Twilight Rails: The Santa Starlight Express from Richland Station
An 85-minute pine-country holiday ride with Santa, best experienced after dark.
Dusk falls fast over South Jersey’s pine country. The evergreens lean in, their silhouettes turning inky as a string of coach windows warms to life along the platform at Richland Village. The rails hum—quiet at first, then confidently—as families in fleece and flannel cluster beneath a sky that’s sharpening toward starlight. A conductor calls the evening’s promise, a whistle cuts the cold, and the train noses forward like an old friend with holiday stories to tell.
Trail Wisdom
Arrive Early for Best Seats
Get to Richland Station 20–30 minutes before departure to reverse seats for group-facing layouts and settle kids before the train rolls.
Dress for Platform Chill
Coaches are climate-controlled, but the platform can be breezy—layer up, and yes, festive pajamas are encouraged.
Mind Low-Light Photography
Reflections are real at night—cup your hand around your lens or press it to the glass to capture crisp holiday lights.
Pack Small and Simple
Bring a small water bottle and compact snacks only if permitted; aisle space is limited and strollers should be foldable.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Bellview Winery in nearby Landisville for post-ride tastings
- •Lake Lenape Park East in Mays Landing for a quiet morning walk
Wildlife
Great horned owl, Red fox
Conservation Note
Richland sits at the edge of the Pinelands National Reserve—pack out trash, keep noise to a minimum at the platform, and respect posted boundaries to protect sensitive habitats.
The route follows historic Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines track, a rail lifeline that once carried travelers and goods between inland farms and the coast.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Quieter area exploring, Pairing with wineries and parks
Challenges: Santa ride typically not in operation, Cool, wet evenings
Spring is shoulder season in the Pinelands—good for scouting future trips and enjoying nearby trails and wineries without crowds.
summer
Best for: Weekend getaways to the coast, Longer stays in Atlantic City
Challenges: Heat and humidity on the platform, Peak-season traffic on US-40
Summer brings coastal energy; while the Santa Starlight Express is a winter event, the region is lively and lodging options are abundant.
fall
Best for: Early booking for holiday trains, Crisp evenings
Challenges: Popular dates sell out fast, Variable temperatures
Autumn is prime time to reserve seats for late-November and December departures and enjoy cool, comfortable nights.
winter
Best for: The Santa Starlight Express, Holiday lights and festive ambience
Challenges: Cold platforms, Early nightfall
This is the season the train was made for—twilight rides, cozy coaches, and classic holiday moments.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Warm Layer or Packable JacketEssential
Keeps you comfortable on the platform before boarding and during photo stops outside.
Festive Pajamas
Leans into the Starlight charm and keeps kids comfortable for the evening ride.
Portable Power Bank
Cold weather drains phone batteries—keep your camera ready for Santa sightings and night shots.
Small Blanket for Kids
Adds cozy comfort for little riders without taking up much room.
Common Questions
Where do we board the Santa Starlight Express?
All trips board at Richland Village Train Station, 1272 Harding Highway (US-40), Richland, NJ 08350.
How long is the ride?
Approximately 85 minutes round-trip, with a brief pause at the midpoint before returning to Richland.
Is seating assigned in Coach Class?
Coach Class features two-by-two seating; arrive early to choose seats and reverse them to face your group if desired.
Are the coaches heated?
Yes, coaches are climate-controlled for a comfortable ride during cold evenings.
Can we bring strollers or snacks?
Foldable strollers are generally easiest to manage in the aisle; check the current onboard snack policy and pack small if permitted.
Is there parking at Richland Station?
Yes, parking is available near the station; arrive 20–30 minutes early to avoid a rush.
What to Pack
Warm jacket for the platform; compact gloves so you can still use your phone; portable power bank to keep cameras charged in the cold; festive pajamas or a cozy layer to lean into the Starlight theme.
Did You Know
New Jersey’s Pinelands National Reserve—bordering Richland—is the nation’s first National Reserve, established in 1978 and spanning over one million acres.
Quick Travel Tips
Book early—popular evening departures sell fast; Arrive 20–30 minutes before departure to select and adjust seats; Pair the ride with an Atlantic City weekend for easy lodging and dining; Check the operator link on the day of your trip for weather advisories and any schedule updates.
Local Flavor
Warm up after the ride with a tasting at Bellview Winery (Landisville), or head to Vineland for dinner at Mauro’s on the Ave. If you’re staying in Atlantic City, grab a post-rail dessert on the Boardwalk and watch the ocean throw back the holiday lights.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Atlantic City International (ACY), ~25 minutes by car. Boarding: Richland Village Train Station, 1272 Harding Highway (US-40). Drive times: ~15 minutes from Vineland, ~35 minutes from Atlantic City. Cell service: Generally good at the station; spotty in stretches of the Pines while moving. Permits: No permits—advance tickets required; mobile confirmations are typically accepted.
Sustainability Note
This ride crosses the edge of the Pinelands—pack out all trash, keep noise respectful at the station, and avoid trespassing on trackside property. Choosing heritage rail experiences helps support preservation of regional rail history.
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