ON TRACK FOR (EVEN MORE) WINTER FUN

10-30-2008

 

Nelsonville, Ohio – October 29, 2008 –Two exciting, new rides that will run on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway this winter, the North Pole Express and a New Year’s Eve train.

 

Come in your pajamas and robes for a ride on the North Pole Express.  Children—and adults—are invited to discover the magic of Christmas. Our Hocking Valley version of Tom Hanks will greet you and punch your ticket. Aboard the train, you’ll enjoy hot chocolate and cookies as the train winds its way along the Hocking River through the scenic hills from Nelsonville to Logan. Meet the railway hobo—but don't tell the conductor he’s on the train!

 

Included with the train ride is a visit at North Pole Nelsonville. Follow the conductor and his lantern to the new village being constructed in the center of Nelsonville’s historic square.  After the train ride, children can visit with Santa and leave with a silver bell whispering to themselves “I do believe in Santa.” A free outdoor ice-skating rink will be part of North Pole Nelsonville so bring your own skates, as skate rental is not included in train ride.

 

The North Pole Express is scheduled to depart the Nelsonville depot at 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, and Friday, December 19.

 

More than 20 years ago, the Hocking Valley ran its first Santa train. The tradition continues this year as the young and young-at-heart can enjoy a ride with Santa on the Santa Train.

 

As one young rider commented, “Trains and Santa together…it’s the best!”

 

You’ll see the jolly old elf emerge from the depot and wave to the passengers just boarding the train as it leaves the station. During the two-hour trip in the heated and decorated cars, Santa has a jolly greeting for all and is happy to pose for pictures and take Christmas lists. Christmas songs fill the air and riders often sing along with the music.

 

Santa Trains leave every Saturday and Sunday from November 29 through December 21. Departures are scheduled at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., plus 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 13 and 20 only.

 

Bring your party hats and noisemakers to the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway and start a new tradition for New Year’s Eve. The railway promises 2009 will start with a bang—and fireworks—when you celebrate the New Year on the train. Passengers may choose to ride in either a wine and cheese car or feast on Pepsi and pizza in a car suitable for all ages. The train is scheduled to depart at 10:30 p.m. on December 31^st and will stop shortly before midnight so passengers can watch and hear the New Year be ushered in with a big bang followed by a fireworks display.  

 

December is a popular time at the railway as people flock to Nelsonville to visit the depot and ride the historic train. Reservations are highly recommended and may be made online at www.hockingvalleytrain.com , by calling 800-967-7834 or on weekends only at the depot, 740-753-9531. It is suggested that passengers arrive 30-45 minutes prior to departure time because seating is first come, first seated. Any child under 3 years old rides free on the train but must sit on a lap.

 

The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is a non-profit organization begun in 1972. It is operated by volunteer members who maintain the equipment and operate the railroad in an effort to preserve its past for the education and entertainment of the public.

 

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