Santa Express — Black River & Western Railroad

The Black River & Western Railroad runs its Santa Express from Flemington Station in New Jersey. The experience begins as you board in Flemington, where each child receives a souvenir golden ticket, and you meet Santa and Mrs. Claus on board. The train runs to Ringoes Station for a layover with a cookie and hot cocoa for each guest, festive photo opportunities and operating model trains, then returns to Flemington.

The ticket also includes a handcrafted sleigh bell and a gold souvenir ticket for children, a family photo with Santa in a photo booth (delivered digitally only), a visit to the railroad's museum of memorabilia and model train layouts, and a mailbox where guests can leave a letter for Santa. The operator says every departure is powered by one of its vintage diesel-electric locomotives, and it points out that this is not a THE POLAR EXPRESS™ train ride.

Coach Class has reserved seating; Premium Coach adds a reserved private table but has no food and beverage service; a Private Caboose holds up to 14 guests, and a Club Car is offered for the most exclusive experience.

A round trip of about two hours between departures (the operator says the actual experience is slightly shorter): meet Santa and Mrs. Claus on board, a layover at Ringoes Station with a cookie and hot cocoa, a digital family photo with Santa, model trains and a small railroad museum. Holiday attire and pajamas are encouraged; the train is heated but the stations are exposed to the weather.

Boards at Flemington Station, 80 Stangl Road, Flemington, New Jersey; the layover is at Ringoes Station, 105 John Ringo Road, Ringoes. There are no restrooms in or near Flemington Station; limited restroom facilities on board are for emergencies only, and restrooms are available on the lower level of Ringoes Station (reached by a staircase). Seats are assigned and passengers must sit in the seat shown on their ticket. Strollers and baby car seats are not recommended and large bags should stay at home. Alcohol is not permitted on board under any circumstances. Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted; trained service animals are. Children under 3 ride free with an adult ticket. Phone: +1 908-782-6622.