1. Home
 ›
2. Christmas Train Rides
 ›
3. Pine Creek Railroad

A New Jersey Christmas Train Ride At The NJMT!

Published: November 4, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Tucked beneath the tall pines of Allaire State Park on the Jersey Shore, the New Jersey Museum of Transportation and its beloved Pine Creek Railroad offer a rare blend of living history and simple, timeless fun.

What began as an ambitious preservation project in the mid-20th century has grown into one of New Jersey’s most charming family attractions, where vintage locomotives and friendly volunteers bring the golden age of railroading to life.

And each year, as the holidays approach, the railroad’s Santa Express becomes a seasonal favorite that sells out fast—proof that magic still happens when a train whistle echoes through the woods.

A brief history and a clear mission

The New Jersey Museum of Transportation (NJMT) formed in the early 1950s, at a time when steam was disappearing from America’s rails and countless small industrial locomotives were being scrapped. A group of enthusiasts and preservationists stepped in to save not just equipment, but also the experience of rail travel itself. They established an operating heritage railroad—one of the first of its kind—so people could ride behind historic locomotives instead of just looking at them in a gallery.

After an early start elsewhere in New Jersey, the operation moved to Allaire State Park in the 1960s, where it found a perfect home amid miles of trails and the restored 19th-century Historic Village at Allaire. Today, NJMT is a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to preserving, restoring, and operating historic railroad equipment. The Pine Creek Railroad is its working showpiece, running public trains most weekends in the warmer months and for special events throughout the year.

Riding the Pine Creek Railroad

A visit to Pine Creek is refreshingly straightforward: you arrive at the station in the park, buy or present your tickets, and climb aboard open-air or enclosed cars pulled by a vintage diesel or, on select days, a steam locomotive. The looped ride is short and sweet—typically 15 to 20 minutes—circling through the trees and over small trestles. It’s an ideal introduction for young children and a pleasant nostalgia trip for adults who remember when shortline railroads stitched together America’s towns.

The scale of the train is part of its charm. Rolling stock tends to be compact, reflecting the industrial and logging railways that once relied on smaller locomotives to do tough jobs in tight spaces. The result is a ride that feels intimate and personal, with conductors who chat, answer questions, and share bits of railroad lore. For railfans, it’s a chance to see and photograph equipment you won’t often encounter elsewhere. For families, it’s an easy, low-stress outing with a built-in thrill every time the whistle blows.

Beyond the ride, the museum grounds often feature displays of locomotives, cabooses, and maintenance equipment. Depending on the day, you might catch a glimpse of restoration work in the shop or get a closer look at the details that made early 20th-century railroading such an engineering marvel. The museum’s mission is educational as well as recreational, and volunteers are proud to point out how each piece of equipment once played a role in moving people and freight.

A year of special events

While standard weekend operations make Pine Creek a reliable go-to from spring through fall, the museum’s special events have become traditions for many families. Seasonal rides have included springtime trains that delight younger riders, autumn trips that pair perfectly with a day of leaf-peeping in Allaire State Park, and occasional themed events that focus on the nuts and bolts of railroad preservation. These dates are typically announced in advance and tend to sell out, so following the museum’s social media or email list is the best way to snag tickets.

The Santa Express: a New Jersey holiday tradition

The star of the museum’s calendar is the Santa Express, which runs on select dates between Thanksgiving and the run-up to Christmas. The formula is simple but irresistible: a cheerful train ride through the pines, a visit with Santa, and a festive atmosphere that brings the season to life without the stress that often accompanies big holiday attractions.

Here’s what to expect:

- Festive trains and photo-ready moments. Coaches are decorated for the season, volunteers don their holiday best, and the station area is dressed up for great photos. Kids can meet Santa and share their wish lists, while grown-ups get the joy of watching their excitement.
- A comfortable, family-friendly pace. The ride remains a manageable length for even the youngest passengers. Strollers are usually no problem to manage at the station, and the volunteers are adept at helping families get settled quickly and safely.
- Traditions and treats. Depending on the day and the year, you may find small gifts for children, hot chocolate or snacks for sale nearby, and a soundtrack of holiday music. The exact details can vary, but the emphasis is always on making the outing feel special.
- Timed tickets that go fast. This is the museum’s most popular event, and trains often sell out well in advance. If you want a particular date or time, plan to buy tickets as soon as they’re released. Many families make it a tradition to book early each year.

Practical tips for the Santa Express (and any visit)

- Dress for the weather. Holiday trains often run in wintery conditions. Even if cars are enclosed, lines and station time can be chilly. Layers, hats, and gloves make everything more comfortable.
- Arrive early. Parking at Allaire State Park is straightforward, but arriving 20 to 30 minutes before your scheduled departure gives you time to check in, take photos, and avoid any last-minute stress.
- Check the day’s equipment and operations. Steam locomotives may appear for special events, but day-to-day operations are often handled by historic diesel power; plans can change due to maintenance and weather. The museum’s website and social channels share up-to-date information.
- Combine your trip. The Historic Village at Allaire often hosts its own holiday events, and the park has miles of trails and picnic spots. If you’re making a day of it, check both schedules and plan accordingly.
- Buy tickets online in advance. For the Santa Express especially, same-day tickets are uncommon. Look for ticket release announcements and set a reminder.

Why this place matters

The New Jersey Museum of Transportation is more than a fun afternoon—it’s a testament to what volunteers and donors can accomplish when they care about preserving history. Every coach you ride, every whistle you hear, represents thousands of hours of restoration and maintenance work. Behind the scenes, skilled craftspeople and passionate railfans keep century-old equipment in safe operating condition, passing along knowledge you won’t find in many classrooms. When you purchase a ticket, make a donation, become a member, or sign up to volunteer, you help ensure that the next generation can experience the same joy of riding a vintage train.

Planning your visit

- Location: The Pine Creek Railroad is located inside Allaire State Park in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The park is easily reached from major highways along the central Shore region.
- Operating season: Public rides generally run on weekends from spring through fall, plus special events throughout the year. Schedules can vary with weather and maintenance needs.
- Tickets and pricing: Fares are modest and a good value for families. The Santa Express and other special events are ticketed separately. Always check the official website or social pages for current schedules, pricing, and availability.
- Amenities: Restrooms and parking are available in the park. On busy event days, give yourself extra time for traffic and walking. The area around the station is relatively flat and stroller-friendly.

A final word

In a world full of screens and speed, the Pine Creek Railroad offers something beautifully different: the unhurried rhythm of steel wheels on rail, the warmth of friendly volunteers, and the chance to share an experience that feels both new and timeless. Whether you come for a sunny summer loop through the pines or bundle up for the glow of the Santa Express, the New Jersey Museum of Transportation delivers a rare combination of authenticity and charm. It’s a small railroad with a big heart—and a holiday tradition that keeps the wonder of the season right on track.