The Magical Holiday Train Ride In Delaware Everyone Should Experience At Least Once
By Kim Magaraci|Published November 18, 2016
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Wilmington and Western Railroad is Delaware’s only historic rail line that still exists today as a rolling museum. All throughout the year, the railroad hosts special events on their vintage rail cars, powered by antique locomotives. These historic train rides are magical experiences for everyone on board, no matter what your age is. Throughout the year, W&W hosts dinner trains, fall foliage trains, Easter Bunny experiences and more, but perhaps the most popular excursion is their incredible Holiday Lights Express. You will love seeing the elaborate Christmas lights in Delaware that line the tracks, and riding on the historic Doodlebug is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s become tradition for so many of the homes that are adjacent to the train tracks to decorate their homes for passengers to enjoy. So whenever you’re ready to stare in awe at unbelievable light displays, pick out a date from the many options and enjoy Delaware’s own Winter Wonderland for one magical evening.
If you want to have a truly unique holiday experience, take a ride on the Wilmington and Western Railroad Holiday Lights Express.
The 45 minute ride takes you from one decorated station to another, and you can enjoy the hard work of the trackside neighbors who have decorated their homes and yards for the Holiday season. Some of the displays are downright mesmerizing!
The Car itself is a 1929 Pennsylvania Railroad "Doodlebug".
There arent many of these left in the world, let alone one that runs, is heated, and is covered in thousands of Christmas lights! Have you ever wanted to be inside a 70-ton rolling Holiday decoration? Well, heres your chance.
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The Doodlebug is covered in 8,100 lights! There is no Holiday Lights train like this in the world.
And don't worry - unlike so many "Polar Express" trains in the area, Wilmington and Western Railroad is prepared for the crowds of people looking for a ride.
From December 8th through December 23rd and the 26th-30th, the Doodlebug runs at least four times a night, every hour, starting at 5:00.
The Stations get in on the fun, too, with thousands of lights and charming holiday decorations.
Wilmington and Western RR
It is really an incredible sight to see the 1929 Railcar, covered in lights, roll up to a decorated Greenbank Station. The Holiday Lights Express takes quite a bit of effort from the Wilmington and Western Railroad / the Historic Red Clay Valley. Each night, 5 members volunteer to work through the night, and each year they make 67 round trips to Mt. Cuba. On the trips, the historic Doodlebug travels almost 540 miles!
Wilmington and Western Railroad spares no expense in decking out the Doodlebug for the Holiday Lights Express.
Just as impressive as the exterior is the expertly lit interior of the rail car. I wonder what the Doodlebugs original passengers would have thought of such a display? During the Holiday Lights Express, over 4,000 passengers ride in this historic rail car.
Seeing the train cross your path is an experience, too.
While it's not quite as amazing as being in the actual Holiday Lights Express, watching it roll past is an experience that Wilmington and Hockessin residents enjoy all December long. The schedule is the same almost every night, so find a safe place to wait for the train and watch it fly by in a blur of festive light.
If you want to ride the Wilmington and Western Railroad Holiday Lights Express, I suggest you make reservations early.
Wilmington and Western RR
You can order your tickets online at the Wilmington and Western Railroad website. Then, you'll begin your adventure at the boarding location, Greenbank Station:
2201 Newport Gap Pike
(Route 41 North)
Wilmington, DE 19808
One amazing thing about the Holiday Lights Express is how affordable it is. Tickets for adults are $13, children's (age 2-12) tickets are $11. Seniors get a $1 discount, and HRCV members will save $2. Children under 2 years old ride for free!
To complete your Wilmington and Western Railroad experience, you should plan on grabbing dinner at the trackside restaurant in Hockessin, which is one of the most historic restaurants in Delaware.
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