Santa Train — Hocking Valley Scenic Railway

The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway’s Santa Train is its longest-running annual event, which the volunteer-run railroad says has been a family tradition for over four decades. Two trains leave the Nelsonville Depot and travel round trip to East Logan and back through the Hocking River Valley, on a ride the operator lists at about two hours.

On every train Santa boards and visits with each child as the train travels the valley. Each coach is heated and decorated inside and out, Christmas music plays over the audio system, and after Santa’s visit every child receives a candy cane. The operator suggests children bring their Christmas wish list to share with Santa. Soft drinks and food are permitted on board.

The operator says the trains are incredibly popular and tend to sell out, and that its wheelchair capacity is very limited because of the antique equipment.

About two hours round trip to East Logan and back in heated, decorated coaches, with Christmas music, a visit from Santa for every child and a candy cane afterwards. Bring a wish list for Santa; food and soft drinks are allowed on board.

Departs from the Nelsonville Depot, 33 West Canal Street, Nelsonville, Ohio. Arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure; trains leave promptly. Come inside the depot to pick up the paper tickets, because a confirmation is not a ticket. Wheelchair passengers must buy a wheelchair ticket and arrive 45 minutes to an hour before departure; wheelchair capacity is very limited. The railroad reserves the right to adjust schedules and change motive power without notice.