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Santa Trains more popular than ever in 2012
And don’t forget the Alaska Railroad! Closest Santa Trains to the North Pole. Four trains over the course of two weekends featuring the ARR’s splendid glass topped single level “Grandview Cruise Train” cars on a two hour down and back trip from Anchorage to Indian along the shore of Turnagain Arm. The train always has a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Claus and their elves caroling with some special guest including a magician and a splendid troupe of soul singers. All four sell out and are a joy to behold. And that is just the train - don’t forget the incomparable Alaska Scenery. This year moose, dall sheep and even beluga whales were seen from the train. There truly is nothing like it in the world!
Also, CP runs a holiday train. This year it ran in the upper midwest- Chicago, eastern Iowa, Wisconson, and the Dakotas
WW&F Victorian Christmas (see Dec 2012 TRAINS) had a record year this year, hauling nearly 1200 passengers on a single day. This was despite a wet rain/snow mix for part of the cold day.
Bucking the trend at other museums, the WW&F Victorian Christmas is a free event targeted to local supporters of the museum (and their families).
This is the 3rd year the Louisiana & North West RR ran their Santa train. What we do on the LNW is drop Santa off at all the communities along the line with an electric train set that the community raffles off. Our train consists of 2 engines & our caboose that was repainted in 2010. It’s always a joy to see the kids’ smiles in all the towns we arrive in.
Some of the Santa trains have become a tourist trap on some railroads, but is a cash cow for them. They serve hot drinks, cookie and a small bell to the small children for $16 fare in unheated cars and one hour and 15 minute ride. Very little display a vinyl arch for santa to stand in.
It makes sense. You start with a Lionel or any other toy train manufacturer, ( I don’t want to offend anyone who didn’t have a Lionel) to progress to a real train! Happy New Year Everybody!
You failed to mention two popular Christmas trains that run out West - the Grand Canyon Railway’s (GCR) “Polar Express” and Metrolink’s “Holiday Toy Express.”
The GCR’s “Polar Express” has had over 90,000 riders this year and has been running every year for over 10 years.
Metrolink’s “Holiday Toy Express” makes over forty stops around Southern California each season and has been entertaining crowds for close to 20 years.
Yes, Santa trains are extremely popular!
Jon Waide
As the article mentioned there are others: Our enjoyment was on the Branson Scenic Railway in Branson MO. All the ususal festivities and trappings with a fun visit by two “hobos” who had magic tricks and comedy. Inquiry there says the train is supported well even on non holiday trips and will add equipment in the future.
The Florida Railroad Museum ran 14 North Pole trains carrying 8500 riders, up 30% over 2011.
The “Train of Lights” on the Niles Canyon Railway in the San Francisco Bay Area is an very popular Christmas train ride and the oldest continuously operating Christmas train, now running for 21 consecutive years. Learn more at www.ncry.org.
The “Train of Lights” on the Niles Canyon Railway in the San Francisco Bay Area is an very popular Christmas train ride and the oldest continuously operating Christmas train, now running for 21 consecutive years. Learn more at www.ncry.org.
Arkansas Midland has been running Santa Trains since 1997 between Malvern and Hot Springs, Arkansas with 5 stops. Every child receives something.
Arkansas Midland has been running Santa Trains since 1997 between Malvern and Hot Springs, Arkansas with 5 stops. Every child receives something.
Arkansas Midland has been running Santa Trains since 1997 between Malvern and Hot Springs, Arkansas with 5 stops. Every child receives something.
Our transit advocacy group’s calendar listed multiple santa trains in Southern California this year plus other related holiday activities – some sold out way early!
Hopefully next year the 1225, the real Polar Express, will be back in action after a rebuild at the Steam Railroad Institute in Owosso, Michigan. Can’t wait to see that wonderful engine chugging again! Best wishes to all for 2013.
I hate to be the Grinch. but I went to view CN S.T.arrive at Kankakee, IL. was to be there at 4PM It arrived at 6:45. Then it had to wait for a switcher to be cleared from the sidinng it was to use. Parents were pulling away crying kids before it was ready for them to board.
On a positive note, got to see a freight, and an Amtrak while waiting. The depot has a nice model train setup and a vintage light weight pasenger car.
I hate to be the Grinch. but I went to view CN S.T.arrive at Kankakee, IL. was to be there at 4PM It arrived at 6:45. Then it had to wait for a switcher to be cleared from the sidinng it was to use. Parents were pulling away crying kids before it was ready for them to board.
On a positive note, got to see a freight, and an Amtrak while waiting. The depot has a nice model train setup and a vintage light weight pasenger car.
The KCS Christmas train is always a big event when it visits Pittsburg, KS each year. 2,200 persons visited the train here . Every child can visit with Santa and receives a gift. There is no charge and the KCS makes a donation to the local Salvation Army for their coats for kids program. WATCO and members of the Heart of the Heartlands, a local railroad historical preservation group assists in presenting the train.