a living slice of American railroading. What began as a modest short line has grown into one of the Northeast’s most beloved heritage railways, blending freight service, preservation, and seasonal excursions that welcome thousands of visitors each year. At the heart of its calendar is a holiday tradition that families plan for months in advance: the Santa Express, the railroad’s signature Christmastime ride (also often marketed as the railroad’s North Pole or Holiday Express). Equal parts nostalgia and pure yuletide fun, it’s the kind of experience that turns a simple train trip into a cherished memory.

A brief look at the railroad’s roots
The Black River and Western Railroad (BR&W) dates back to the early 1960s, when rail enthusiasts and preservation-minded operators stepped in to keep local rails alive as mainline carriers abandoned secondary routes. From its base around Ringoes and Flemington, BR&W stitched together a compact network that served two missions: providing practical freight connections for area businesses and offering the public a chance to ride vintage equipment through pastoral New Jersey scenery.

Over the decades, BR&W became known for carefully restored coaches and locomotives, including its celebrity steam engine, No. 60, a 2-8-0 “Consolidation” built in 1937. While not every excursion is steam-powered, the presence of No. 60—alongside classic diesel locomotives—anchors the railroad’s reputation for authentic, hands-on history. Add in a community-powered ethos, with dedicated staff and volunteers caretaking track, rolling stock, and stations, and you get an operation that feels both professional and personal.

What makes the Santa Express special
Holiday trains are a staple at many heritage railroads, but BR&W’s Santa Express stands out for how it balances small-town charm with thoughtfully produced entertainment. The format is delightfully simple: step aboard warmly decorated vintage coaches, settle in with your family, and let the railroad take you to the “North Pole” and back while the spirit of the season comes alive all around you.

Here’s what riders typically enjoy:

- Festive atmosphere from the moment you arrive. Stations are dressed for the season, with wreaths, lights, and music setting the tone before you even board. Staff and volunteers—often wearing elf hats or period uniforms—welcome guests and help with seating.

- Classic rolling stock with holiday touches. The coaches are vintage—think mid-20th-century steel cars with picture windows—adorned with garlands and seasonal decor. Soft lighting and carols create the feeling of a traveling living room.

- Santa and friends on board. During the trip, Santa visits each family at their seats for a photo and a chat. Many seasons also include Mrs. Claus and cheerful elves to keep kids engaged, collect letters, and hand out small souvenirs.

- Treats and traditions. Hot cocoa and cookies are common staples, and many runs include story time, sing-alongs, or gentle games designed to bring shy children out of their shells. While details can vary year to year, the emphasis is always on cozy, inclusive fun.

- A scenic, unhurried ride. The route rolls through fields and farmsteads, past creeks and crossings, with the late-afternoon light of November and December adding a cinematic glow to the landscape. Trains typically take about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the season’s operating plan.

- Photo opportunities everywhere. Between the decorated stations, vintage equipment, and in-seat visit from Santa, you’ll have more than enough chances to capture holiday card-worthy pictures without standing in long lines.

Planning your trip
The Santa Express is popular and often sells out well in advance, especially for peak weekend dates and twilight departures. A little planning goes a long way.

- Book early. As soon as the railroad publishes its holiday schedule—usually well before Thanksgiving—secure your preferred date and time. Evening runs can feel especially magical with lights twinkling after dusk.

- Choose your departure station and time with care. Schedules and boarding locations can vary by season. Check the railroad’s official site for the current year’s details, including where to park, when to arrive, and the length of the ride.

- Dress for comfort. Coaches are heated, but you’ll spend some time outdoors during boarding and photos. Layers, hats, and gloves keep the experience cozy. If snow is in the forecast, allow extra travel time and confirm the day’s operating status.

- Think through seating and accessibility needs. If you’re traveling with a stroller, seniors, or guests with mobility considerations, review the railroad’s accessibility guidance. Heritage equipment can have narrow aisles and steps; staff typically do a great job accommodating, but it’s wise to communicate needs in advance.

- Bring a small bag for the kids. A favorite book, a quiet toy, or a small notebook for writing letters to Santa helps pass the time between activities. Don’t forget your phone or camera with a good low-light mode.

- Arrive early. Getting there 30–45 minutes before departure lets you enjoy the station décor, use restrooms, and settle in without rushing.

Behind the scenes: people and preservation
One of the quiet joys of riding with BR&W is realizing how many hands it takes to keep history running. Holiday trains are the culmination of year-round work: track maintenance, car restorations, decorations, training, and creative programming. The railroad’s staff partners with a dedicated volunteer community to polish brass, string lights, rehearse scripts, and plan the small moments that make children feel seen. That community connection is one reason families come back year after year—they’re not just buying tickets; they’re supporting living history.

Locomotives and power
Railfans often ask whether the Santa Express is steam-powered. The answer is: it depends on the season and the specific date. The railroad’s steam icon, No. 60, operates on advertised occasions and special events when available. Many holiday runs are led by classic diesel locomotives, which are reliable in winter and keep the schedule humming. If steam is a must-have for your family, look for explicitly labeled steam dates on the railroad’s official calendar; otherwise, assume your train will be diesel-powered and every bit as festive.

Why it resonates
In an era of digital everything, the Santa Express offers tangible, sensory tradition. The low rumble of a locomotive, the sway of the coach, the warmth of cocoa in a paper cup—these are experiences that root children and adults in the moment. The trip is structured but not scripted to death; Santa’s visit feels personal, and the views out the window remind you that the quiet beauty of winter fields can be just as thrilling to a five-year-old as a theme park ride.

For many families, the Santa Express becomes a yearly anchor: the day they choose the tree, visit local shops and restaurants, and ride the train at golden hour. The railroad’s location in a charming corner of New Jersey makes it easy to pair with other seasonal outings, turning a single ticket into a full day of memory-making.

Tips for making it magical
- Build a little story. Talk with your kids about riding to the “North Pole” and what they want to tell Santa. Bring a stamped letter; many trains collect them for Santa’s mailbag.
- Coordinate outfits. Matching scarves or holiday sweaters make for great photos without much effort.
- Keep expectations age-appropriate. Some toddlers love Santa from afar but prefer a quick wave over a prolonged visit. Staff are used to easing shy riders into the fun.
- Leave time after the ride. Linger at the station for a last photo with the train or to browse a small souvenir stand if offered that year.

The bottom line
The Black River and Western Railroad’s Santa Express is more than an excursion; it’s a tradition that blends heritage, hospitality, and holiday sparkle into a single experience. Whether it’s your first ride or your fifteenth, you’ll step off feeling that rare combination of calm and cheer that only a well-run, community-rooted railroad can deliver. Check the current season’s schedule, book early, and bring your sense of wonder—you’ll find it multiplied by the time the conductor calls, “All aboard!”