A Christmastime experience that families have made a tradition for years is coming again soon, including an excursion from Bellefonte. During the holiday rail excursions, passengers will experience the reading of “The Polar Express” and a visit from Santa and his friends, Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, Buddy the Elf, and many more.
The train is fully decorated inside and out. Each train ride is about an hour long (passengers should arrive a half-hour before the scheduled departure). The passenger cars are heated, but it is suggested to bring a blanket.
The excursion travels Dec. 16, 17, 18 from the Bellefonte train station (320 W. High Street) to the Pleasant Gap fish hatchery and returns. On Friday Dec., 16, rides leave at 6 and 8 p.m. On Saturday, Dec. 17, the train departs at 10 a.m., noon, 2, 4, and 6 p.m. On Sunday, Dec. 18, rides are at noon, 2, 4, and 6 p.m. They are sponsored by the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society.
For tickets or more information, visit www.bhrr.org, email info@bellefontetrain.org, or call 814-355-1053.
Other train excursions leave from Bloomsburg Nov. 26 and 27 (570-784-2522570-286-2764) and Williamsport, Dec. 9, 10 and 11 (visitorinfo@williamsport.org or 570-327-7700).
North Shore Railroad donates the locomotives and crew, and Penn Valley Railroad provides the passenger trains and on-board service. The SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority receives no funds from the region’s passenger excursions, but pays for the special liability insurance policy for excursions throughout the year.
