Santa's Wonderland Express — Arcade & Attica Railroad

The Arcade & Attica Railroad runs Santa's Wonderland Express from Arcade Station in western New York as a round-trip excursion to Curriers Station, the halfway point, which the operator turns into the "North Pole" for the holiday season. The train is a heated vintage train, and the operator says the whole experience takes approximately two hours and twenty minutes.

Children receive a wish list from Santa's elf to complete during the journey. At the North Pole there are activities for the whole family, including face painting, family photos, mailing wish lists and the Elf House. Everyone can visit Santa in his house, which the operator says has virtually no waiting line, and the operator's listing mentions meeting reindeer. Souvenirs and food concessions, such as cocoa, cookies and chili, are available for purchase at the Elf House and the Pavilion. On the way home, all children receive a gift from Santa and the railroad.

The event is indoor and outdoor, and the operator asks guests to dress for the weather; Santa's House, the Elf House, the Pavilion and the restrooms offer places to stay warm.

About two hours and twenty minutes: roughly 40 minutes each way on a heated vintage train, with a stop of about half an hour to an hour at the North Pole for face painting, photos, wish-list mailing, the Elf House and a visit with Santa. Children complete a wish list from Santa's elf, and all children receive a gift on the way home. Food, cocoa and cookies are for sale. Dress for the weather.

Departs from Arcade Station, 278 Main Street, Arcade, New York; the operator asks guests to type that street address into GPS rather than the railroad's name, which can lead to a wrong location, and shows a parking map. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to park and pick up tickets at the station. Seats are assigned and the seats you buy are the seats you ride in: buy all tickets for a party in one transaction to sit together. Children under 2 sit free on a lap. Restrooms are at Arcade and Curriers stations, but not on the train. No outside food, beverage or alcohol. Wheelchair seating is limited and booked by phone at 585-492-3100. Trains run regardless of weather.