Santa Trains will provide Christmas and winter fun on Saturdays in late November and in December at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North Judson. Ride in a vintage commuter coach or former business car through the wintery countryside for approximately five miles from the depot to the small town of English Lake. After crossing the Kankakee River, the train returns to the depot and museum grounds. During the trip, passengers will enjoy visiting Santa, and each child and toddler will receive a gift bag from Santa.
Diesel-powered trains depart on Saturdays, November 30th and December 7th, 14th, and 21st at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 5:00 PM (Central Time). The total length of each excursion is approximately 1 hour. Ticket prices begin at $20.00 and are pro-rated, depending upon age and car options. Passengers can choose between coach or first-class seating options. First-class seating options include the opportunity to book the entire former business car for private groups, suites for up to three people, or general lounge seats. Suites and general lounge seats will be available after November 13th. Enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies before or after your train excursion.
Purchasing tickets online is recommended, as trains have sold out in past years. Seating is restricted to give Santa enough time to visit and take pictures with all the passengers. Purchase tickets at www.hoosiervalley.org.
Before or after the train excursion, visit the museum and grounds, where admission is always free. The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is located at the former crossroads of the Pennsylvania, Chesapeake & Ohio, Erie, and New York Central Railroads. HVRM has one of the largest collections of working railroad signals. Stroll around the grounds to see all types of memorabilia, rolling stock, and engines of a bygone era.
The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and education of railroad history. The museum is open on Saturdays, year-round, and some select Sundays. Regular train excursions run from May through September. Special event train excursions are offered before Easter, during October, and before Christmas.
Visit the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum website (www.hoosiervalley.org) for a complete schedule of events, dates, and train departure times. Order tickets online or call the depot (574-896-3950) on Saturdays, 9-3 Central Time.
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