Cumberland Train Station During the Holidays
Explore Mountain Maryland this Holiday Season.
This holiday season, give the gift of experience—because memories are priceless and last a lifetime! The preference for gifting experiences over material items is growing, and Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland, has curated a list perfect for everyone on your holiday shopping list.
Whether it’s for the kids eager to express their creativity, the train enthusiast seeking a once-in-a-lifetime rail-fan adventure, or simply meaningful time spent together as a family—these experience-based gifts are sure to bring joy during this special time of year.
FOR THE RAIL FAN
Have a train lover in your family? Surprise them with tickets to one of the many excursion experiences offered by the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.
During the holiday season, the beloved Polar Express Train Ride offers golden ticket journeys to the North Pole. For adults, consider one of the railroad’s elegant dinner trains.
Looking for the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime experience? The Hands on the Throttle program lets participants (ages 18+) operate the largest compound articulated mallet steam locomotive in the world! Paired with an experienced engineer, guests can take the right-hand seat and put their hands on the throttle during a 60-minute session—an unforgettable encounter with living history.
FOR THE MUSIC LOVER
Say DELYEAH! and gift a 4-day festival pass to DelFest, Allegany County’s premier bluegrass celebration honoring the legendary Del McCoury.
Held every Memorial Day Weekend, DelFest 2026 marks the festival’s 18th year of world-class performances and family-friendly vibes. It’s the perfect gift for the music lover in your life—where memories and melodies intertwine on the Mountain Side of Maryland.
FOR THE OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST
Tracks and Yaks, Maryland’s first rail-biking excursion operator, offers a one-of-a-kind way to explore the mountains.
Pedal along the Western Maryland Railway line on the Helmstetter Hotshot, traveling from Frostburg Depot through the Brush Tunnel to the picturesque Helmstetter’s Curve. Or try the Track and Yak adventure—ride your railbike into Cumberland, enjoy lunch downtown, then launch into a scenic four-mile paddle on the Potomac River.
Book your next adventure now or purchase a gift card bundle for experiences that will make next year’s memories.
FOR THE HISTORY FANATIC
Allegany County, Maryland, is home to more than three centuries of American history. Many of our historic homes, transportation hubs, and commercial landmarks from the early 1900s have been lovingly preserved for today’s visitors.
Honor your favorite history enthusiast with a donation to one of our historical properties or heritage nonprofits, ensuring the stories and stewardship continue for generations.
View our full list of historical museums.
FOR THE SPORTS LOVER
Looking for a little friendly competition? At ForeAxes, you can book an axe-throwing lane, reserve a golf simulator bay, or enjoy high-end cocktails and oversized board games—all designed for fun with friends or family.
It’s also the perfect spot for a holiday gathering where you exchange experiences instead of gifts. Don’t forget their gift certificates—ideal for stockings or last-minute surprises!
FOR AN APPRECIATOR OF THE ARTS
There’s nothing like the magic of live performance—and Mountain Maryland offers plenty of ways to experience it.
Consider seasonal subscriptions or individual tickets to the Cumberland Theatre or Embassy Theatre or purchase passes for the Cultural Events Series at Frostburg State University, featuring world-renowned artists and musicians.
Art lovers will also appreciate a visit—or membership—to the Allegany Arts Council, home to rotating exhibits and incredible local works of art.