What’s better than a train ride with Santa this holiday season?
Santa and his train stopped in Tunkhannock, visiting each child and the young at heart.
The 80-minute train ride takes passengers along the Susquehanna River, offering a unique experience.
The first weekend after Thanksgiving, Reading and Northern passenger trains hold train ride in Tunkhannock with special guest, Santa Clause.
Within the warm and toasty coaches’ people of all ages enjoy scenic views, holiday music and treats.
Matt Fisher, general manager of the Reading and Northern passenger department, tells me that many families make the Santa train a tradition, and see many children grow up in front of his eyes, as they come back each year.
“Its very special, Santa Clause is on the train. We have the coaches on the train decorated, there’s Christmas music and, we have little treats to give to the people, weather they are cookies or candy canes, its just really family focused.”
Fisher explains that the train ride with over 500 passengers, offers more than just family fun within the train, but also the chance to see wildlife, such as an eagles’ nest that you could only experience by train.
“The trip is unique most people are in it of the Santa train and the experience with Santa Clause and Christmas. However, it is a very beautiful trip following the east bank and the Susquehanna River.”
For mothers like Olivia Greenley, she tells me that they were excited to purchase tickets to get the chance to experience the Santa train with her family.
“We’re looking forward to being on the train for our first time and just getting into the Christmas spirt.”
And for Grandfathers such as Tim Herron, the train ride was a great way to spend time with his grandson.
“Its great, anything that we can do with out grandson, we have a good time doing it.”
A portion of the ticket sales are donated back into the community, and the next event coming up is the “Christmas in our hometown.” On December 2nd and 3rd.
We’re also told that the formerly known as the Lehigh Valley Railroads mainline in Tunkhannock, the diesel-powered train has coaches dated back to 1917, that are till part of the train to this day.