Santa is taking some time out of his busy schedule to make special daytime and nighttime appearances at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park this holiday season. Special train rides with Santa will operate over the three-day Thanksgiving weekend (November 25, 26 & 27) and again the weekend before Christmas (December 17 & 18). Advance tickets to ride with Santa will go on sale September 1st.
Nighttime Rides Aboard “Santa’s Starlight Express”
For two nights only — on Friday, November 25th and Saturday, November 26th — visitors are encouraged to bundle up and join Santa and his musical friends for two lighted Christmas trains departing at 5:30 & 7 p.m.
The special train rides — lighted and filled with the music and magic of Christmas — will get visitors in the holiday spirit with live holiday music and caroling on and off the train. Greeted by carolers at the dock, Santa will arrive at the station aboard the Sierra No. 3, then join riders on a train of festively lit cars pulled by the Shay No. 2. Every child will have plenty of time to whisper their wishes to Santa as he and his elves make their way through the train, accompanied by live music onboard. Hot apple cider and refreshments will be available for purchase at the depot.
Tickets for the nighttime rides aboard “Santa’s Starlight Express” are $24 for adults, $12 for youths, and free for children 2 and under (traveling in a lap). Discounts are applied to members.
Rides Aboard “Santa by Daylight”
Popular “Santa By Daylight” train rides also continue this year during daylight hours, on November 25, 26 & 27, and again on December 17 & 18. Trains run hourly from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Santa will be on board to greet visitors and will be accompanied by Railtown’s “Roving Fiddler” Dave Rainwater. Ticket prices are $13 for adults, $6 for youths, and free for children 5 and under.
Advanced tickets are strongly recommended and are available online at www.railtown1897.org or by calling the depot store at 209-984-3953.
