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A West Virginia Christmas Train Ride In Romney!

Published: October 31, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Tucked into the rolling ridges of the Potomac Highlands, the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad offers one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most picturesque rail journeys.

Based in Romney, West Virginia, this heritage railroad rolls along the South Branch of the Potomac River along the former Baltimore & Ohio's Petersburg Branch on vintage passenger equipment, treating riders to big scenery, small-town hospitality, and frequent glimpses of America’s national bird.

While its warm-weather excursions through the famed “Trough” gorge are a regional staple, the railroad’s holiday-season North Pole Express has become an annual tradition for families across the Mid-Atlantic, turning a classic train ride into a night of yuletide magic.

A Brief Overview

What sets the Potomac Eagle apart is its route. The line traces the South Branch as it winds between forested slopes and limestone cliffs, a corridor that bald eagles have called home for decades.

Many riders come in fall to pair peak foliage with eagle sightings, often watched from an open-air car as the train glides through the Trough—a remote, narrow gorge that feels worlds away from the highways.

The rest of the year, climate-controlled coaches provide comfort while preserving the sensory pleasures of rail travel: the steady rhythm of steel wheels, the landscape scrolling past at an unhurried pace, and the soft hum of vintage diesel locomotives up front.

The railroad operates from Wappocomo Station near downtown Romney, set on a historic riverside farm that adds another layer of charm to the experience. Staff and volunteers, many of them local, share stories of the region’s railroading past, the resurgence of eagles in the valley, and the craft of maintaining mid-20th-century passenger cars. A range of excursions, from shorter Trough trips to longer day journeys, give repeat visitors a reason to come back in different seasons.

The North Pole Express

Then, as autumn fades to winter, the Potomac Eagle transforms. The North Pole Express is the railroad’s most popular event, a limited-run series that typically operates on select dates from late November through December.

In place of leaf-peeping and wildlife watching, the focus shifts to lights, music, and a holiday narrative brought to life aboard the train.

Families arrive to a festively trimmed station, where conductors greet excited children, many dressed in pajamas, and help everyone settle into their assigned seats. When the whistle sounds and the train eases away from Romney, it enters a world of twinkling decorations and storybook characters.

Each trip is designed for families with young children, but it’s welcoming and entertaining for all ages. The journey itself is intentionally shorter—about an hour, give or take—so even the smallest riders can enjoy the full program without getting restless.

Onboard, attendants and costumed characters lead sing-alongs of classic carols, share seasonal stories, and chat with kids as the train rolls through the wintry countryside. Hot cocoa and cookies are part of the tradition on many departures, and the coaches glow with holiday lights and décor.

Train Highlights

The highlight comes when the train reaches the “North Pole,” a lighted stop where Santa himself appears to board. For youngsters, the moment feels convincingly magical: the windows fill with color, Santa steps into the aisle, and the cabin buzzes with whispers and wide eyes.

Santa makes time for every car, greeting children and posing for photos. Many North Pole Express experiences include a small gift or keepsake for kids; offerings can vary by season, so it’s worth checking the current year’s details when you book.  The entire ride lasts roughly 75 minutes.

Seating Options

Seating options range from standard coach within their 1920s/1930s era passenger cars to with cushion seats to their 1940s/1950s era cars that feature upgraded accommodations.

Practical Tips

Planning ahead is key. The North Pole Express is one of the region’s hottest tickets as the only heritage railroad within at least two hours, and prime weekend departures tend to sell out well in advance. Booking early ensures your choice of date, time, and seating class. Aim to arrive at the station at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure to allow time for parking, check-in, and photos.

Winter weather in the Potomac Highlands can change quickly, so dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes; even though the cars are heated, you’ll be outdoors while boarding and you’ll want to be comfortable taking pictures on the platform.

Photography is part of the fun. Whether you prefer candid snapshots of kids peeking out the windows or a posed portrait with Santa, you’ll find plenty of backdrops—from a decorated station and vintage locomotives to the softly lit interiors of the cars. Many families also bring letters to Santa. If that’s part of your tradition, tuck them into a bag or coat pocket so they’re easy to hand off when the big moment arrives.

Exploring Eastern West Virginia and Points Beyond

If you’re making a day of it, Romney offers small-town charm with locally owned shops and eateries where you can warm up before an evening departure. The surrounding region invites exploration in any season—quiet roads, river overlooks, and historic sites abound—and the drive in itself adds to the sense of escape.

The railroad is within a manageable day trip of much of the Mid-Atlantic, making it an easy-to-reach holiday outing for families from West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the Washington, D.C. area.

Beyond the holidays, the Potomac Eagle’s regular excursions are more than worth a return trip. Spring brings fresh greens and active wildlife; summer offers long, lazy evenings along the water; and autumn is a showstopper, with slopes blazing orange and gold.

Many excursions include narration by knowledgeable staff who point out eagle nests, share local lore, and identify landmarks as the train curves along the river. Open-air cars, when in use during the warm season, are favorites for photographers and nature lovers.

Why The Railroad Is So Successful

Part of the railroad’s appeal is its authenticity. This isn’t a theme-park ride; it’s the rare chance to ride a real railroad on historic equipment in a landscape that feels largely unchanged.

The eagles that inspired the Potomac Eagle name remain a constant presence, often visible in both warm and cool months. The river still carves the same course. The coaches retain their mid-century details, lovingly maintained so new generations can experience classic rail travel.

For many families, though, it’s the North Pole Express that seals the tradition. There’s something singularly cozy about climbing aboard a decorated train on a cold night, sipping cocoa as carols drift down the aisle, and watching a child’s face as Santa appears at the door. The trip is short enough to fit a busy holiday calendar, but immersive enough to create the kind of memories that resurface every December.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering a visit, start by checking the official website for the current season’s schedule, fares, and seating options. Look for any add-ons—some years feature special photo opportunities or limited extras—and read the pre-trip FAQs so you know what to bring and when to arrive.

Then gather your crew, charge your camera, and let the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad take care of the rest. Whether you come for eagle-spotting in the Trough or to ride the North Pole Express, you’ll find the same winning formula: welcoming people, a beautiful route, and the enduring magic of a train rolling through the hills.