Riding with Santa — Orrville Railroad Heritage Society

The Orrville Railroad Heritage Society, a nonprofit that maintains the 1868 Orrville Union Depot and its own rail yard, runs Riding with Santa at the ORHS Rail Yard in Orrville, Ohio. The operator describes a visit with Santa as he collects children's wish lists while riding in its coach #208 to "Winter Wonderland".

Rides are approximately 40 minutes long. Hot cocoa and cookies are served after the ride and kids get a goodie bag. The coach holds a maximum of 66 passengers, and the operator advises reserving seats early.

The society also runs speeder rides and other seasonal and themed train rides at the same rail yard. The proceeds go toward maintaining the Union Depot, the rail yard facility and the equipment.

A ride of about 40 minutes in vintage coach #208 with Santa, who collects the kids' wish lists on the way to "Winter Wonderland". Hot cocoa and cookies are served after the ride, and kids get a goodie bag. Boarding begins 20 minutes before departure.

Train rides leave from the ORHS Rail Yard, 2174 South Crown Hill Road, Orrville, Ohio, between Scotts Miracle-Gro and Catrone Trucking, and not from the downtown Union Depot. Tickets are sold online through Etix and carry online ticketing fees; lap children under 2 ride free. Boarding begins 20 minutes before departure and rides run rain or shine. There are no restrooms on the rail cars; a portable toilet is on site for use before and after the ride. Pets and comfort animals are not permitted on the equipment. The coach is vintage railroad equipment and is not ADA compliant. The operator reserves the right to cancel or reschedule rides.