Updated for 2026
For the past three years, the Strasburg Rail Road Christmas Train in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, has been a must-do holiday tradition for my daughter and me, and it sells out every single year, so I want to make sure you don’t miss out this season! The Strasburg Santa Train features a Black Santa on select rides, and I’m going to guide you on exactly which train car to book and which 2026 dates to choose so your family can meet Black Santa too. If you are not near Pennsylvania? Check out our list of the best Santa train rides near you, covering Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Black Santa Train Ride in PA by Yatzuri Thomas
6 Things to know about the Strasburg Rail Road
This Black Santa Train Ride experience is located at 301 Gap Rd, Ronks, PA 17572; tickets must be purchased in advance using this link here.
Before booking your tickets for the Black Santa Experience, please check the schedule we have listed on this post. The Schedule ONLY highlights the dates, times, and train cars where Santa Dennis our “Black” Santa will be working.
Don’t be late! Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Tickets are non-refundable, and latecomers won’t be accommodated.
Bring snacks! Eat before or pack goodies; onboard options are limited (alcoholic drinks, snacks, and light bites are offered for an additional fee).
Dress comfy! It gets pretty warm inside the train.
Be sure to use the bathroom before your ride, as the train does not have a restroom.
Post-Santa vibes! Review and purchase photos taken with Black Santa (I paid $25 for two printed pics) but, its 2026 and I am sure those prices have change since last year.
Bring stamped envelopes for letters to Santa, and he’ll write back!
Have FUN; we need to continue to support this type of event because representation matters.
About Our Experience
We sprang for First Class Lounge 118 tickets to ensure my daughter felt comfortable, as it only seats up to 18 people. This way, we’d have plenty of space and smaller crowds. This train car features a Black Santa. But for 2026, Santa Dennis will be on cars #65 and #92 only for two weekends. Please keep in mind that these are Coach Class passengers cars #65 is the Walnut Hollow and car #92 is the Susquehanna.
Pre-Ride Fun Things to do:
– Hung out with Mrs. Claus
– Write a letter to Santa
– Enjoyed Christmas tunes and performances
– Explored the gift shop
– Ride those adorable cranky cars and mini steam trains (included with our tickets and only open until 4:00 PM)
– There’s a train museum across the railroad if you want to explore more.
All Aboard!
When we boarded, the staff offered snacks and drinks. We snagged complimentary cookies and hot cocoa (and I might’ve indulged in some wine and treats too)! Our tickets included one free cookie and hot cocoa per person.
The Main Event
Then, an elf delivered a sweet gift, followed by holiday performers. Finally, Black Santa arrived! He was warm, kind, and totally relatable. My daughter lit up chatting and joking with him. We even got professional photos taken!
After the Ride
We grabbed our photos ($25 for two printed and digital copies) and left with memories to cherish.
Insider Tips
1. The ride will only last for about 45 minutes
2. GET THERE ON TIME
Strasburg Rail Road Black Santa Schedule for 2026
Where to Find Black Santa on the Strasburg Santa Train in 2026
Important note: This year, Santa Dennis has been placed in the Coach Class passenger cars, so when you purchase your tickets, be sure to select Coach Class. Seats in Coach aren’t assigned to a specific car, so if you want to see Santa Dennis, arrive early and get in line to board one of these two cars: Car #65 Walnut Hollow or Car #92 Susquehanna.
In previous years, Santa Dennis rode in First Class, a more premium, VIP-style experience at a higher price point, with most cars seating only about 18 passengers. Given the high demand and his limited time with the railroad during the holiday season, that may be why Strasburg decided to move him this year. I’ll be honest, I’m still on the fence about the new placement. But I do love that it’s now the most affordable way to meet him, and that more families will get the chance to share this experience.
About the coach cars
Again, the coach cars won’t have a number when you buy them. SO, GET THERE EARLY and get in line to board the correct coach train #.
YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO. LOL!
I hope you find this post helpful!
