THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Board a century-old heated coach aglow with thousands of holiday lights for a 45-minute evening trek through Delaware's Red Clay Valley. Discover the festive charm and community spirit that make this seasonal train ride unforgettable.
Board a century-old heated coach aglow with thousands of holiday lights for a 45-minute evening trek through Delaware's Red Clay Valley. Discover the festive charm and community spirit that make this seasonal train ride unforgettable.
Book with Wilmington and Western Railroad
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Wilmington and Western Railroad · Wilmington, Delaware
As winter evenings grow crisp and early darkness cloaks the landscape, the Holiday Lights Express offers a warm, inviting escape through Delaware's scenic Red Clay Valley. Departing from Greenbank Station in Wilmington, this enchanting 45-minute journey transports guests aboard 100-year-old heated coaches bedecked in thousands of twinkling holiday lights. This historic train ride is powered by a diesel locomotive from the early generation of rail engines, adding an authentic layer of nostalgia and charm that perfectly complements the festive surroundings.
Greenbank Station itself sits at 2201 Newport Gap Pike, a site that channels the history of the region’s rail heritage. From there, the train glides through the Red Clay Valley, a landscape known for its gently rolling hills, mature hardwood forests, and the occasional glimpse of historic farmsteads. Along the route, the surrounding homes and yards participate in the celebration, adorning their properties with colorful lights and holiday decorations for passengers to enjoy. This collective display creates a luminous corridor that enhances the spirit of the season and makes the experience feel like stepping into a storybook.
More than just a train ride, the Holiday Lights Express is a uniquely local event that brings communities together around Delaware's rich rail history and seasonal festivities. The vintage coaches, equipped with heating to ensure guest comfort through chilly nights, allow visitors to soak in the views without sacrifice. Though it’s designed as a lovely excursion to enjoy the holiday glow, this ride does not include a Santa Claus visit—that special moment happens on the separate Santa Claus Express event.
Accessibility considerations are thoughtfully addressed. Greenbank Station offers wheelchair ramps and lifts to board the train, although stops like Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove and Hockessin do not feature lifts, and doorway widths limit onboard wheelchair space. The railroad operates rain or shine, providing a reliable way to capture winter magic regardless of weather conditions.
Ideal for families, couples, and anyone seeking a festive outdoor experience without extensive exertion, the Holiday Lights Express is a standout way to celebrate the holidays in Delaware’s outdoors. It combines history, community spirit, and dazzling light displays into an unforgettable adventure that recharges the senses and sparks joy. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting Wilmington during the holiday season, this train ride offers an accessible yet captivating way to experience winter’s charm in the east coast’s lesser-known scenic valley.
No, Santa rides and visits children only on the separate Santa Claus Express event.
Yes, the 100-year-old coaches are equipped with heating for passenger comfort during winter evenings.
Boarding takes place at Greenbank Station, 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE 19808.
All trains run rain or shine, though changes to coaches or schedules may occur for safety.
Boarding lifts are available at Greenbank Station, but some stops lack lifts and onboard wheelchair space is limited.
The trip lasts approximately 45 minutes through the Red Clay Valley.
Wilmington and Western Railroad, based in Wilmington, Delaware, operates heritage train experiences through the scenic Red Clay Valley. The railroad offers seasonal and special-event trips that include Veterans Day, Hayride Express, Holiday Lights Express, and Santa Claus Express. Each trip uses historic equipment and themed programming to create memorable outings for families and groups. The Hayride Express runs on a converted railroad flatcar under moonlight and is pulled by a historic diesel locomotive, providing an autumnal experience with views of the Red Clay Valley. The Holiday Lights Express departs in century-old heated coaches adorned with thousands of lights, offering a one-hour evening ride past decorated homes. The Santa Claus Express is a 1½-hour journey to Ashland where children receive treats and meet Santa aboard historic locomotives. The Veterans Day event delivers stories, activities, and community remembrance to honor military service. As a community-focused heritage railroad featured on The Adventure Collective, Wilmington and Western Railroad emphasizes authentic equipment, seasonal programming, and family-friendly service. Trains run on preserved track through recognizable local scenery, and staffed events follow established safety and hospitality practices. Reservations and event details are published for each seasonal trip, and visitors are encouraged to review schedules and ticketing information in advance. This combination of historic rolling stock, themed seasonal events, and a consistent presence in Wilmington’s cultural calendar establishes Wilmington and Western Railroad as a reliable provider of heritage rail experiences. Event dates, ticket prices, and boarding locations are posted by the railroad for each scheduled excursion online directly.
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