Amtrak and Santa invite kids of all ages to welcome the holiday season on Saturday, Dec. 6, with a ride on one of North Carolina’s Santa Trains, traveling from Charlotte and Raleigh. Jolly Ole St. Nick will greet all passengers with holiday treats.
The Santa Train-Charlotte will depart the Charlotte station at 7:40 a.m., stop in Kannapolis at 8:07 a.m. and continue to Salisbury, arriving at 8:25 a.m.
Radio Disney Charlotte will greet Santa and the holiday travelers when the train arrives for a brief layover in Salisbury.
While in Salisbury, the elves will entertain passengers with music, games and holiday goodies.
The train will return to Charlotte later that morning, departing Salisbury at 9:24 a.m., stopping in Kannapolis at 9:40 a.m. and arriving in Charlotte at 10:12 a.m.
The Santa Train-Raleigh will make a similar trek, departing the Raleigh station at 7 a.m. and making stops in Cary at 7:12 a.m., Durham at 7:32 a.m., and Burlington at 8:08 a.m. before arriving in Greensboro at 8:33 a.m.
While in Greensboro, passengers may spend a few more minutes with Santa. Holiday goodies will be served.
The train will depart Greensboro for the return trip to Raleigh at 9:21 a.m., making stops in Burlington at 9:43 a.m., Durham at 10:23 a.m. and Cary at 10:43 a.m. The train is scheduled to arrive back in Raleigh at 10:58 a.m.
Reservations for both Santa Trains are required and may be made by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL or by visiting the Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro and Durham stations.
Children ages 2 to 15 may travel at half the adult fare on board the Santa Train. Up to two children may travel with each full-fare paying adult.