There’s only one time of year when passengers can board a train at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and be transported to the North Pole.
That ride, the North Pole Limited, departs on numerous trips to Santa’s hometown through Dec. 22.
“It’s something we’ve been doing for the last 12 years,” said Steve Freer, the museum’s membership and marketing coordinator. “The trips have been popular, especially for families with young children, though all ages enjoy it. It’s like a ‘dreamy’ trip to the North Pole.”
When the train arrives at the North Pole (TVRM’s East Chattanooga Station), Santa boards the train for the trip back to the Grand Junction Station.
“He goes through all the cars, greets each child and gets his picture made with them,” Freer said. “We have storytelling, we sing carols, and we have refreshments.” Santa gives each child a keepsake.