The Hobo Santa Express is leaving the Lincoln railroad station, deep in the New Hampshire White Mountains, for the next few weekends.

If you’ve got frustrated at being too late to book a reservation on any of the special Polar Express train rides in the region, then here’s a seasonal ride for adults and kids of all ages that doesn’t require a reservation.

The Santa Trains depart from a classic style depot on Route 112 directly opposite the White Mountains Visitor Center. The vintage train ride goes from Lincoln to Woodstock and is a one-hour and twenty-minute round trip along the scenic Pemigewasset River.

During the ride you’ll be visited by Santa and his helpers with a small gift for each child. Hot chocolate, cookies, ice-cream, and picnic lunches will also be on sale.

If there’s an area in New England where Santa would call home - then this is it. With the Kancamagus Highway running from Lincoln to Conway and arguably the most scenic road in New England, and close-by North Conway village full of shops and festive surprises, it’s hard not to leave without a warm cheer in your heart.

The trains run during the daylight hours so you can take in the magic of the winter wonderland of the region.

The 2006 train schedule is one train a day leaving at 2:00pm on the following weekend dates: December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17. Tickets for the ride are $12 with children under 3 is FREE.

Lincoln is a 3-hour easy drive from the Boston area – straight up interstate 93 and the Lincoln exit.

For more information visit the official site at http://www.santatrains.com/

Combine a trip to Lincoln with North Conway for shopping or Santa’s Village at Jefferson for children’s theme rides. To find many more holiday destinations visit my New England Christmas guide by clicking here.

More holiday events on tap for next week so check back soon.

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
Destinations of New England Guide