Railroad Museum reports brisk sales for Santa train rides

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Santa and Mrs. Claus pose with one of their elves on a Santa Christmas train at the Medina Railroad Museum. This year’s Santa Train will run Dec. 17 and 18, after the Polar Express is in town Nov. 26, 27, Dec. 3, 4, 10 and 11.

MEDINA – Families who want to experience the nostalgia and magic of the famed Polar Express can ride the historic train when it returns to Medina Railroad Museum for the 11th holiday season. The Polar Express has been an annual sell-out event here since 2011, with only 2020 missed because of Covid.

Trains are scheduled for six runs a day on Nov. 26, 27, Dec. 3, 4, 10 and 11.

First-class tickets are all sold out, but some coach tickets are still available. A week ago, ticket sales had already surpassed this time last year by 4,000 tickets.

Passengers on the magical train will ride to the sounds of the hit motion picture soundtrack, reliving the classic story as the Polar Express whisks them down the tracks on a one-hour trip to meet Santa.

Once on board, the conductor will punch the passengers’ golden ticket, before hot chocolate and a Christmas cookie are served by the chefs. Passengers then read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. During the trip, characters on each car lead onboard entertainment.

After arriving at the North Pole, Santa will join passengers for the ride back to the museum. Each child will receive their first gift of the Christmas season – a sleigh bell. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride.

Tickets to ride also give passengers admission to the Railroad Museum, which boasts one of the largest model train layouts in the country. There will also be an opportunity to take a Christmas photo in Santa’s sleigh.

Food trucks will be stationed on the Museum property and passengers will be able to sit at tables on the covered deck to eat.

After the Polar Express has left for the season, families can visit the Railroad Museum Dec. 17 and 18 and enjoy Santa’s Reindeer Story. This includes a one-hour train ride to the North Pole, during which hot chocolate and a cookie will be served and passengers can take part in a Christmas singalong.

Then passengers can read along with the children’s book, “Santa’s Reindeer Story, How the Reindeer Got Their Names.” The book tells how Santa got the names for Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen and “the most famous reindeer of all” – Rudolph.

At the North Pole, Santa will join passengers for the ride back to the museum, while he listens to each child’s wishes and gives them all a gift.

Children and adults are encouraged to wear their favorite holiday pajamas for the relaxing ride in cars adorned with holiday decorations.

Back at the museum, there will be live reindeer for children to visit, photos in Santa’s sleigh and free rides on a miniature train around the yard.

A food vendor will be on site with a variety of food options to choose from. All items purchased may be brought onto the train. No outside food or beverages are allowed.

For more information about tickets, click here or email medinarailroad@gmail.com.