Celebrate the season on vintage rails with craft beers and your ugliest Christmas sweater! Experience this festive party in New Freedom, PA, for a unique holiday outing.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; guests should be comfortable sitting for extended periods.
Wildlife
History
The Northern Central Railway dates back to the 19th century and played a vital role in connecting Pennsylvania communities.
Conservation
The railway emphasizes sustainable tourism by preserving historic equipment and using local brewers to reduce environmental impact.
Northern Central Railway
Celebrate the season on vintage rails with craft beers and your ugliest Christmas sweater! Experience this festive party in New Freedom, PA, for a unique holiday outing.
Northern Central Railway, based in New Freedom, Pennsylvania, operates heritage train excursions on the original Northern Central Railroad corridor. The railway offers a variety of themed rides aboard restored vintage coaches and locomotives, including steam locomotive No. 85 and historic PRR GP9 diesel power. Trips range from short family excursions to multi-hour historic journeys, with highlights such as the Wild West Express reenactment of Jesse James–era robberies, the Hanover Junction Specials retracing President Lincoln's route to Gettysburg with a stop at the Hanover Junction Museum, seasonal outings like the Pumpkin Patch Express and Oktoberfest Ales on the Rails, and family favorites including the Sundaes on Sunday Express and Pirates and Pixies Adventure Express. Many excursions include on-board narration, scenic travel along the Heritage Rail Trail, and curated stops at historic sites. The railroad emphasizes preservation of railroad heritage through restored equipment and educational experiences that connect communities across southern York County. Vehicles and onboard experiences are maintained by experienced volunteers and staff who follow safety and conservation practices. Tickets, schedules, and trip details are published for each event, and proceeds support continued preservation and operation of historic rail equipment. Northern Central Railway partners with local organizations and museums to provide authentic historical context on select excursions. For visitors, the railway provides accessible parking in New Freedom, clear trip descriptions, and family-friendly amenities, making it a reliable choice for history enthusiasts, families, and railfans seeking authentic heritage train experiences.
Advance reservations are recommended for popular seasonal and special event excursions online.
Location
New Freedom, PA
Base of operations on Heritage Rail Trail
Tours Offered
10
Themed and seasonal excursions
Typical Duration
1–2.5 hrs
Short and extended rides available
Historic Equipment
Steam & Diesel
Includes Steam No. 85 and PRR GP9
Reserve seats for seasonal specials and family rides — find dates, trip details, and tickets for memorable heritage train experiences.
Arrive Early for Best Seating
Trains can fill fast, so arrive early to pick your preferred seat and maximize the cozy vintage experience.
Dress Warm and Festive
Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater but also layer up to stay warm in the historic train cars during winter rides.
Designated Driver Tickets Available
If you’re not drinking, book a designated driver ticket to enjoy the ride and festivities responsibly.
Plan for Limited Cell Reception
Some parts of the route have spotty cell coverage, so download tickets and arrival info before boarding.
Ugly Christmas Sweater
Celebrate in style and match the festive theme of the event.
winter
Layered Clothing
Stay comfortable during cool or fluctuating temperatures on the train.
fall
Comfortable Shoes
Wear shoes suitable for walking around the station and any stops.
Portable Phone Charger
Keep your devices charged, especially where cell reception may be limited.