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Riding Aboard The Walkersville Southern's Santa Train!

Published: November 20, 2025

By: Adam Burns

If your holidays could use a little more steam-era nostalgia and small-town charm, the Walkersville Southern Railroad delivers. This volunteer-powered heritage railroad in Frederick County, Maryland turns back the clock with vintage equipment, scenic countryside, and the kind of community spirit that makes traditions stick. And every year, its Santa Trains become the centerpiece of many families’ seasonal celebrations.

What is the Walkersville Southern Railroad?

Walkersville Southern Railroad operates on a restored stretch of historic track just north of Frederick, Maryland. The line threads through fields and woodlands, crosses the Monocacy River, and offers wide-open views you just don’t get from a car.

The railroad maintains 6.72 miles of the former Pennsylvania Railroad's Frederick Secondary.  It became part of the Penn Central in early 1968 and was ravaged by Hurricane Agnes in 1972, at which point the bankrupt railroad sold the line to the state of Maryland.  The current railroad has been in operation since 1995.

It’s a living-history operation, run largely by volunteers who maintain the track, restore cars and locomotives, and staff every train. The mission is simple: preserve railroading heritage and share it with the public through rides that are fun, educational, and accessible.

A typical excursion departs from the Walkersville station and lasts about an hour. Trains usually include vintage coaches pulled by a historic diesel locomotive, along with open-air cars used in warm weather. While autumn color trips and themed rides dot the calendar, the holiday season is when the railroad shines brightest.

What Makes the Santa Trains Special

Santa Trains WSRR feel like a page from a storybook. Cars are festooned with greenery and lights, staff don holiday hats, and families settle in for an unhurried ride through the countryside.

Onboard, Santa makes his rounds, visiting with children right at their seats. There’s time for photos and a quick chat about wish lists. Many rides feature holiday music, cheerful narration or announcements, and small treats like candy canes for kids.

You won’t find strobe lights or booming soundtracks here; instead, the hallmark is a cozy, human-scale experience. The route is scenic in winter—barren trees framing river views, fields with a dusting of frost—and the slow pace lets you soak it in. If you grew up visiting Santa at the local department store, this event scratches the same itch, but with the added romance of steel rails and vintage coaches.

Why Families Love It

• It’s relaxed and unrushed. No long queue to see Santa; he comes to you.

• It’s memory-rich. Trains have an almost magical effect on children and a nostalgic pull for adults.

• It’s community-driven. Volunteers keep the tradition alive, and their warmth shows in the details.

• It’s screen-free. For an hour or so, kids are present, engaged, and wide-eyed.

Planning Your Santa Train Trip

Santa Trains typically run on select dates between late November and mid-December, often on weekends. Exact schedules vary by year, so check the railroad’s official website or social media for current dates and departure times.

Afew Practical Tips

Book early. These rides are popular and often sell out, especially mid-December departures. Buying tickets in advance is strongly recommended.

Arrive early. Aim to be at the station 30–45 minutes before departure. You’ll have time for parking, ticket pickup if needed, and a relaxed boarding.

Dress warmly. Platforms can be chilly, doors may open during stops, and winter air finds its way into older equipment. Layers are your friend.

What To Expect Onboard

Santa usually boards the train and visits each family. Keep cameras ready; attendants often help snap a quick picture so everyone can be in the frame. Children frequently receive a small treat. You’ll hear holiday music and friendly crew announcements, and there’s usually a conductor on hand to answer kids’ questions about trains.

The seating is classic railroad style, and the pace is gentle, which helps with toddlers. For noise-sensitive kids, you might want to bring light ear protection—train horns and crossing bells are part of the ambience and can be loud up close. If you’re traveling with a baby, the rhythmic motion and soft sounds can be soothing; a light blanket is useful for naps.

Why Your Ticket Matters

The Walkersville Southern is more than entertainment; it’s a preservation project. Volunteers log countless hours restoring track, maintaining locomotives and coaches, and ensuring safety.

Ticket revenue and donations fund ongoing maintenance and improvements, from replacing ties and ballast to cosmetic work on historic equipment. When you book a Santa Train, you’re not only buying an experience; you’re investing in local history and the training of future volunteers who learn skills most people never see.

A holiday tradition worth keeping

In an era of fast everything, the Walkersville Southern Railroad’s Santa Trains offer something rare: simple delight. You step aboard a historic train, settle into a warm seat, and watch winter fields roll by as Santa makes his rounds. Kids beam, parents

exhale, grandparents reminisce. No animatronics, no complicated logistics—just rails, river, and the gentle sway of a coach that’s seen decades of holidays come and go.

If your family’s December calendar is crowded with errands and obligations, this is one outing that feels like a gift to everyone. Book early, bundle up, and let the whistle signal the start of a new tradition.