New Jersey's Easter Train Rides
Published: March 27, 2026
By: Adam Burns
As the chill of winter melts away and the vibrant blooms of spring herald the arrival of Easter, New Jersey offers a delightful mix of scenic train rides perfect for families looking to celebrate the season and create unforgettable memories.
The combination of picturesque landscapes, festive Easter activities, and the unique charm of riding a classic train makes these journeys a must-do. Here’s your comprehensive guide to Easter-related scenic train rides across the Garden State.
The Whippany Railway Museum.Easter Bunny Eggspress – Whippany Railway Museum
The Whippany Railway Museum, based in Whippany, New Jersey features a collection of historic equipment and also operates excursion trains on the museum grounds including the Easter Bunny Eggspress, one of its highlights, which offers families a memorable way to celebrate Easter.
Journey Highlights
Lush Landscapes: As the train chugs away from Whippany station, passengers can enjoy panoramic views of the budding greenery typical of New Jersey’s countryside in spring.
Easter Fun: The 45-minute train ride is filled with Easter excitement. Onboard, the Easter Bunny visits each car, spending time with children and posing for photos, while youngsters enjoy face painting and other fun-filled activities. There is also an available Easter Egg hunt.
Historic Charm: The museum itself is a treasure trove for train enthusiasts. Arrive early or stay late to explore the historic locomotives and rail cars on display.
Easter Bunny Express - Black River & Western Railroad
In the heart of Hunterdon County, the Black River & Western Railroad offers the enchanting Easter Bunny Express that combines the nostalgic charm of railroading with Easter festivities.
Journey Highlights
Easter Celebration: The Easter Bunny is aboard this classic train, mingling with passengers and spreading holiday cheer. Children receive a special present from the Easter Bunny during the trip. In addition, an Easter Egg hunt is held their Ringoes Station picnic grove
Spring Scenery: The 1.5-hour route meanders through fields and forests bursting with spring renewal, providing plenty of photo opportunities.
Historic Vibe: Known for maintaining its historical integrity, the Black River & Western allows visitors to step back in time while enjoying modern-day festivities.
Easter Bunny Express - Cape May Seashore Lines
Offering a unique experience in southern New Jersey near the coast, the Cape May Seashore Lines’ Easter Bunny Express is perfect for those commemorating Easter. The trips depart from either the Richland Village or Tuckahoe Train Stations and last approximately 1 hour.
Journey Highlights
Family-Friendly Environment: Passengers of all ages enjoy the company of the Easter Bunny as he moves through each car, spreading joy and posing for pictures.
Climate Controlled Cars: All cars on-board are climate-controlled and the railroad offers different levels of services including the New York Central lounge/tavern car, the Vista Valley observation lounge, and the Braddock Inn lounge/tavern car.
Delaware River Railroad Excursions: The Delaware River Railroad Excursions are based in Phillipsburg, operated by the New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society.
These excursions provide a unique and nostalgic experience aboard vintage steam and diesel locomotives. The journey allows passengers to enjoy the natural beauty of the river, rolling hills, and lush landscapes.
Special themed rides, such as the popular "Mine Train" to explore local gem mining, family-friendly Polar Express trips during the holiday season, and the lively Great Pumpkin Train in the fall, enhance the adventure. Ideal for train enthusiasts and families, these excursions promise memorable journeys through historic and beautiful scenery.
Each spring they host Easter Bunny Train to delight the kids with music, meeting the Easter Bunny, and taking part in an egg hunt. The trips last approximately 1 hour.
New Jersey’s Easter-themed scenic train rides offer enriching experiences perfect for families or those wishing to embrace the holiday spirit in a unique way. Whether you’re after a historic railroading adventure, picture-perfect spring vistas, or meeting the Easter Bunny, these train excursions present diverse opportunities to enjoy the season’s freshness and festive cheer. Be sure to secure your tickets in advance, as these popular rides tend to sell out quickly, and have your camera ready to capture the joy and beauty of Easter in New Jersey. Happy Easter and bon voyage on your scenic rail adventure!
Recent Articles
-
Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad: "The Bessemer Road"
Sep 15, 26 05:20 PM
Bessemer & Lake Erie—Bear Creek 1865, Carnegie 1897, U.S. Steel 1901. Ore south from Conneaut, coal north. 2-10-4s, Missabe sister road. CN May 10, 2004. Complete corporate history. -
Bangor and Aroostook Railroad: "Serving Northern Maine"
Sep 15, 26 05:05 PM
Bangor & Aroostook—chartered February 13, 1891, first trains January 1, 1894. Potatoes, paper, Searsport, State of Maine reefers. MM&A 2003, Lac-Mégantic 2013, CP 2020, CPKC today. Complete co… -
Baltimore & Ohio Chicago Terminal Railroad: Map and History
Sep 15, 26 03:11 PM
B&OCT—formed January 6, 1910 to buy Chicago Terminal Transfer. Grand Central, Barr Yard, 78 route-miles. Assigned B&O steam. Complete diesel roster. CSX paper subsidiary, mark BOCT. -
The "Alphabet Route" (Railroad): Photos and History
Sep 15, 26 02:53 PM
Alphabet Route—eight railroads, not one company. P&WV to Connellsville February 11, 1931. Alpha Jets Chicago/St. Louis–New York/Boston. NKP, W&LE, P&WV, WM, Reading, CNJ, L&HR, New Hav… -
Milwaukee Road Livestock Operations: Cattle, Dakotas & Montana
Sep 15, 26 02:36 PM
Milwaukee Road livestock traffic—Dakota and Montana cattle, Iowa hogs, Chicago markets, 28-hour law, head-end stock cars. By 1974 mostly Montana. Rick Burn’s Helena speech. Operations history, not the… -
Spirit of Jasper Ride & Dine (2026): Season Pause
Sep 15, 26 02:29 PM
Spirit of Jasper Ride & Dine in Jasper, Indiana—seated meal on board. Operator: not running public trains for 2026. Depot remains open as a rental. Confirm on spiritofjaspertrain.com. -
South Carolina Canal & Rail Road Company: Map and History
Sep 15, 26 01:59 PM
South Carolina Canal & Rail Road—chartered December 19, 1827. Best Friend of Charleston, 136 miles Charleston–Hamburg October 1833, Aiken inclined plane. South Carolina Railroad 1844, Southern 189… -
The Practice of Double-Heading: The Steam Era
Sep 15, 26 01:43 PM
Doubleheading—two locomotives on the point, each with its own steam crew. Not a rear helper, not diesel MU. How it worked, PRR 1877, mountain grades, and what MU ended. -
Mohawk and Hudson Railroad: Map, Pictures, Locomotives
Sep 15, 26 01:20 PM
Mohawk & Hudson Railroad—New York’s first railroad, chartered April 17, 1826. DeWitt Clinton, inclined planes, Albany & Schenectady 1847, first New York Central May 17, 1853. Complete corporat… -
Essex Clipper Dinner Train (2026): Dates, Tickets & What to Expect
Sep 15, 26 01:09 PM
2026 Essex Clipper Dinner Train in Essex, CT—2.5 hours, four-course meal $129.99, 18+. Fall dates through Oct. 25. Confirm on essexsteamtrain.com. -
Camden & Amboy Railroad: Map, History, Photos
Sep 15, 26 12:53 PM
Camden & Amboy Railroad—chartered February 4, 1830. Joint Companies monopoly with the Delaware & Raritan Canal, John Bull, T-rail. United New Jersey 1872, PRR 999-year lease 1871. Complete corpora… -
Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train (2026): Dates, Tickets & What to Expect
Sep 15, 26 12:47 PM
2026 Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train in North Woodstock, NH—2 hours, 20 miles, five-course meal from $125. May–October. Confirm on nhdinnertrain.com. -
Christmas Train Ride Locations (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 15, 26 10:47 AM
2026 Christmas train rides by state—Santa, North Pole Express, and holiday trains. Not Polar Express. State guides and product pages. Confirm dates on each railroad. -
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad: Linking 13 Great States With The Nation
Sep 15, 26 10:22 AM
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad—first U.S. common carrier, chartered February 28, 1827. Wheeling 1853, Chicago 1874, C&O control 1963, Chessie 1973, into CSX April 30, 1987. Complete corporate history. -
Delaware & Hudson Railway: The Bridge Line
Sep 15, 26 09:59 AM
Delaware & Hudson Railway—Wurts brothers canal 1823, gravity railroad 1829, Stourbridge Lion, Bridge Line to Montreal. Guilford 1984, CP 1991, NS south line 2015, CPKC north. -
Delaware & Hudson Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Sep 15, 26 12:17 AM
All-time Delaware & Hudson diesel roster—Alco S-2s through C-628s and PA-4s, GE U-boats, Baldwin RF-16s, EMD SD45s and GP38-2/GP39-2s. Serials, dates, dispositions. -
Granite Railway, Our Country's First Railroad
Sep 14, 26 11:28 PM
Granite Railway of Quincy, Massachusetts—chartered March 4, 1826, opened October 7, 1826. Gridley Bryant, 5-foot gauge, horses, Bunker Hill Monument stone. First commercial U.S. railroad. -
Milwaukee Road Skytop Lounges: History, Specs & Floor Plans
Sep 14, 26 11:09 PM
Milwaukee Road Skytop observation cars—Brooks Stevens, 1948. Four Rapids parlor-lounges from Milwaukee Shops, six Creek sleeper-lounges from Pullman-Standard. Floor plans, roster, preservation. -
West Virginia Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 14, 26 11:02 PM
2026 West Virginia Christmas trains—Potomac Eagle North Pole Express in Romney and Christmas at Cass. Not Polar Express. Elkins Polar is not listed for 2026. -
Railroads Of Today: Class I Map, PSR & the 2026 Industry
Sep 14, 26 10:30 PM
U.S. freight rail in 2026—six Class I railroads on a nearly 140,000-mile network. PSR as everyday practice, how the STB works, traffic mix, short lines and regionals. -
Railroad History (USA): Timeline, Facts & How the Network Was Built
Sep 14, 26 10:03 PM
Full U.S. railroad history hub—origins and inventors, Golden Age peak mileage, Civil War and transcontinental, streamliners, ICC regulation, Penn Central and Conrail, Staggers Act, PSR, and today’s Cl… -
Railroads In The 2020s: CPKC, East Palestine & the UP–NS Case
Sep 14, 26 09:51 PM
U.S. railroads 2020–2026—Class I mileage 91,773 in 2020. COVID traffic drop, CPKC April 14 2023, East Palestine Feb. 3 2023, UP–NS $85 billion case still before the STB. -
Railroads In The 2010s: PSR, Coal’s Decline & Positive Train Control
Sep 14, 26 03:51 PM
U.S. railroads 2010–2020—Class I mileage 95,573 to 91,773. Buffett closed BNSF Feb. 12 2010, Harrison at CP June 29 2012 and CSX 2017, PTC deadline Dec. 31 2018. -
Virginia Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 14, 26 03:46 PM
2026 Virginia Christmas trains—Virginia Scenic Railway Santa Express from Staunton, about 60 minutes. Confirm dates. Not Polar Express. -
MARC Train: Maryland Commuter Rail History, Lines & Roster
Sep 14, 26 01:16 PM
MARC Train history—Maryland Rail Commuter 1984, B&O and PRR corridors, Penn/Camden/Brunswick lines, Silver Spring 1996, all-time locomotive roster. -
Railroads In The 2000s: Merger Freeze, Wisconsin Central & Buffett
Sep 13, 26 07:57 AM
U.S. railroads 2000–2010—Class I mileage 99,250 to 95,573. STB merger freeze March 17 2000, CN–WC Oct. 9 2001, BNSF Railway Jan. 24 2005, Buffett Nov. 3 2009. -
Railroads In The 1990s: Mega-Mergers, Conrail’s Split & the STB
Sep 13, 26 12:13 AM
U.S. railroads 1990–2000—Class I mileage 119,758 to 99,250. BNSF Sept. 22 1995, UP–SP Sept. 11 1996, Conrail split June 1 1999, ICC Termination Dec. 29 1995. -
Railroads In The 1980s: Staggers, Mega-Mergers & Conrail’s IPO
Sep 12, 26 11:12 PM
U.S. railroads 1980–1990—Class I mileage 164,822 to 119,758. Staggers Oct. 14 1980, CSX and Norfolk Southern, UP–Missouri Pacific–Western Pacific, Conrail IPO March 26 1987. -
Wabash Class O-1 4-8-4s: History, Roster & Specifications
Sep 12, 26 11:01 PM
Wabash Class O-1 4-8-4s—Baldwin 1930–31, twenty-five engines 2900–2924. Fast freight, complete roster, specifications. None preserved. -
Staggers Rail Act of 1980: Statute, Contract Rates & the ICC
Sep 10, 26 11:23 PM
Staggers Rail Act, Pub. L. 96-448, signed October 14, 1980. Harley Staggers, S.1946, contract rates, 180% variable-cost test, abandonments, short lines. -
Rock Island E8A 652: Bicentennial Independence Paint & History
Sep 10, 26 10:42 PM
Rock Island E8A 652—EMD March 1952, serial 15199. 20th Century Railroad Club Independence bicentennial scheme, Peoria and Quad Cities Rockets, Midland Railway, Manly Junction Museum. -
Vermont Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 10, 26 10:37 PM
2026 Vermont Christmas trains—Okemo Valley Holiday Express from Chester Depot Dec. 19–20. Polar is Burlington Dec. 5–6 only. -
Railroads In The 1970s: Penn Central, Amtrak & Conrail
Sep 10, 26 10:18 AM
U.S. railroads 1970–1980—196,479 miles at the decade’s start. Penn Central bankruptcy June 21 1970, Amtrak May 1 1971, 3R/4R Acts, Conrail April 1 1976, Rock Island 1975, Milwaukee 1977. -
Railroads In The 1960s: Mergers, Passenger Collapse & Penn Central
Sep 10, 26 10:03 AM
U.S. railroads 1960–1970—207,334 to 196,479 miles. Erie Lackawanna 1960, C&O–B&O 1963, N&W–Nickel Plate 1964, SCL 1967, Penn Central Feb. 1 1968. -
South Carolina Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 10, 26 08:36 AM
2026 South Carolina Christmas trains—South Carolina Railroad Museum Santa Train in Winnsboro. Confirm December dates. Not Polar Express. Drop light-festival padding. -
Steam Locomotive Feedwater Heaters: Elesco, Coffin & Worthington
Sep 10, 26 08:29 AM
Steam locomotive feedwater heaters—open Worthington vs closed Elesco and Coffin. How they work, how to identify them on a smokebox, and why not every engine had one. -
Oregon Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 10, 26 08:22 AM
2026 Oregon Christmas trains—Portland Holiday Express, Garibaldi Candy Cane Express, Sumpter Valley Christmas Trains Dec. 11–13. Polar is Mount Hood. -
Lake Shore & Michigan Southern: Map, History, Timetables
Sep 10, 26 08:12 AM
Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway—Erie & Kalamazoo 1833, Michigan Southern to Chicago 1852, LS&MS April 6 1869, Vanderbilt, Ashtabula 1876, NYC merger Dec. 22 1914. 1910 map and Official Guide. -
Big Four Route (CCC&StL): Map, History
Sep 10, 26 12:19 AM
Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railway—Bee Line 1868, Ingalls’s first Big Four 1880, CCC&StL June 30, 1889, NYC lease Feb. 1, 1930. 1910 and 1930 maps, what still runs. -
Railroads In The 1950s: Diesel, the Interstate & Passenger Collapse
Sep 10, 26 12:15 AM
U.S. railroads 1950–1960—223,779 to 211,459 miles. Interstate June 29, 1956, dieselization, passenger collapse, TOFC, 1957–58 recession, NYO&W 1957, N&W–Virginian 1959. -
New Jersey Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 10, 26 12:06 AM
2026 New Jersey Christmas trains—Black River & Western Santa Express from Flemington and Pine Creek Christmas trains in Wall Township. Polar is Whippany and Phillipsburg. -
New Mexico Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 09, 26 11:57 PM
2026 New Mexico Christmas trains—Cumbres & Toltec Santa’s Holiday Express from Chama Dec. 5–6 (and Antonito, Colo., Dec. 12–13). Coach $25/$15. Not Polar Express. -
Grand Trunk Railway: Map, History, Timetables
Sep 09, 26 11:47 PM
Grand Trunk Railway of Canada—charter Nov. 10, 1852, Montreal–Toronto 1856, Portland, Sarnia, Victoria Bridge, St. Clair Tunnel 1891, Great Western 1882, GTPR, CN Jan. 20, 1923. 1893 map and Official… -
Troop Trains In World War II: Sleepers, Kitchen Cars & Movements
Sep 09, 26 11:42 PM
WWII U.S. troop trains—almost 44 million armed-services passengers, Pullman troop sleepers, ACF kitchen cars, hospital trains, monthly movement tables 1942–45. Not the Military Railway Service. ODT an… -
Railroads In The 1940s: War Traffic, Last Steam & the Diesel Flood
Sep 09, 26 11:37 PM
U.S. railroads 1940–1950—233,670 to 223,779 miles. World War II as the decade’s center, last new steam, diesel flood after V-J Day, 1945 car orders, California Zephyr 1949. -
Railroads In World War II: ODT, Record Traffic & Private Operation
Sep 09, 26 03:00 PM
U.S. railroads in World War II—Lend-Lease freight, Pearl Harbor, Office of Defense Transportation, 1944 peak ~740 billion ton-miles, Dec. 1943–Jan. 1944 seizure. Private operation, not a USRA sequel. -
Montana Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 09, 26 02:54 PM
2026 Montana Christmas trains—Charlie Russell Chew Choo North Pole Adventure from Hanover/Lewistown, Nov. 27–Dec. 19, $71, about 1.5 hours. Not Polar Express. -
Railroads In The 1930s: Depression, Streamliners & the FT
Sep 09, 26 09:32 AM
U.S. railroads 1930–1940—249,052 to 233,670 miles. Section 77, Eastman, Motor Carrier Act, M-10000 and Pioneer Zephyr 1934, EMC FT 1939. Decade frame, not the streamliner encyclopedia. -
Sugar Cane Train (Lahaina): LK&P History, Roster & 2026 End
Sep 09, 26 08:19 AM
Lahaina, Kaanapali & Pacific Sugar Cane Train—3-foot tourist line 1970–2014. Anaka, Myrtle, 2023 and 2025 fires, September 2026 scrapping. Roster, Hahakea trestle, Pioneer Mill corridor. -
Massachusetts Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 09, 26 08:16 AM
2026 Massachusetts Christmas trains—Shelburne Falls Moonlight Magic Friday Nov. 27; Edaville Festival of Lights in Carver. Polar is Cape Cod Central in Buzzards Bay.
