Several transit systems across the country are celebrating the official beginning of the Holiday Season today with their version of the Santa Express with the Big Guy in Red arriving on a train rather than a sleigh. Here's a sampling of the various Santa Expresses planned for today and this weekend.
Philadelphia - SEPTA’s popular Santa Express trains return on BIG Friday, November 24th. Join the fun and enjoy a train ride into Center City with clowns, musicians and face painters, before meeting the big man himself – Santa Claus – at the Gallery at Market East. There will be two Regional Rail Santa Express Trains making all local stops – one departing Paoli (R5) at 9:10 a.m. and one departing Chestnut Hill West (R8) at 9:30 a.m. Santa Express El trains will also depart from Frankford Transportation Center, 69th Street Terminal, and Broad Street Subway Fern Rock Station at 10:00 a.m. Look for flyers and information at stations.
Anne-Arbor - ... see the Jolly Old Elf on the Santa Express, an excursion train running from Howell to the "North Pole'' (aka ... Byron) and back every weekend until Christmas, starting this weekend... This year's ride, with four departure times each Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 24, will include Christmas songs and refreshments on the journey north. There are four departures each day from Howell's Depot Museum at 128 Wetmore St. in the downtown area...
The train consists of comfortable, climate-controlled passenger cars built in the 1950s and pulled by vintage GP-35 diesel locomotives, built in 1964 for the Ann Arbor Railroad and owned now by the Great Lakes Central Railroad. Unfortunately, because of the historic nature of the equipment, the train is not handicapped accessible. One note: Several of those who have taken the tour, including Haleck, mentioned that the passenger cars can sometimes get a bit chilly, so it's advisable to dress warmly, in layers, for the trip. The trip takes about 90 minutes and costs $25 for adults and $20 for children under age 12 and seniors.
Atlanta - MARTA has held their own spectacular Santa Express in previous years. Hopefully it will be held this year as well, although information is not currently posted on their website.
