Forget about seeing Santa at the mall and head to the train depots listed below for a seasonal ride your entire family won’t soon forget. Railways from coast-to-coast are decked out to deliver your kids to Santa (or vice versa). Conductors don Christmas caps and train rides feature milk, cookies and other treats from Kris Kringle himself. Take a look:
WISCONSIN
Hop aboard the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad in Spooner for a festive trip of a lifetime. Not only will you be treated to a two and a half-hour train ride, but you’ll also get to share a pizza with Santa Claus. The railroad serves up a pizza party with the big guy during the first leg of the journey and on the way back you’ll get to snack on hot chocolate and holiday cookies. The train departs each Saturday at noon through December 20. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $18 for kids. The family package costs $86 for two adults and three to five children and includes two pizzas and beverages. If you would prefer to wake up with St. Nick, then consider buying tickets for the three-hour “Breakfast with Santa” package, which departs each Saturday at 9 a.m. Ticket prices include morning treats such as French toast sticks, scrambled eggs, pancakes, cereal, fruit salad, and juice. “Breakfast with Santa” tickets cost $30 for adults, $22 for kids, and $104 for the family package (a great value for families with more than two children). Both train trips include a visit with Santa in his private car and a gift for each child.
TEXAS
In Grapevine, Texas families can ride the “North Pole Express.” The fun starts at the railroad station, which is decked out for the season with thousands of lights and a stage for a live sing-a-long show, a bounce house, and an ornament-making factory. Meanwhile, the train ride features more singing, storytelling and a visit from Santa. Tickets for the “North Pole Express” cost $16.
OHIO
In Byesville, Ohio you can learn about the area’s coal-mining history and culture while schmoozing with Santa on board the “Spirit of Christmas.” The decorated locomotive features local coal miners entertaining riders by telling stories of Christmases past in southern Ohio. Santa also makes an appearance to read to the children as the train passes by incredible scenery. The 75-minute ride runs through December 14th. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $7 for kids. Children 3 and under ride free.
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