All Aboard These Holiday-Themed Train Rides to Winter!

As we anticipate the rush of the chilly winter weather, we naturally tend to embrace the comforts of holiday traditions - hot chocolate, warm cookies and cozy pajamas. Holiday classics like the iconic Polar Express make any holiday lover wish they could relive the magic of the story in real life! Railroads throughout New York State have dedicated the last month of each year to helping you capture your favorite memories of the season with holiday-themed train rides. These holiday excursions are the perfect way to celebrate the magic of the season with friends and family.

Image Courtesy of the Catskill Mountain Railroad

Catskill Mountain Railroad
(13.0 miles from the Rhinecliff Amtrak station)
Kingston welcomes back the fan favorite Polar Express Train Ride. Enjoy the motion picture soundtrack as you relax comfortably in your pajamas and are whisked away to the North Pole. Be sure to have your ticket in hand because the conductor will be coming around to check it as you are kept full and entertained by your dancing chefs. Enjoy a special sing along as Santa makes his way to greet you with a special gift…only if you “believe.”

Image Courtesy of Saratoga and
North Creek Railway

Saratoga and North Creek Railway
(0.0 miles from Saratoga Springs station)

Enjoy a magical train ride departing from the Saratoga Springs station bound for the "North Pole!" As a live narration of "The Polar Express" is being read, dancing chefs will deliver cookies and hot cocoa which you may enjoy from a limited edition souvenir mug. This festively decorated vintage train car will keep you fully entertained before arriving to meet Santa just outside of the North Pole Village. During the return trip, Santa will make his way to greet each child and present them with a special gift.




Adirondack Scenic Railroad
(66ft from the Utica Amtrak station)

Traveling northbound from the Utica Union Station, you will be accompanied by Santa’s elves while en route to the North Pole. While listening to Liam Neeson’s reading of The Polar Express by Chris van Allsburg, you will be left in a magical trance just before arriving to meet Santa. Both children and parents are encouraged to wear their pajamas.

Image Courtesy of Cooperstown and
Charlotte Valley Railroad

Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad
(46.5 miles from the Utica Amtrak station)
For three special weekends only you can experience the ever so popular Santa Express Trains. The trains are beautifully decorated from the inside out with lights, garland, and ornaments making for a truly magical experience. Parents are requested to provide a small personalized gift for Santa to present to their child. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be entertaining all of the passengers as you bond over holiday music, goodies, and refreshments.  

Medina Railroad Museum
(35.2 miles from the Buffalo Depew Amtrak station)

This one hour long train ride is filled with hot cocoa with whipped cream, warm cookies, and laughs with Santa. Plan to arrive early to pick up your tickets at Will Call…or you’ll be late to pick up Santa at the North Pole! All ticket purchases include admission to the Medina Railroad Museum.

Image Courtesy of Arcade and Attica Railroad

Arcade and Attica Railroad
(35.7 miles from the Buffalo Depew Amtrak station)

Presenting their last Santa Train on December 22^nd, this is one experience you don’t want to miss. Receive a free Elf hat as you board the train and spend the next magical hour and a half with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Santa’s helpers. Enjoy holiday treats and bring your camera to snap the perfect holiday picture with Santa and his live reindeer. Be sure to grab your Santa goody bag as you exit the train.

There's Still Time For Fall Fun in the Adirondacks!

As we approach the final weeks of the brisk fall season, you can still find activities and events the whole family can enjoy in the Adirondacks. With more than 100 towns and villages located within the Adirondack Park--the largest park in the lower 48 states--the Adirondacks covers six-million pristine acres of mountains, lakes, rivers and valleys. With a broad range of activities and eight Amtrak stations to choose from, there is no better place to say your farewells to fall.

Image Courtesy of The Hyde Collection

Hyde Collection 

(5.4 miles from Fort Edward Amtrak station)

Located in the small city of Glens Falls, this museum combines Adirondack heritage with a permanent collection of old European and Modern Masters, decorative art and furnishings that spans almost six thousand years from antiquity to the present. The museum is currently featuring their newest exhibition "Heroines" by artist Audrey Flack, a pioneer in Photorealism and a nationally recognized painter, print-maker, and sculptor. The subject of the drawings and prints highlight women neglected or demonized by history and will be running through January 3rd, 2016.

Image Courtesy of Skene Manor

Skene Manor

(0.4 miles from Whitehall Amtrak station)

Built in 1874, this Victorian Gothic-style mansion was built by New York State Supreme Court Judge Joseph H. Potter on Skene Mountain in Whitehall. Today, visitors can enjoy free tours of the historic mansion, have lunch in the Tea Room, and explore the charming gift shop. Join Whitehall's biggest holiday event with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Skene Manor on Saturday, December 12th.

Image Courtesy of Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum

Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum

(1.2 miles from Plattsburgh Amtrak station)

Since their opening in June 2014, the museum has focused on the 40 years of U.S Air Force presence in the region from 1955-1995. The museum features special exhibits and personal memorabilia collections that includes artifacts which they collect, preserve, and maintain in an effort to publicize the significance of our nation's history. 

Image Courtesy of Ausable Chasm

Ausable Chasm

(3.6 miles from Port Kent Amtrak station)

This two-mile sandstone gorge traversed by the Ausable River has been a public attraction since 1870. The new museum features exhibits of extreme natural events, nostalgic souvenirs, and photography displays. Ausable Chasm is now offering spectacular winter tours where you can view gigantic icicles that tower 150-feet above the Ausable River and descend into the chasm to explore the rock and ice formations.

Image Courtesy of Wickham Marsh Wildlife Management Area

Wickham Marsh Wildlife Management Area

(1.7 miles from Port Kent Amtrak station)

Covering 862 acres in Chesterfield offers a series of mapped foot trails for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, bird watching, hunting, and fishing. An observation platform atop a 20-feet high ridge provides a 180-degree marsh view. Wickham Marsh offers a chance for visitors with widely diverse interests, from sportsmen to wildlife researcher to nature enthusiast, to pursue their favorite outdoor activities.

Saratoga Springs: A Weekend Getaway Reachable by Train

If you're looking for a last-minute getaway, less than 4 hours from New York City by train, Saratoga Springs may be your answer. Embrace the chilly weather at the annual Winterfest, taking place from January 30 - February 8, 2015. There are plenty of activities for families and couples who want a weekend away from New York City. One of the most convenient ways to get to Saratoga is taking an Amtrak train from Penn Station.

Amtrak is running a promotion that allows customers to purchase a $90 round-trip ticket that they can use between any two Adirondack line stations, including Saratoga Springs. For details about the offer, go to Amtrak.com. With this great promotion, there's no better time to escape the city. 

If you only stay in beautiful Saratoga Springs for a weekend, Winterfest offers a wide array of activities to keep people of all ages entertained. The weekend kicks off with the Beer and Wine Tasting on January 30. The next day, eat your way through Saratoga at Chowderfest. At $1 a cup, you are free to eat as many bowls as you can and vote for your favorite. Other Winterfest opening weekend activities include the CANdlelight Ski & Snowshoe, Winterfest 5K Race, Limoncello's Taste of Italy and Winterfest at Complexions Spa for Beauty & Wellness. 

Photo courtesy of Saratoga Convention  and Tourism Bureau

Hockey fans can participate in or cheer at the Saratoga Frozen Springs Classic Pond Hockey Tournament on February 6-8. Whether you want to join in the excitement or sit back and sip cocoa from the sidelines, the event is a classic winter activity that draws tons of fans every year. On this final weekend of Winterfest, you can also attend the Bartender's Ball or take the kids to Wilton Wildlife: WinterFest Snowshoe Event at Camp Saratoga. 

Saratoga Springs is the perfect winter destination for New York City residents without a car because Amtrak takes you right to the city. From the Saratoga Springs Amtrak station you can take a cab for generally $10 or less to your choice of downtown hotels. The Pavilion Grand Hotel has a special Amtrak rate and is offering a free room upgrade upon availability for Winterfest visitors. Call the hotel at 518-583-2727 for details. The Pavilion Grand Hotel is a brand new boutique hotel that offers tons of amenities for the traveler looking for a comfy weekend in Saratoga. After a day spent walking around the city and chowing down on chowder, guests can enjoy the spa at The Pavilion Grand Hotel for ultimate relaxation. This hotel is central to most

Photo courtesy of Pavilion Grand Hotel

of the Winterfest activities as well as the clubs and restaurants that bring tourists back to Saratoga time after time. 

In downtown Saratoga, don't miss one of the most renowned and popular music venues, Cafe Lena; Bob Dylan and Arlo Guthrie are among the many famous musicians who have performed at this coffeehouse. You'll also find plenty of dancing, pubs and every kind of cuisine or restaurant you can imagine downtown. The Pavilion Grand Hotel's restaurant, Mingle on the Avenue, offers an eclectic menu featuring Korean-fusion and American comfort food. The restaurant uses local food and produce, guaranteeing fresh and delicious cuisine. 

By choosing to spend a weekend in Saratoga this winter, you'll be able to celebrate the season with locals and tourists. With Amtrak's $90 round-trip promotion, you can sit back and relax before arriving for a fun weekend in Saratoga, which will surely have you wanting to return. For more details about the promotion and other destinations accessible by train, see NewYorkByRail.com.