News Release
Subscribe
 |
What is RSS
|
Contact: Brando Barndini, 570-241-8173
SCRANTON, Pa. Steamtown National Historic Site is hosting a variety of holiday events throughout November and December. Celebrate the season with festive train excursions, hands-on family activities, and community programs that provide fun and memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.
Winter hours
Winter hours are now in effect at Steamtown National Historic Site. The park and museums are open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. For current conditions and updates, especially during inclement weather, visit the park’s Alerts and Conditions page.
Holiday season schedule and events
Friday, November 21 — Stuff the Caboose with United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA
Time: 5–8 p.m.
Location: Steamtown National Historic Site, 350 Cliff St., Scranton
Help Stuff the Caboose with nonperishable food items to support United Neighborhood Centers of Scranton. Visitors can enjoy the West Scranton High Strings, decorated trains and turntable, Scranton first responder vehicles, and s’mores and hot cocoa around the “Ring of Fire.”Admission is free.
Saturday, November 22 — Scranton Santa Parade
Parade start: 9:15 a.m.
Steamtown staff will join the annual downtown Scranton Santa Parade, which features floats, bands, performers, and a grand finale appearance by Santa Claus.
Thursday, November 27 — Thanksgiving Day — park closed
November 28–30 — Holiday Express excursions to Moscow
Departure: 11 a.m. | Return: 2 p.m.
Families can enjoy a round-trip train ride from Steamtown to Moscow Station, transformed into a holiday North Pole. At the station, visitors can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, participate in arts and crafts, explore model train displays, take photos, and enjoy cookies and cocoa.
Friday, December 6 — Lackawanna Heritage Valley Santa Train (non-passenger)
Santa and Mrs. Claus will travel through upper and mid-valley communities in Lackawanna County, stopping at five historic train stations. Families can greet them and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at each stop:
- Carbondale: 10:30 a.m.
- Archbald: 11:35 a.m.
- Jessup: 12:20 p.m.
- Olyphant: 1 p.m.
- Dickson City: 1:45 p.m.
- Scranton / Steamtown: 3 p.m.
Note: This is not a passenger train.
December 7, 13–14, 19–21 — Iron Horse Society’s North Pole Limited
10:15 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 4 p.m. (Dec. 19 only: 4 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.)
This 120-minute holiday adventure travels through Scranton’s historic rail yard and Nay Aug Park. Activities begin in the museum with festive décor, music, the Santa Letter Station, photo backdrops, and interactive fun. During the train ride, Santa and Mrs. Claus visit each family. Following the ride, guests can enjoy cookies, cocoa, and additional activities in the museum. Proceeds support the Iron Horse Society’s preservation and education programs at Steamtown. Advance tickets are strongly recommended and are available at TheIronHorseSociety.org.
Thursday, December 25 — Christmas Day — park closed
Visitors are invited to celebrate, give, and ride through the holiday season at Steamtown National Historic Site. For more information on tickets, event times, winter hours, and park conditions, visit nps.gov/stea or follow Steamtown NHS on social media.
Note: Holiday train rides will run behind a historic diesel locomotive while repairs are being made to the Baldwin Locomotive Works No. 26.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 430 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.
Last updated: November 18, 2025