All aboard 4 holiday train rides in New Hampshire

Hop aboard one of New Hampshire’s four holiday-themed train rides for some festive fun. 

Let’s face it: This is always a magical time of year in New Hampshire. Almost every town and village looks like a Currier and Ives greeting card. But for those who want to amp up the wonder, we suggest hopping on one of four special holiday train rides with Santa and the gang. Here’s how.

Journey to the North Pole

Where: 64 Railroad Street, Lincoln and 38 Norcross Circle, North Conway

When: Weekends through December 23. Trains depart at 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. from both locations.  

Cost: $60 to $85

Details: This two-hour journey on a Conway Scenic Railroad is a ride to see Santa, his workshop, and elves. It includes treats, hot chocolate, a Christmas-song sing-along, and a recitation of “The Night Before Christmas.” Along the way, you’ll pass the North Pole Post Office, where you can mail letters to Santa. Back on the train, each child will receive a special gift and an exclusive “Journey” activity/coloring book for the return trip.

The train “is one of my favorite childhood memories,” wrote one Redditor. “It was absolutely magical there up at the North Pole.” “The elves, storyteller, and Santa were all excellent,” wrote a Trip Advisor reviewer, adding, “The views were gorgeous and the staff was amazing! Even my fellow passengers were super charming.”

This annual event is not only fun but is also a fundraiser for The Believe in Books Literacy Foundation.

Santa’s Holiday Express

Where: 38 Norcross Circle, North Conway

When: December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, and 23. Trains depart at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1:30 p.m.

Cost: $16 – $39

Travel with Santa and elves on the Conway Scenic Railroad as it meanders down the Conway Branch for an hour and 20 minutes. During the journey, children get Santa snacks and a small gift.

One Tripadvisor reviewer wrote that their small children “loved the whole experience, which is what matters the most. There was light snow on the ground and the atmosphere was perfect. Their initial favorite part was seeing the big train pull into the station… it is perfect for young kids. The station is in full spirit with decorations inside, Christmas music playing, and their lights beautifully displayed.” They also noted that they were visited by “the best train Santa” who talked to every child.”

Granite State Railway Hobo Santa Express Trains

Where: 64 Railroad Street, Lincoln

When: Dec. 7, 8, 14,15, 21, 22, and 23.

Cost: $24.99 to $49.99

Details: Journey with Santa and his helpers on the Granite State Scenic Railroad on this 60-minute yuletide ride from Hobo Station through the White Mountains. Children will get a special gift and a letter from Santa.

“Such a nice experience, traveling on the Hobo Railroad and seeing the Lincoln area was amazing. We loved it!!!” according to a Facebook review. “We had a blast and can’t wait till next year already.”

Jingle Bell Express

Where: Santa’s Village, 538 Presidential Highway, Jefferson

When: Dec. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22.

Cost: The train ride is included in the daily admission to the park.

This train ride is part of daily admission and journeys through the entire Santa’s Village. Riders are urged to wave to the other guests as they chug by and to remember the tradition of kissing while in the tunnel or on the trestle. Speaking of traditions, the park and ride have seen repeated generations of families making it a part of their holiday.

“Our children are now 22 and 24. We had gone every year from ages 5 to teens. This year, THEY took us as a surprise. This place gets better all the time,” wrote one fan on Tripadvisor.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.