Conrail’s Santa train distributes toys at Christmas

Every year, the good people at Conrail’s Browns Yard in Sayreville, NJ, run a Santa Train from the yard to Freehold, NJ, via the CR Amboy Secondary and the Freehold Industrial Track. At two locations (Freehold and Jamesburg), the train stops and Santa distributes toys to the local children. Assistance is provided by the local PBA and volunteer fire companies. The 2009 train is seen passing one of the steady customers on the Freehold Industrial Track, just a half-mile west of its final destination at the former Pennsylvania Railroad station in downtown Freehold, with NS GP40-2 3022 (ex-CR 3315, blt 5/78) and CSX GP40-2 4425 (ex-CR 3340, blt 6/78).

Image recorded Saturday, December 12, 2009. 

Conrail's Santa train en route to distribute toys at ChristmasClick on the image to display it at a larger size. Use your browser’s Back button to return to this page.

18 Comments

  1. Hi!
    Do we have a scheduled date for 2019 Santa Train?

    • Hi Debra,
      The rumor right now is that Conrail will no longer run the Santa train. I am trying to confirm this and will post more info when I receive it. The previous events were held on the second Saturday in December.
      Chris

      • From the Freehold PD FB page: Freehold Borough Police Department
        September 19

        At the September 3rd Borough of Freehold meeting of the Mayor & Council, Patrolman Ivan Sanchez was sworn in as a Patrolman before family, friends and members of the Freehold Borough Police Department. Patrolman Sanchez is the 109th Officer in the history of the Freehold Borough Police Department.

        Officers Sean Healey, Aaron Owens, Rolando Ensuar and Kevin Werner were recognized for life saving efforts on May 12, 2019. The quick response and actions of the officers, paramedics and EMT’s were not only highly commendable, they saved the life of a victim who had gone into cardiac arrest. Though the recognition of the officer’s efforts was warranted, the highlight of the evening was those officers having the opportunity to meet the victim Kurt ILisije for the first time.

        John J. (Joe) Garofolo of Conrail was recognized for his commitment to a long standing Freehold Borough tradition. Joe was responsible for bringing the Santa Train to Freehold Borough 22 years ago, and for 21 years has played an integral part in the existence of the Freehold Borough PBA & Conrail Santa Train. Sadly, the 2018 Santa Train was the last of such a great tradition. The Freehold Borough Police Department, Freehold Borough PBA and Mayor & Council of Freehold would like to thank Conrail, as well as the employees and family members who volunteered their time year after year to put smiles on the faces of thousands of children.

  2. We love the Santa Train! Thanks for the 2018 info!

  3. So excited!! Thank you for your quick reply!

  4. When will the christmas train be rolling through in 2018?

    • Hi, the 2018 Conrail Santa Train will run this Saturday, 12/15. There has been a change this year, as the train will stop in Jamesburg on the way down to Freehold in the morning, and not on the way back in the afternoon. Look for the train to stop in Jamesburg around 9:30 or 10:00am; they will visit with the local children until probably 11:00am, when they will leave for Freehold. Hope you can make it & thanks for stopping by!
      Chris

  5. Did the train run this year due to the snowstorm. Had to work, the OT was nice though. Thank You and Happy Holidays.

  6. How’s it goin! Can someone tell me when the CSAO Santa Train of 2017 is gonna run?

    • The Conrail Santa Train runs on the second Saturday of December, so it will be December 9th this year. Usual departure is 10am from Browns Yard in Sayreville for a 12noon arrival in Freehold. Return trip should arrive for the stop in Jamesburg at about 3:00pm. Thanks for stopping by & be safe out there!

  7. Hi!

    Would you be able to tell me the date and time of the Santa train from Sarivelle this year? Thanks so much!!

    • Hi, and thanks for visiting! The Browns Yard Santa Train runs on the second Saturday of December (so, 12/10 this year), leaving the yard in Sayreville at about 10:00am, and arrives in Freehold a little before noon. It generally leaves Freehold at about 2:00, and arrives for the stop in Jamesburg at about 3:00pm. The train runs rain, snow or shine, so let’s hope for good weather…Happy Holidays!
      Chris

  8. Hi Chris or Conrail I’m the grandson of Tom LoPresti can you please contact me my email is lpchris44@hotmail I would like some more info on the Santa train thank you

  9. Dear Sirs,
    Would you kindly provide me with the date that the Browns Yard Santa Train will be rolling into Jamesburg New Jersey this year.Does Santa distr
    ibute toys to a specific group of children?

    • Hi Barbara,
      The Conrail Santa Train will run Saturday, December 13th, departing about 10:00am from Browns Yard in Sayreville. The train runs through Jamesburg, without stopping, on the way to Freehold, and will stop in front of the firehouse in Jamesburg on the return trip in the afternoon (probably 2:30 – 3:00ish). Generally, all children on line at the firehouse will receive a small gift, but dress warmly, as it has been quite cold at times in the past. Hope this helps!
      Happy Holidays,
      Chris

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