Santa's Twilight Express — South Carolina Railroad Museum

Santa's Twilight Express is the South Carolina Railroad Museum's evening Christmas train, run on Friday and Saturday evenings in the weeks before Christmas. As on the daytime North Pole Express, the operator says Santa walks through the train and comes to you, with no lines.

Passengers are split into two seatings. The first enjoys hot chocolate, chocolate chip cookies and stories in the historic dining car while the second visits with Santa and sings carols in one of the coaches; halfway through the journey the train stops and the two groups swap places. The dining car has stationary tables that seat four, so larger parties may be split between tables, and a party of two or three may share a table with another group.

The ride lasts about 90 minutes, or until Santa has talked to every child on the train. Pajamas are welcome and the operator reminds families to bring their letters to Santa.

About 90 minutes, or until Santa has spoken to every child. Half of the ride is spent in the historic dining car (hot chocolate, chocolate chip cookies and stories), half in a coach with Santa and carols, with the groups swapping halfway. Pajamas are welcome.

The museum is at 110 Industrial Park Road, Winnsboro, South Carolina. Check in at the ticket office for boarding passes at least 20 minutes before departure; boarding gates close 10 minutes before departure. All riders must have a purchased ticket, including lap babies and children under 2. For safety, infant carriers must be placed in a seat and not on tables. There are no restrooms on the train, so use those at the museum first. The historic equipment is not fully ADA accessible; call 803-635-9893 before booking for assistance. Strollers are not permitted for this event. Ticket exchanges and transfers carry a per-ticket fee.