The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad was started in the 1880s and became a passenger-train operation in the 1990s. The railroad operates year-round, taking passengers to the Nantahala Gorge and, during the summer, to the Tuckasegee River. From Nov. 5 to Dec. 24, the railroad offers a one-hour excursion each evening called the Polar Express. Guests are treated to storytelling, hot chocolate, caroling and a visit from Santa. As of September 2010, coach seating for the Polar Express was $39 for adults and $26 for kids ages 2-12. Children under 2 may ride for free if they sit on an adult's lap.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
226 Everett St.
Bryson City, NC 28713
800-872-4681
gsmr.com
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad operates on tracks originally used by the B&O Railroad in the 1800s. The railroad offers standard excursions April through December. Each Saturday and Sunday from the weekend after Thanksgiving until the last weekend before Christmas, passengers can ride the Santa Express or the North Pole Express for excursions lasting about an hour and 15 minutes. The Santa Express features Santa Claus walking through the train and handing out candy canes. During the stop at Frostburg, passengers on the North Pole Express are treated to hot chocolate and cookies served by Santa. All trips depart from the Western Maryland station in Cumberland and go to Frostburg for a 90-minute layover before returning to Cumberland. As of September 2010, the price for both the North Pole Express and Santa Express trips was $29 for adults and $27 for children.
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
13 Canal St.
Cumberland, MD 21502
800-872-4650
wmsr.com
Essex Steam Train and Riverboat runs on lines used by the Valley Railroad Company since 1868 and has been operated as a scenic passenger train since 1971. Standard excursions depart from May through October, and special seasonal trips are available in November, December and February. During November and December, the railroad offers two one-hour excursions, the North Pole Express and the Santa Special. The North Pole Express treats passengers to a rendition of "The Night Before Christmas," hot chocolate and sugar cookies. The Santa Special allows children to sit on Santa's lap with their wish lists, and each child receives a small gift. As of September 2010, the price for coach tickets was $25 for the North Pole Express and $20 for the Santa Special. In November, the railroad offers rides during which guests can learn how to drive a locomotive. On President's Day weekend, in February, the railroad offers an excursion that allows passengers to watch the migration of the bald eagle in the Connecticut River Valley.
Essex Steam Train and Riverboat
One Railroad Ave.
Essex, CT 06426
800-377-3987
essexsteamtrain.com
