Candy Cane Express — SAM Shortline

SAM Shortline Excursion Train runs its Candy Cane Express from Georgia Veterans State Park, on US Highway 280 West near Cordele in Georgia. The operator describes a beautiful ride to Plains with Santa on board the train, followed by a two-hour layover to explore the historic town before the train returns to the park.

The operator lists the whole excursion at about five and a half hours. All cars and seats are assigned. There are several classes: Coach; Deluxe, for ages 13 and older, which includes a beverage and a snack at tables and chairs; Premium, for ages 16 and older, which includes drinks, snacks and lunch on board in lounge-style seating; and Chairman's Class, for ages 18 and older, with lunch, drinks and snacks in the business-class car, which is available only on dates the operator marks with an asterisk.

This train boards at the state park, not at the railroad's Cordele depot, where the operator's separate holiday train leaves from.

A day excursion rather than a short ride: board at Georgia Veterans State Park, ride to Plains with Santa on the train, spend a two-hour layover in the historic town, then ride back. All cars and seats are assigned. Deluxe, Premium and Chairman's classes include the food and drink the operator lists for each.

Boards at Georgia Veterans State Park, 2459 US Highway 280 West, Cordele, GA 31015. Check in at the Will Call window to pick up your tickets; the operator says the train leaves at its scheduled time and will not wait, and boarding generally begins 30 minutes before departure. Reservations are recommended because seating is limited: book online or call the depot on 229-276-0755 (office hours Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM). The operator adds sales tax and a handling fee to its listed fares. Children's fares apply to ages 2 to 12, and children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older. No outside food or beverages, no coolers, no smoking or alcoholic beverages and no pets, though ADA service animals are permitted. The coach section is ADA acceptable; call the depot for more information. Tickets are non-refundable, with date changes by phone on availability.