The N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer, North Carolina, hosts a special visit from Santa Claus each year and you and your family can take a train ride with him!  A Railroad Christmas has arrived and you can take advantage of this holiday treat on selected days from December 4 - 20.

The Santa Train is a popular event.  Every Saturday and Sunday before Christmas, Mr. Claus arrives at the Barber Junction Visitor's Center aboard a vintage fire truck.  He climbs down and greets his waiting fans while leading everyone to board the train that will take them all for a 25-minute trip around the museum's 57-acre site.  Santa's helpers are along for the ride and during your trip you will be treated to oranges and candy canes!

You can ride the Santa Train on December 5-6, 12-13, and 19-20.  Saturday rides are at 10:00, 10:45, 11:30, 1:00, 1:45, 2:30 and 3:15 p.m.  The Sunday schedule is slightly different with rides taking place at 1:30, 2:15, 3:00 and 3:45 p.m.  You can only purchase tickets on the day of the event so you should plan to arrive early to guarantee a spot on the train.  Tickets are $7 per person. Children who are 2 and under and will sit on a guardian's lap for the length of the train ride are free, and do not need a ticket to ride the train.

Another attraction offered for the holiday season is the Cookies and Cocoa with Santa.  This event finds families on a nighttime train ride around the 57 acre museum property and gives you the stunning view of the town of Spencer.  The train stops at the Bob Julian Roundhouse for a visit with Santa himself!

Tickets for this even can be purchased in advance but are selling out quickly!  The December 5 and 12 dates are already sold out.  You can purchase tickets by phone by calling Vickie Peacock at (704) 636-2889 at extension 232.  Tickets are $10 per person and children under 2 may sit on a parent's lap and won't need a ticket.  The event dates that are still available are December 18 and 19 so make sure you call and order yours today!

This is a great opportunity to share a fun and original Santa experience with your children.  After your train ride, take advantage of exploring the actual N.C. Transportation Museum which is located on the site of what was once Southern Railway Company's largest steam locomotive repair facility. The site features an authentic train depot, antique automobiles, and a 37-bay Roundhouse that includes 25 locomotives, dozens of rail cars and other exhibit areas.

The museum is located off of I-85 at exit 79 in Spencer, North Carolina.