Adventure Collective
Festive Santa Express Train Ride at Stone Gables Estate - Harrisburg

Festive Santa Express Train Ride at Stone Gables Estate

Elizabethtowneasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

45 minutes

Fitness Level

Suitable for all ages and fitness levels; minimal walking required between parking and boarding area.

Overview

Step aboard the Santa Express at Stone Gables Estate for a festive steam-powered journey through Elizabethtown’s winter landscape. Sing holiday tunes, visit Santa’s Toy Shop, and cross a stunning new trestle on this holiday train adventure.

$20.00
Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania

Santa Express at Stone Gables Estate 2025

A Festive and Narrated Train Excursion and Christmas Experience

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About This Adventure

Experience the magic of the holiday season on a festive train ride through Stone Gables Estate. Enjoy a narrated journey aboard a beautifully decorated steam locomotive, sing along to Christmas classics, and meet St. Nick, who brings gifts for children. Don't miss the enchanting Santa's Toy Shop and the stunning new trestle!

Sing along with your favorite Christmas tunes as they are broadcast throughout the passenger coaches as your make your way through Stone Gables Estate. Watch the eyes of children and adults light up when St. Nick makes a surprise visit and hands each child a gift. Pictures are welcome! Sneak a peek during the stop at Santa's Toy Shop in the Engine House. It is beautifully decorated for Christmas.


NEW This Year!

The new track expansion will double the length of the current track. The train will cross over a 400 foot, newly built, wooden open deck trestle. New Star Barn Platform will be opening this Christmas season!


Departure Times:

  • 9:00 a.m.
  • 10:00 a.m.
  • 11:00 a.m.
  • 12:00 p.m.
  • 1:00 p.m.
  • 2:00 p.m.
  • 3:00 p.m.
  • 4:00 p.m. Please note, guests planning on coming to the Christmas Village AND the 4pm Santa Express, the Christmas Village (on select dates) concludes promptly at 3:30pm due to evening events.

Rates:

Monday-Friday (excluding Black Friday):

  • Ages 3+ = $20
  • Ages 2 and under = Free but must sit on a parent's lap
  • Bus tours & RV's please call 717-902-9791

Saturday (Including Black Friday):

  • Ages 3+ = $25.00
  • Ages 2 and under = Free but must sit on a parent's lap
  • Bus tours & RV's please call 717-902-9791

The Santa Express train is not wheelchair accessible.

*** Please note, at this time, all tickets must be pre-purchased online prior to your departure**

If you need assistance to board and de-board please call or email info@stonegablesestate.com


Your Ticket Includes:

  • A narrated train ride through Stone Gables Estate
  • A stop in our engine house to see the fully decorated and animated Santa's workshop.
  • A visit from the jolly man himself, St. Nick!
  • Beautiful photo ops with the train
  • You will receive complementary access to our Christmas Village at Ironstone Ranch. *Our Christmas Village will be open November 28, November 29, December 13, and December 20 from10am to 3:30pm.

Address and Directions to the Train:

Enter at Brittany's Hope: 1160 North Market Street, Elizabethtown PA 17022. (Please type the physical address listed above into your GPS.)

Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes before your train departure time.

Once you arrive watch for signage to direct you to park. Walk to the Ironstone train platform. Please check in with the Guest Services Attendant. Give the first and last name of the person who booked the tickets.


Duration

  • Allow about 45 minutes for your total experience.
  • If you plan to attend the Christmas Village in addition to your train ride, allow 1-2 hours to take advantage of all included activities.

Parking & Comfort Facilities:

Parking is available near the train site (see directions). Mobile restroom facilities are available near the train platform.


Attire

Dress comfortably and weather appropriate as there can be some walking. Strollers are welcome to the estate but cannot board the train.


Weather Cancelations:

To find out if we have cancelled any train rides due to inclement weather, keep a close eye on your email, check our social media, and/or please call 717.902.9791. Related refunds will be issued within 7-10 days.


Disclaimer:

The Santa Express train is NOT wheel chair accessible.

The Star Barn will NOT be open for viewing.

All sales are final. Refunds will be issued by Stone Gables Estate if the event has been cancelled.

No food, drinks, animals, or smoking onboard the train.

Service animals are the only animals permitted on the property.

By purchasing a ticket, you agree to allow Stone Gables Estate and/or its representatives to use any photos taken for promotional or advertising purposes. You also consent to a subscription to our e-newsletter.

Stone Gables Estate and/or its representatives are not responsible for lost or stolen items. You may check our lost & found.


About Stone Gables Estate:

Stone Gables Estate is home to the historic Ironstone Ranch, The Star Barn Village, St. Michael’s Vineyard, the Harrisburg, Lincoln & Lancaster Railroad, the Herr’s Mill Covered Bridge, and much more. The property encompasses 280 scenic acres and includes a working horse ranch along with numerous settings other event settings.

Stone Gables Estate is a Biblical, faith-based ministry/business. Its mission is to donate 100% of its' net profits to aid abandoned children worldwide through Brittany’s Hope, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. "Events with a Purpose". For more information about Stone Gables Estate, check out our website!

For Assistance:

Please email us at info@stonegablesestate.com or call 717-902-9791. We experience a very high call and email volume due to Christmas inquiries. We will return your call as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.

Adventure Tips

Arrive Early

Plan to arrive at least 15-20 minutes before departure to park and check in smoothly.

Dress for Outdoor Conditions

Prepare for chilly temperatures with layered clothing, as some walking is involved between parking and train boarding.

Pre-Purchase Tickets

Tickets must be bought online in advance; no walk-up sales are available during the holiday season.

Accessibility Note

The Santa Express train is not wheelchair accessible, so plan accordingly.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • White-tailed deer commonly spotted in the estate’s pastures.
  • Various wintering birds including cardinals and chickadees.

History

Stone Gables Estate encompasses historic landmarks, with the railroad modeled after 19th-century Pennsylvania locomotives, reflecting the region's rich railway heritage.

Conservation

The estate supports sustainable practices by maintaining open green space and responsibly managing its historic railroad and event facilities with minimal environmental impact.

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Adventure Hotspots in Harrisburg

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Layered Clothing

Essential

Helps maintain warmth during outdoor waiting and walking in cold weather conditions.

winter specific

Waterproof Footwear

Useful in case of snow or wet ground on the estate paths.

winter specific

Camera or Smartphone

Essential

Capture memorable moments aboard the train and scenic shots of the new trestle and decorations.

Small Backpack or Bag

Convenient for carrying gifts, extra clothes, or snacks for after the train ride.