NORTH POLE LIMITED

JOIN SANTA ON A MAGICAL TRAIN ADVENTURE!

Experience the wonder of the season aboard the North Pole Limited at Steamtown National Historic Site — an unforgettable 120-minute adventure through Scranton’s historic rail yard and Nay Aug Park.

The magic begins inside the museum, where families step into a festive winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights and holiday music. Children can stop by the Santa Letter Station to write their wish lists for the Big Guy, explore interactive activities, and capture memories at our cheerful photo backdrops before boarding the train.

Then comes the call every child, young and old, waits for — “All Aboard!” During the hour-long train ride, sing along with live musicians playing your favorite Christmas carols as you journey through a sparkling holiday scene. Santa visits each family along the route, while Mrs. Claus presents every child with a small gift and a smile to remember.

When your train returns, the celebration continues! Enjoy cookies and hot cocoa, snap more photos, and take part in other festive activities throughout the museum. Every moment of the North Pole Limited is designed to delight families, create timeless holiday memories, and celebrate the joy of the season.

All proceeds from ticket sales support the Iron Horse Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to promoting knowledge, education, and preservation of railroad heritage at Steamtown National Historic Site for generations to come.

Don't miss out on this unforgettable holiday experience. Book your tickets now and create lasting memories this holiday season.

20241214_SantaTrain_0009.jpg
20241214_SantaTrain_0035.jpg
20241214_SantaTrain_0037.jpg
20241214_SantaTrain_0079.jpg
20241214_SantaTrain_0107.jpg
20241214_SantaTrain_0162.jpg
20241214_SantaTrain_0256.jpg
20241214_SantaTrain_0324.jpg
20241214_SantaTrain_0350.jpg
20241214_SantaTrain_0355.jpg
20241214_SantaTrain_0486.jpg
20241214_SantaTrain_0536.jpg
20241214_SantaTrain_0670.jpg
20241214_SantaTrain_0897.jpg
20241214_SantaTrain_1329.jpg

Get your tickets today before they sell out!

A Note About This Year’s Train

Our beloved Baldwin No. 26 steam locomotive is currently undergoing necessary boiler repairs to ensure many more years of safe operation. While she rests in the shop, this year’s North Pole Limited will operate with vintage diesel power — offering the same enchanting experience, music, and family magic you’ve come to love.

This year, we’re especially proud to share that the North Pole Limited will run no matter what. While we’re hopeful the current federal shutdown will end soon, the Iron Horse Society is fully prepared to operate the event even if it hasn’t. Federal law allows nonprofits to donate funds to keep National Parks and Historic Sites open during a shutdown — and we are ready to do just that. The North Pole Limited has become a cherished NEPA holiday tradition, and we won’t let the magic stop now.

Important Information

Onboard Information

  • Our passenger equipment features bus-style seating and windows that can be opened and shut. Each seat can hold 2 people comfortably and can be flipped to face each other for small groups.

  • Seating is not assigned, but available on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • ​There is limited wheelchair-accessible seating, please call the Iron Horse Society at ‪(570) 266-8328‬ or email us at info@theironhorsesociety.org to ensure seating on the trip desired.

Arrival & Check-In Information

  • Steamtown National Historic Site is located at 350 Cliff Street, Scranton, PA 18503. 

  • Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time to allow sufficient time for parking and to walk to the site.

  • Please be ready to present your online ticket receipts so you can board the train quickly.

  • All North Pole Limited riders and Steamtown visitors will follow CDC protocols based on the Lackawanna County status per National Park Service policy.

General Information

  • If you have any questions, please call the Iron Horse Society at ‪(570) 266-8328‬ or email us at info@theironhorsesociety.org. Please do not call Steamtown about the North Pole Limited as this trip is being organized and managed by the Iron Horse Society.

  • Your timed entry gives you plenty of time to explore the holiday activities before boarding! Trains depart about 30 minutes after each timed entry window begins.

  • We do recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your timed entry time to allow for parking and walking to the entry location.

  • The trains will run unless NPS closes the site due to the severe adverse weather conditions

  • If a train must be canceled, notices will be posted and emailed as early as possible, with at least two hours notice before a train’s scheduled departure. All impacted guests will be refunded within 10 business days. Refund confirmation will be sent via email.

  • All sales are final. There are NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES on tickets unless the ticketed train or tour does not operate.

  • By attending this event, you agree to be photographed and/or filmed and give permission to use your likeness in promotional and/or marketing materials.

​Photos courtesy of Dennis A. Livesey