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One of the coziest holiday traditions in Atlantic County rolls back into Hammonton on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express pairs a train ride through millions of Christmas lights with a visit to Santa’s Workshop, and it runs on select nights through Wednesday, Dec. 23. Tickets are on sale now, and the event is known to sell out.
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DiDonato’s Magical Holiday Express
- Town: Hammonton
- Where: DiDonato’s Family Fun Center, 1151 S. White Horse Pike, Hammonton
- When: Saturday, Nov. 14 and Sunday, Nov. 15; Friday, Nov. 20 through Sunday, Nov. 22; Friday, Nov. 27 through Sunday, Nov. 29; and nightly Friday, Dec. 4 through Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2026. First train 4:45 p.m.
- Cost: $22.95 per person Sunday through Friday, $27.95 on Saturdays and $24.95 Dec. 20 to 23, plus ticketing fee. Children 12 months and younger are free.
The night starts with a train ride through a tunnel of twinkling lights, then keeps going well after you step off. Santa and his elves welcome families in his Workshop with a free photo op, Mrs. Claus shares stories and photos, and every child gets a present from Santa. There is also a holiday movie tent, a picture with the snowman, a walk through the Holiday Village, and a free cookie and hot chocolate for everyone.
Because the event is at a family fun center, your ticket also includes one free game of bowling and one shoe rental per person, plus access to the Little Strikes Toy and Candy Shop. If you want to make a full evening of it, The Alley Bar and Grille on site takes reservations at 609-561-3040.
Train Times and Schedule
Before Thanksgiving, the first train leaves at 4:45 p.m. and the last train leaves at 6:30 p.m. After Thanksgiving, the last train runs until 6:45 p.m. on Sundays, 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. During holiday week (Dec. 21, 22 and 23), trains run from 4:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. A Sensory Night is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 7, a nice option for families who prefer a calmer visit.
Tips Before You Go
Buy your tickets online ahead of time. DiDonato’s notes that if tickets sell out online before opening, none are sold at the door. When door tickets are available, they cost more ($26.95 Sunday through Friday and $31.95 on Saturdays), so booking early saves money too.
Your ticket time is your arrival time, and check in is allowed within 15 minutes of it, so plan a little cushion for White Horse Pike traffic on busy weekend nights. Tickets are refunded if the event closes for bad weather, but there are no refunds after 10 a.m. on the day of your visit. Only trained service animals are permitted.
Weeknights in early December tend to be the easiest time to go if you want a relaxed pace, while the Thanksgiving weekend dates make a fun way to kick off the season with visiting family.
Looking for more ways to celebrate? We are rounding up holiday events, light shows and markets all season long across Atlantic County, so check back with Shop Atlantic County as you plan your December.
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