Santa Claus Express — Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad

The Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad, operated by the Leatherstocking Railway Historical Society, runs its Santa Claus Express from the Milford Depot in Milford, New York. The operator describes a daytime ride on a train decorated with lights along the outside and garland and ornaments inside, with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their helpers entertaining kids of all ages on board.

The operator lists holiday music, goodies and refreshments for everyone, and says the trains are heated if the weather warrants it. The trip is a round trip with no disembarkation, departing from and returning to the Milford Depot, and lasts about two and a half hours.

Parents can bring a small gift with the child's first and last name clearly printed and attached; the operator asks that it be left at the Reindeer Shack behind the depot on the day of the ride, to be handed over by Santa on the train. The railroad sells several classes of seating, from standard coach to premium coach, lounge seats and tables.

The line was built in 1869 and the Milford Depot dates from the same year, according to the operator.

A round-trip ride of about two and a half hours with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their helpers on a decorated train, with holiday music, goodies and refreshments. The train is heated if the weather warrants it, and passengers are advised to dress warmly. Restrooms are on board, and food and other refreshments are on sale.

Departs from the Milford Depot, 136 East Main Street, Milford, New York (the operator suggests 136 Rt 166 for navigation systems). Reservation is required. Tickets are printed and handed over at the depot, so bring the confirmation email or a screenshot of it; ticket pickup and check-in begin one hour before departure, the operator advises arriving 45 minutes to one hour early, and boarding for most trains begins half an hour before departure. The train leaves promptly at the listed time. The operator says guests who want to sit with another group should buy their tickets together in one transaction, which guarantees the same car. Seating classes are standard coach, premium coach, lounge seats and tables. Refunds depend on advance notice before departure, so check the operator's refund policy when booking; if the railroad cancels a trip, a full refund is issued. The equipment is historic and cannot be brought up to ADA compliance; the depot is equipped for wheelchair access, and wheelchairs are limited to 24 inches in width, at the depot and on the train. Alcohol is not permitted on the trains or property.