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Ride the Wicked Witch Express: A Haunted Halloween Adventure on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad

Ride the Wicked Witch Express: A Haunted Halloween Adventure on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad

All Aboard the Wicked Witch Express!

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  4. Ride the Wicked Witch Express: A Haunted Halloween Adventure on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad

Adventure Brief

Step aboard the Wicked Witch Express for a spine-tingling Halloween ride through New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. Experience a thrilling night of witches, enchantment, and spooky surprises on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad.

1 hour
easy
Family Friendly

Keep the Adventure Going

More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders

No Experience Required

As autumn paints the Lakes Region of New Hampshire with amber and crimson hues, an extraordinary event transforms the quaint town of Meredith into a playground of enchantment and eerie delight. The Wicked Witch Express offers a unique Halloween experience aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, departing from historic Meredith Station at 154 Main Street. This seasonal excursion, running October 28 through 30, plunges riders into a haunted world where the spirit of Halloween is vividly alive.

This one-hour train journey is far from a typical scenic ride. The train cars have been transformed into a wicked lair, where the Wicked Witches of the Lakes Region conjure a night of spellbinding entertainment. Enchanting performances captivate passengers while spine-tingling surprises keep everyone on edge, blending storytelling with theatrical flair. The train winds through the rustic forests and rolling hills, enhancing the immersive experience under twilight skies.

What makes the Wicked Witch Express stand out is its seamless integration of the local landscape and Halloween folklore. The Lakes Region, known for its serene lakes and densely wooded trails, provides a mysteriously atmospheric backdrop that magnifies the thrill. This event is a rare fusion of outdoor adventure and theatrical spectacle, embodying the region’s community spirit and rich seasonal traditions.

Travelers staying in Meredith will appreciate the town's charming downtown, dotted with cozy eateries and boutique shops. The railroad itself anchors the town’s outdoor recreation scene, connecting visitors to the natural beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding White Mountains. Unlike typical haunted house attractions, this journey is mobile, moving through darkening landscapes that feel alive with whispers and shadows.

For families and groups looking for a memorable fall outing, the Wicked Witch Express is an ideal choice. It encourages guests to dress up in costumes, joining an interactive contest to crown the wickedest witch of them all—a fun way to engage with both young and old. Its limited three-night run makes it a sought-after ticket for locals and visitors eager for an authentic Halloween thrill while soaking in New Hampshire’s outdoor charm.

Whether you are a folklore enthusiast, a fan of Halloween festivities, or simply in search of an unusual scenic ride, this event offers a bewitching escape. Prepare for a night of magic, cackles, and surprises on the rails—if you dare board the Wicked Witch Express, your Halloween in Meredith will be unforgettable.

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Trip Details from the Operator

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Wicked Witch Express is family-friendly, but children should be comfortable with theatrical scares and spooky themes.

The train departs from Meredith Station located at 154 Main Street, Meredith, NH.

No food or drinks are typically offered during this hour-long ride; guests should plan accordingly.

Key Highlights

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1 hour

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels as the activity involves sitting during the train ride with minimal walking.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • White-tailed deer often visible in twilight
  • Owls calling from forest edges add to the evening ambiance

History

The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad has been operating since 1990, preserving the region’s rail heritage while offering scenic journeys.

Conservation

The railroad supports local conservation by promoting responsible tourism and limiting environmental impact during special events.

Related Adventures & Guides

  • See other trips from Granite State Railway
  • Explore more Meredith adventures
  • Browse more land adventures experiences

Operated By

Granite State Railway

All Aboard the Wicked Witch Express!

About Granite State Railway

Granite State Railway, based in Lincoln, New Hampshire, operates scenic and themed rail experiences throughout New Hampshire's Lakes Region. The company offers a diverse roster of excursions that highlight the shorelines and vistas of Lake Winnipesaukee with convenient boarding at Meredith, Weirs Beach, and Laconia.

Trips include short 45-minute leaf-peeper rides and longer coach and first-class excursions such as the Two-Hour Meredith Excursion and the One-Hour Weirs Beach Excursion. Seasonal specials include the Fall Foliage Special Train — a 4-hour coach journey that travels past Ashland Summit and local farms and includes a hot buffet lunch stop at the Common Man Inn & Spa. Family-focused offerings include the Pumpkin Express and Wicked Witch Express, while holiday programming features multiple Santa Express seating classes (Coach, First Class, Premier).

Dining experiences are a hallmark of the lineup: the Pumpkin Express Turkey Dinner and the Meredith Turkey Dinner Train serve full carved turkey dinners on board, with the Pumpkin Express Turkey Dinner scheduled for October 24th. Adventure options extend beyond traditional railcars with a Scenic Rail Bike Excursion — a custom four-person rail bike five-mile round-trip departing from the historic Laconia Station along Lake Winnisquam.

Granite State Railway emphasizes clear schedules, varied seating classes, seasonal programming, and family-friendly events. The combination of lakeside scenery, themed trains, and distinct ride options appeals to sightseers, families, and visitors seeking holiday and culinary train experiences in New Hampshire.

Aerial view of red train crossing a forested bridge in fall colors
Historic railroad bridge spanning a quiet river in green hills

Service Area

Lakes Region, NH

Boarding in Meredith, Weirs Beach, Laconia

Trip Lengths

45 min–4 hrs

Short excursions to full-day specials

Seating Classes

Coach • First • Premier

Multiple options for every guest

Unique Experiences

Rail Bikes & Holiday Trains

5-mile rail bike round-trip from Laconia

CTA Section Background Image

Reserve Your Next Lakes Region Train Adventure

Choose dates, seating class, and themed rides — book Pumpkin Express, Santa Express, rail bikes, and fall foliage trains now.

Adventure Tips

Dress Warm and in Costume

Evening temperatures in late October can be chilly; layering and wearing a Halloween costume enhances the fun and keeps you comfortable.

essential

Arrive Early at Meredith Station

Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in and boarding procedures.

info

Bring a Flashlight

A small flashlight helps navigate the station area in the dark and adds to the spooky atmosphere after the ride.

warning

Mind Your Step Boarding the Train

Train boarding can be uneven; watch your footing to avoid trips, especially in costume footwear.

essential

Recommended Gear

Warm Jacket

Keeps you warm during the cool October evening train ride.

fall

Essential

Comfortable Footwear

Important for safely boarding and exiting the train, especially if wearing a costume.

fall

Essential

Costume or Lantern

Enhances your experience and participation in the Wicked Witch contest.

fall

Camera or Smartphone

Capture the magical moments and scenic views along the route.

  • Read our Meredith travel guide