Illustration of a santa visit scene (Santa Train Rides to the North Pole)
Other Christmas Activities

Santa Train Rides to the North Pole

All aboard for a magical journey to the North Pole on the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum's Santa Train! Departing from the historic 1909 train station, this festive ride takes you through scenic countryside to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children will receive a candy cane, and families can capture memorable photos. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies before or after your adventure.

What to Expect

Historic Santa train ride to the North Pole

Event Details

Duration

Approximately 1 hour for the train ride and Santa visit.

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

Yes

Organizer

Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum

Food & Drink

Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies served at the depot. Snacks, soft drinks, and water available for sale in the Gift Shop. Picnics are welcome.

Get Tickets

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive, magical, nostalgic

Energy Level

Low

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Location

Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum
282 Rush Scottsville Road
Rush, NY
14543

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $28.00 Per Person – Get tickets
  • Parking: Parking is available on the right after crossing the train tracks on Route 251.
  • Accessibility: Crushed gravel walkways cover most of the museum grounds. Some exhibits require climbing steps. Train rides are not wheelchair accessible due to the vintage nature of the equipment, but canes, walkers, and wheelchairs may be brought onboard. Assistance with boarding is available.
  • Pets: No pets allowed, with the exception of certified service animals.

Tips & Advice

  • Book tickets in advance, as many departures sell out.
  • Arrive early to enjoy the festive atmosphere and complimentary treats at the depot before boarding.
  • Bring your camera to capture magical moments with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
  • Dress comfortably for the weather, as most of the experience is outdoors, and wear closed-toe shoes.
  • Consider purchasing a Cab Pass upgrade for a unique experience riding in the locomotive with the engineer (limited availability).

Special Events & Promotions

  • Cab Pass upgrade available for a unique locomotive experience.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the train ride?

The train ride is a mile-and-a-half round-trip through the museum grounds, lasting approximately one hour including the visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Are there restrooms available?

Restrooms are available inside the depot at Industry Depot, and porta-potties are located next to the Restoration Shop.

Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair on the train?

While train rides are not wheelchair accessible due to vintage equipment, you may bring canes, walkers, and wheelchairs onboard. Assistance with boarding is available.

What is the difference between a caboose and the open-air car?

Cabooses are enclosed cars with bench seats and windows, offering a cozy ride. The Open-Air Car has bench seating with open sides for unobstructed views and fresh air, protected by a roof.

Can I purchase tickets on the day of the event?

Tickets can be purchased upon arrival at Industry Depot, but many departures sell out, so purchasing in advance is strongly recommended.

Tags

train ridesSanta visitsfamily friendlyholiday seasonfestive atmospherecommunity celebrationseasonal activitieschildrens activitiesholiday tradition

More Christmas Events Near Rush

More Christmas Events near Henrietta

Open the map around Henrietta →

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Sep 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team