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A Delaware Christmas Train Ride In Wilmington!

Published: November 13, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Running through the rolling hills and wooded valleys of northern Delaware, the Wilmington & Western Railroad (W&W) stands as one of America’s most cherished heritage railroads.

What began as a 19th-century country branch line has been reborn as a thriving tourist railroad that showcases the region’s history, scenery, and small-town charm.

Today, the W&W is known not only for its vintage steam and diesel locomotives, but also for its exceptional roster of themed excursions—especially its magical holiday trains, the Santa Claus Express and the Holiday Lights Express.

For more than half a century, the Wilmington & Western has provided a memorable way for families, railfans, and travelers to experience the beauty of the Red Clay Valley and the enduring legacy of American railroading.

Origins of the Wilmington & Western

The Wilmington & Western Railroad traces its roots to the Wilmington & Western Railroad Company, chartered in 1867 with the goal of connecting Wilmington—Delaware’s largest industrial city—with the rural mills, farms, and quarries of the Red Clay Creek Valley. Construction began in 1871, and by 1872, trains were running westward from Wilmington through the small communities of Greenbank, Ashland, and Hockessin.

Although the line was originally envisioned as a link to Pennsylvania’s coal country, the full route was never completed. Instead, the railroad found steady business hauling:

• Iron and kaolin clay for local industries
• Lumber and farm products
• Mill goods from the many water-powered operations along the creek
• Passengers commuting between rural villages and Wilmington

In 1881, the line was leased to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (B&O), which operated it as the Landenberg Branch for nearly a century. Under B&O ownership, the branch thrived as a local freight and passenger line, but as automobiles and trucks took over regional transportation in the 20th century, service gradually declined. Passenger trains stopped running in the early 1930s, and freight operations tapered off in the postwar years.

Preservation and Rebirth as a Tourist Railroad

By the 1960s, the Landenberg Branch seemed destined for abandonment. But a group of local historians, rail enthusiasts, and civic leaders recognized its potential as a heritage attraction. In 1966, the non-profit Historic Red Clay Valley, Inc. (HRCV) was formed to acquire and operate the railroad for public excursions.

The Wilmington & Western Railroad began excursion service on Memorial Day 1966, establishing itself as one of the earliest and most successful heritage railroads in the United States. HRCV’s mission was—and remains—to preserve both the physical railroad and the cultural history of the Red Clay Valley.

Over time, volunteers and staff restored historic locomotives, acquired vintage coaches, rebuilt depots, and created a thriving tourist operation centered on nostalgia, education, and scenic charm.

Trials, Floods, and Restoration

The W&W has faced major challenges throughout its modern history, most notably devastating floods in 1999 and 2003. The Red Clay Creek swelled far beyond its banks, washing out bridges, undermining track, and damaging infrastructure.

Despite millions of dollars in damage, the railroad chose not only to rebuild but to rebuild better. Support came from federal transportation grants, community donations, volunteers, and state assistance. By 2007, the railroad had fully restored its right-of-way, using modernized bridges and upgraded track that preserved the historic appearance while improving reliability.

These rebuilding efforts demonstrated the railroad’s deep community roots and the widespread belief in its cultural importance.

The Route Today

The present-day Wilmington & Western Railroad operates 10 miles of track through the Red Clay Valley, running from Greenbank (just outside Wilmington) to the village of Hockessin near the Pennsylvania border.

The railroad offers both steam and diesel excursions, depending on the season and equipment availability. Its star locomotive is ex-Mississippi Central 4-4-0 steam locomotive No. 98, a beautifully maintained American-type engine built in 1909. Its classic outline and polished brass make it a favorite for photographers and holiday passengers alike.

Excursions and Special Events

The Wilmington & Western runs a full calendar of themed trips throughout the year, such as:

• Autumn Leaf Specials
• Easter Bunny Trains
• Fireworks Express
• Fall Foliage Photo Specials
• Mother’s and Father’s Day rides
• Summer picnic specials

But nothing matches the popularity and magic of the railroad’s annual Christmas excursions, which transform the Red Clay Valley into one of the region’s most enchanting holiday experiences.

Christmas Rides

The Santa Claus Express

The railroad’s most popular daytime Christmas excursion is the Santa Claus Express, a joyful blend of seasonal celebration and historic train travel.

What the Ride Offers

1. Daytime Christmas Ambience
   Passengers board vintage coaches decked out in festive decorations—garland, bows, ornaments, and cheerful signage.
2. Santa Claus Visits Each Child
   Santa moves through the train to greet every passenger, pose for photos, and give children a small treat.
3. Scenic Winter Views
   The Red Clay Valley in December often features bare trees, quiet meadows, and crisp creekside scenery—perfect for holiday photos.
4. A Comfortable Family Outing
   The ride typically lasts 60–90 minutes, ideal for younger children and multigenerational families.
5. Historic Locomotives
   Whenever possible, the train is powered by steam locomotive No. 98, adding nostalgic charm. On other dates, a classic diesel handles the trip.

The Santa Claus Express is designed to be relaxed, heartwarming, and immersive—a holiday tradition for thousands of families across Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey.

The Holiday Lights Express

If the Santa Claus Express celebrates daytime charm, the Holiday Lights Express brings the Red Clay Valley to life at night.

This evening excursion is one of the region’s most visually spectacular holiday train experiences.

A Train Covered in Lights

The coaches are illuminated from end to end with thousands of colorful LED lights arranged in dazzling patterns—snowflakes, candy canes, stars, holiday scenes, and themed displays. As the train glides along the darkened valley, it becomes a moving Christmas spectacle.

The Onboard Experience

Passengers ride in open-air (but roof-covered) “Harriman” coaches, allowing a full sensory immersion in the winter night. Many families bring blankets, hats, and gloves for warmth, as Delaware evenings can be brisk.

During the trip:

• Holiday music fills the air
• Light displays reflect off the creek and trees
• Homes along the route often decorate in greeting
• The whole valley glows with color and movement

It is a completely different feel from the Santa Claus Express—less focused on Santa, more about visual wonder and peaceful nighttime atmosphere.

A Community Favorite

The Holiday Lights Express often sells out weeks in advance, thanks to:

• The unique nighttime scenery
• The train’s festive decorations
• The family-friendly running time
• The spectacular photo opportunities

It has become one of Delaware’s signature holiday experiences, drawing visitors from multiple states.

A Living Railroad, Rooted in Community

Today, the Wilmington & Western Railroad stands as:

• One of the oldest continuous heritage railroads in the United States
• A vital cultural institution in northern Delaware
• A tourist attraction that draws tens of thousands annually
• A volunteer-driven organization preserving local history
• A seasonal highlight with some of the Mid-Atlantic’s best holiday train rides

Whether steaming through the valley in autumn or sparkling with lights in December, the W&W remains a beloved tradition for families and railfans alike.

And each Christmas season, the Santa Claus Express and Holiday Lights Express capture the magic of the holidays in ways only a historic railroad can—through nostalgia, atmosphere, and the timeless rhythm of steel wheels on polished rails.

To learn about these trains and purchasing tickets please click here to visit the Wilmington & Western's website.