Santa Train Tickets To Go On Sale For Popular Event At 5 Locations

MANASSAS, VA — Children looking to meet Santa can find him aboard the train during the returning Santa Train in December.

Virginia Railway Express hosts the popular annual ride featuring Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves. This year's event will run on Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Manassas, Burke Centre, Woodbridge, Spotsylvania and Fredericksburg stations.

During the Santa Train rides, families will meet Santa and friends, get candy canes from Santa helpers, receive coloring books and other festive happenings. The event also serves as a way to promote rail safety and share Operation Lifesaver’s “Look, Listen and Live” campaign.

The event is popular with families, so get your tickets before they sell out. In-person tickets will go on sale on Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Spotsylvania Visitors Center (4704 Southpoint Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA), Fredericksburg Visitors Center (601 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA), Woodbridge Station (1040 Express Way, Woodbridge, VA), Manassas Visitors Center (9431 West Street, Manassas, VA) and Braddock District Office (9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA). Tickets are $5 by cash or check and $6 by credit card.

Online tickets for $6 will be available starting at 10 a.m. on Dec. 2 until sold out.

At the Manassas and Burke Centre stations, there will be four Santa Train departures. The Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania stations will each have two departures, and the Woodridge station will have one departure.

There are special instructions for the Manassas Santa Train stop, as the railroad tracks are located in the walkable downtown area. Manassas attendees should have all members of their group on the south side of the railroad tracks at least 30 minutes before departure. Main, Battle, and West Street will all be closed to vehicular traffic. Drivers coming from the north should use the Grant Street underpass to the west of West Street to get to the train depot. Attendees are encouraged to use caution around the railroad tracks.

Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift donation for Toys for Tots. Cash donations will not be collected onboard the train, but donations may be made on the Toys for Tots website.