Holiday Train Excursions in New York State

Christine Bude Nyholm
Santa Trains and Holiday Trains travel the scenic New York State countryside, transporting happy passengers on a merry Christmas excursion. Special train excursions on the vintage trains bring holiday cheer to families across the countryside. The theme trains are actual vintage locomotives and coach cars that represent the transportation mode of their era.

Riding the rails on the vintage trains is an enjoyable lesson in transportation history. These family friendly adventures are fun for children and adults. Following is a brief description of the holiday trains in New York State.

Santa Claus Trains. Arcade & Attica Railroad. The Santa Claus train journeys through the beautiful countryside, pulled by a vintage 65 ton General Electric, Center Cab locomotive. Travel over seven miles through the farmlands of Western New York. Santa Claus will visit with the kids. The train will be filled with the sound of Christmas Carols. The Santa Trains from the first three weekends of December. Tickets: Adults $12, Children $7. Reservations required.

Santa Express, Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad, Milford, NY. Santa Express Trains the first two weekends of December. Leatherstocking Railway Historical Society.

Holiday Trains, Finger Lakes Scenic Railway, Geneva, NY. The Seneca Falls "It's a Wonderful Life" Holiday Train runs the first two weekends in December. Tow of the four coaches are not heated, so dress warmly. Tickets $10.

Holiday Trains, Finger Lakes Scenic Railway, Geneva, NY. Watkins Glenn Village Christmas Ride, Watkins. December 22, Saturday. 90 minute ride to Big Steam Bridge. Coaches are not heated, so dress warmly. Santa will be on board. Board at Seneca Harbor Park. Tickets $10. 315-374-4994.

Holiday Trains, Finger Lakes Scenic Railway, Geneva, NY. Village of Cuyuga Family Christmas. Sunday, December 23. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be of board for the 90 minute ride. Tickets $10. 315-374-4994.

Santa Train, Medina Railroad Museum, Medina, NY. The Santa Train runs the first four weekends in December at 11 pm and 2 pm. Boarding locations: Medina and Lockport. Tickets: Adults $18, Youth $13.

The Magical Christmas Train, Upper Hudson River Railroad. The Magical excursion runs the first two weekends of December at 10 am and 1 pm. Passengers on board will be treated hot chocolate, cookies, storybook reading and Christmas caroling. When the train boards the "North Pole," Santa will board. Santa will greet each child and give them a Christmas gift. Tickets $25. 792-3178 x1014.

Enjoy the train displays and special excursions in New York during the holiday season.

For more on holiday trains,read about the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train here. Scenic Holiday Trains in New England here,. Holiday Model Trains in Pennsylvania. Taking Holiday Trains in New York here. Holiday Trains in New Jersey here.

Merry Xmas and Happy New Year!

All Aboard!

Published by Christine Bude Nyholm

With over 5 million pages views Christine is one of the top 100 AC Contributors and Won Best of AC for Winter Travel Guides in 2008 and Best of Alternative Health in 2009. Christine's article Shop Around for...  View profile

  • Vintage trains provide a jolly holiday experience.
  • The excursions are great family outings.
  • Santa Claus rides the rails.
Vintage trains are part of transportation history.

2 Comments

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  • Charlotte Kuchinsky12/12/2007

    Ah, I'd missed your train exerptise, oh great queen of trains.

  • Zac Wassink12/5/2007

    very cool

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