You better watch out, you better not cry ... because it’s the most wonderful time of the year! Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s North Pole Adventure will be sure to sleigh this holiday season. The train will allow riders of all ages to experience Christmas magic ranging from writing letters to Santa to enjoying hot chocolate.
They will also get to hand-deliver their letter to the North Pole’s very own postmaster. Before you book your tickets ($45-$92) for the ride (which runs from Nov. 5-Dec. 19), here are five things to know.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
The experience is centered around family togetherness, so be sure to wear your favorite holiday pajamas and a smile on your face.“[We want families] to come decked out with an open mind, and let go of whatever your day was — because now you’re on a magical train,” says Kelly Koehler, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s director of events.
There will be good tidings of great joy.Once patrons get on the train, they’ll be greeted with a plethora of holiday spirit and jubilance as lights, decorations and Christmas music surrounds them. As the train begins its journey to the North Pole, children can begin writing their Christmas lists to Santa, with the train’s postmaster collecting each letter so they can be delivered to Santa’s mailbox. “When we get to the bright, energetic, North Pole, the postmaster will actually deliver the letters into mailboxes and show the kids. That way the kids can see with their own eyes that their letters mean something” Koehler exclaims.
You’ll be (riding) in a winter wonderland.Once the letters are written, take some time to look outside and enjoy the Christmas sights, as the train goes past the park’s “Christmas Village” filled with bright lights, decorated trees, and Santa’s workshop. The final stop on the ride is Santa’s house. “The kids are glued to the windows (once we get there),” Koehler says. “I usually give the families a few minutes just to engage with themselves.”
They’ll pass around the hot chocolate and cookies.The entertainment on the ride will be provided by Santa’s elves, who will lead the audience in everything from caroling to holiday jokes. They’ll also provide some sweets as well in the form of hot chocolate and cookies. “Everyone loves interacting and laughing with the elves,” Koehler states. “It really is a big party for everyone!”
Santa Claus is comingto town.Once the train reaches the North Pole, a special guest will strut onto the train, his “Ho, Ho, Ho!” reverberating throughout the train cars. From there, he’ll go down each aisle, joyfully greeting passengers. “As a kid, I would say their favorite part is when Santa and the elves are coming through,” Koehler says. “That is something that you can’t get everywhere.”
