Virginia Scenic Railway offers year-round sightseeing excursions with a full Santa takeover during the holidays. Riders can visit with St. Nick, snap selfies, sip hot cocoa, and snack on sweet treats while listening to holiday tunes during the roughly 50-minute, round-trip ride.
The train is decked out with colorful lights, a faux fireplace near Santa’s chair and Christmas trees. Each year, Santa gives kids a collectible coin stamped with the year and Virginia Scenic Railway imagery.
Note: Book soon, as these excursions sold out in 2022 and 2023 around late November. Rides begin Dec. 1 and continue through Dec. 22, with Santa outings daily except Mondays. Day and night times are available.
The train departs from the Amtrak station in downtown Staunton, about 150 miles from Arlington. Factor in time to find parking. $65 per person; children under age 2 ride for free on a parent’s lap.
Virginia Scenic Railway departs from 1 Middlebrook Ave., Staunton, Virginia, 434-391-9772