Santa is taking some time out of his busy schedule to make special daytime and nighttime appearances at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown this holiday season.

Special train rides with Santa will operate over the three-day Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 29, 30 and Dec.1) and again the weekend of Dec. 14 and 15.

Nighttime rides aboard “Santa’s Starlight Express” will be offered two nights only – on Friday, Nov. 29 and Saturday, Nov. 30 – when visitors are encouraged to bundle up and join Santa and his musical friends for two lighted Christmas trains departing at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The special train rides — lighted and filled with the music and magic of Christmas – are sure to get visitors in the holiday spirit with live holiday music and caroling aboard the train. Santa will join riders on a train of festively lit cars pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive. Every child will have plenty of time to whisper their wishes to Santa as he and his elves make their way through the train, accompanied by entertaining live music. Also, free hot chocolate will be served on board the trains. And, as another special holiday treat, Sierra No. 3 – known as the “Movie Star Locomotive” – will be all decked out and on special display as well.

Tickets for the nighttime rides aboard “Santa’s Starlight Express” are $24 for adults, $12 for youths, and free for children 2 and under (traveling on a lap). New this year, first-class tickets are available for $33 for adults and $15 for youths.

Popular “Santa By Daylight” train rides also continue this year on Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 1, and again on Dec. 14 and 15. With Santa on board, a holiday-lit vintage diesel locomotive will pull the trains on Nov. 29 and 30 whereas Sierra No. 3 will do so on Dec. 1, 14 and 15.

Trains run hourly from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and cost $15 for adults, $8 for youths, and free for children 5 and under.

Advanced tickets are strongly recommended and are available online at www.railtown1897.org or by calling the depot store at 209-984-3953.