Looking for a special way to celebrate Christmas? Why not take a festive journey by train and visit with Santa this holiday season -- all while never having to leave the state.
Two Alabama railroads, North Alabama Railroad Museum in Huntsville and Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera, will continue their tradition of offering holiday-themed rides geared towards helping families add a little more magic to their Christmas.
Read more: Places to go in Alabama if you love trains
There are two options, a Santa train during the day as well as the North Star Limited ride at night, at the North Alabama Railroad Museum beginning the first weekend in December. The Santa train offers a 30-minute scenic trip, where families riding in first-class coaches can enjoy a special treat and visit with Santa. The North Star Limited is a 45-minute trip during which everyone receives a special treat and can see Santa and the decorative lights along the route. Ticket prices for both rides vary depending on age and choice of seating.
“I think it’s an interesting way to celebrate Christmas,” said Amy Hardin, who serves as the North Alabama Railroad Museum’s gift shop manager and marketing director. “Christmas at the museum is my favorite time of year. I volunteer all year long, but there’s something different about Christmas. I think families enjoy coming back year after year and getting their picture taken with the locomotive every year. We had one family that came, I think, for over 15 years every year, and so we got to see their kids grow up too.”
In addition, at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, the “North Pole Express” takes riders on an hour-long journey, beginning this Friday, to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, all while enjoying special treats, singing holiday songs, listening to a Christmas story and more. Pricing depends on which train car you choose to sit in. While tickets are currently low -- they often sell out long before the holiday season -- you can still check the museum’s website for real-time availability in case of cancellations.
Additionally, starting Nov. 30, the museum is offering a daytime experience called “Christmas at the Station.” Held on Saturdays, this event allows guests to ride an authentic steam locomotive, shop from local vendors, get photos with Santa, and enjoy more activities on the museum’s grounds. All tickets, which are still available, for this event are $20.