We all understand the milk and cookies for Santa, and even the carrots for the reindeer. But how did toy trains come to circle Christmas trees and Santa begin riding real trains all over the country?
Christmas celebrations (and Santa) began to take modern form in the mid to late 19th century. Christmas trees started becoming a thing around 1820. In 1869 America’s continental railroad arrived changing life as everyone knew it. Trains, especially steam engines, symbolized adventure, travel and exotic goods.
The first toy trains appear around 1850 around the same time Christmas trees started to appear in homes in the U.S. Little trains just seemed to add to the delight and magic of the holidays. The tradition of trains under the tree grew in the 20th Century when companies like Lionel Corporation began manufacturing affordable train sets that ran on a circular track—ideal for running around Christmas trees. Soon model trains were in department store windows, botanical gardens, and the movies, etc. In WWII returning soldiers arrived home by train and cemented that railroads connect people. While nostalgic and traditional, many a train set still chugs under Christmas trees and all across the country.
Maybe the most authentic Santa train ride in the country, and what Smithsonian calls a “national treasure,” is the East Broad Top Railroad in central Pennsylvania. Rural farms and ancient mountains are the backdrop for this 150-year-old railroad and its 108-year-old steam engine. That impressive duo chugs along the small narrow-gauge line and pulls the annual holiday Santa train. Throughout November and December, the East Broad Top Railroad runs a special holiday train driven by nostalgia, festive lights, cookies, and hot chocolate. Families can also write their letters to Santa inside the railroad’s historic 1906 train station.
Officially called “Christmas in Coal Country,” the holiday train ride is one-hour long. Featuring “retro” heated passenger cars, trains depart Orbisonia Station and travel north, where guests encounter Santa along with a gift for every child. Trains leave at 4:30p.m.; 6:00p.m. and 7:30p.m. Tickets are $28 for adults and $22 for children. Caboose rides cost $32 for adults and $26 for children. The train is wheelchair accessible (please contact the ticket office prior to booking).
For information visit the East Broad Top Railroad at www.eastbroadtop.com or Winter Spectacular.
