Santa Train Tickets Now on Sale at Whistle Stop Toy + Hobby Store in Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Tickets for the popular Santa Train are now on sale at Alexandria's Whistle Stop Toy & Hobby Store. The annual tradition, now in its 12th year, features a train ride from the Alexandria train station to Manassas and back.

The fun begins at the Alexandria train station, where those boarding the train begin to gather at 1 p.m. During the train ride, from 1:25-3:30 p.m. (see dates below) Santa visits with ticketholders who also receive candy canes and stickers. Once the train reaches the Manassas train station, everyone gets off the train for 30 minutes for hot chocolate and cookies, storytime with one of Santa's elves and a Q&A with Santa. (Be sure to look for Mrs. Claus, she may also be on hand.) Then it's back on the train for the ride back to Alexandria and more visiting with Santa if you didn't already get a chance to chat about your wish list.

There is a maximum of 200 tickets sold for each Santa Train ride. Tickets are $29.50 each and can only be purchased in person at Whistle Stop Toy & Hobby Store, which is located at 1719 Centre Plaza in Alexandria, off of Quaker Lane (see map below).

The train ride isn't just for children; Whistle Stop owner Frank Kozuch says "people of all ages with the Christmas spirit" make it an annual holiday tradition.

The dates for the Santa Train are:

• Monday, Dec. 5
• Monday, Dec. 12
• Friday, Dec. 16
• Monday, Dec. 19 (Dec. 19 is the start of the winter break for Fairfax County Public Schools.)

Location of Whistle Stop Toy & Hobby (Google maps):

PHOTO of Santa and Mrs. Claud with Santa Train rider courtesy of Whistle Stop Toy & Hobby