Santa Train Rides to the North Pole — Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum

The Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum runs Santa Train Rides to the North Pole from its restored 1909 train station at Industry, on Route 251 in Rush, New York, about 20 minutes from downtown Rochester. The museum bills it as the only real Santa train ride in Rochester.

Guests are served complimentary hot chocolate and cookies at the depot when they arrive to pick up their tickets, and enjoy the festive atmosphere inside the station until the conductor calls "all aboard". The train is made up of restored vintage cabooses, and the operator describes a trip through forests and countryside to the "North Pole", where Santa and Mrs. Claus meet every child and one of Santa's elves hands out a candy cane. Guests are invited to bring cameras.

The museum says the event suits young children, and that the whole ride and Santa visit lasts about an hour. The museum is run by volunteers and holds a large collection of historic trains, which it presents on its regular train-ride days; the Santa train is a separate ticketed event.

About an hour from arrival: hot chocolate and cookies at the depot, a ride in a restored vintage caboose to the "North Pole", and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus where every child receives a candy cane from one of Santa's elves. The operator invites guests to bring cameras and says the event is perfect for young children.

Trains leave from the museum's restored 1909 station at Industry, 282 Rush Scottsville Road, Rush, New York (Route 251, exit 11 off I-390). Hot chocolate and cookies are served at the depot when you collect your tickets from the ticket agent. Children aged four and under ride free on laps and do not need a ticket. Tickets are sold in advance through the museum's ticketing page; the museum is volunteer-run and trains run rain or shine. Phone: (585) 533-1431.