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A New York Christmas Train Ride On The Arcade & Attica!

Published: October 29, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Tucked into the rolling farm country of western New York, the Arcade and Attica Railroad is a living reminder of how rail once stitched small towns together.

Based in the village of Arcade, this short line has carried freight for local businesses for generations while also preserving the simple magic of train travel for families.

Its seasonal excursions are beloved throughout the region, and none draws quite as much anticipation as Santa’s Wonderland Express, the railroad’s festive holiday experience that turns a wintry ride into an annual tradition.

A Small Railroad With a Big Story

The Arcade and Attica Railroad—often called the A&A—has been part of Wyoming County life for more than a century. Like many short lines, it was created to keep service alive after larger systems retrenched, and it has adapted over the decades by combining freight operations with heritage passenger excursions. That blend is the A&A’s sweet spot: freight keeps the line relevant to local industry, while excursions keep its history tangible and fun.

The route today generally runs from the Arcade depot northward through open fields, woods, and creeks to the hamlet of Curriers.

It’s a gentle journey that feels transported from an earlier era: no high-speed rush, just steady wheels on steel, the rhythm of rail joints, and sweeping views of rural New York.

In warm months, the landscape is green and pastoral. When the holidays approach, the same corridor becomes a snow-dusted backdrop tailor-made for a Christmas story.

A heritage fleet and hands-on preservation
Railfans appreciate the A&A’s devotion to classic railroad equipment. The railroad has operated with vintage diesel locomotives and, when available, historic steam power on special dates.

Its coaches are traditional, restored passenger cars—cozy in winter and full of old-time character. That hardware matters, but so does the people side: railroaders, craftspeople, and seasonal staff who bring the line to life and keep it safe. When you board an A&A train, you’re not just buying a ticket; you’re supporting a community institution that maintains track, restores equipment, and tells the rail story to new generations.

Enter Santa’s Wonderland Express

As autumn yields to winter, the A&A transforms. Evergreen garlands drape doorways, lights twinkle, and the timetable fills with departures for Santa’s Wonderland Express. It’s one of those events that has become a touchstone for families—kids who first rode in pajamas with cocoa in hand grow up and return with their own children.

Here’s what the experience typically looks like:

A festive departure

The Arcade depot sets the tone. You’ll check in, warm up, and step aboard decorated, heated coaches. Friendly staff—often in elf caps or conductor uniforms—guide passengers to seats and keep spirits bright.

A leisurely winter rail journey

The train pulls out and glides into the countryside. Onboard you can expect holiday music, storytelling, and plenty of photo moments out the windows, especially if there’s fresh snow. The pace is unhurried; this is about atmosphere, not destinations.

Santa’s “North Pole” stop

Midway, the train arrives at Curriers Station, which the railroad transforms into a North Pole-style scene—think twinkling lights, rustic depot charm, and the feeling you’ve stepped into a vintage postcard. This is usually where children meet Santa, share wish lists, and pose for photos. Elves or helpers keep things moving and magical.

Treats and keepsakes

Many seasons feature hot chocolate, cookies, or similar treats, along with small gifts or activities for kids, like writing letters to Santa. Details vary by year, but the spirit is consistent: generosity, community, and a little sparkle.

The ride home

Back aboard, families settle in with their new memories, often singing carols or comparing photos. The return trip has that special contentment you only get after a good visit with Santa and a ride through winter scenery.

Logistics that make a difference

A little planning makes the Santa’s Wonderland Express even better.

Book early. Holiday trains often sell out, especially prime weekend and evening departures. As soon as dates post each year, consider reserving.

Check the year’s specifics. The A&A may adjust schedules, onboard offerings, and the Santa visit format from year to year. Before you go, review the current season’s details on the railroad’s official site or by calling the depot.

Timing and duration. Allow time for parking and check-in; arriving 30 minutes early reduces stress. The round-trip experience typically lasts around an hour and a half to two hours, including the stop, but exact times can vary.

Dress warmly. Coaches are heated, but winter in western New York can be brisk, and you’ll likely spend time outside at Curriers. Layers, boots, and hats are your friends.

Beyond the Train: Community and Tradition

Part of the A&A’s charm is the way it anchors local holiday traditions. A ride on Santa’s Wonderland Express pairs nicely with a meal in Arcade, hot chocolate at a nearby cafe, or shopping for gifts in small-town stores. The railroad’s gift shop often features rail-themed toys, ornaments, and apparel that make easy souvenirs.

There’s also a bigger story. Revenue from seasonal rides helps the railroad maintain track, rehabilitate cars, and underwrite restoration projects that preserve regional history. When you choose the A&A for a family outing, you’re sustaining craftsmanship and storytelling that don’t thrive without community support.

Why It Resonates

Lots of places offer holiday attractions. What makes Santa’s Wonderland Express stand out is how authentic it feels. It’s not a high-tech spectacle; it’s a real train, on a real railroad, run by people who care about hospitality and heritage. The scenery is honest, the timetable is steady, and the smiles are genuine. Children sense that. Adults do, too.

A Tradition Worth Keeping

The Arcade and Attica isn’t trying to be something it’s not. It’s proud of being a small, enduring railroad with deep roots and friendly faces. That’s exactly why Santa’s Wonderland Express works so well. It takes the ingredients the A&A knows best—reliable trains, welcoming stations, winter scenery—and adds holiday warmth in the right measure.

Final Thoughts

If you’re within a drive of western New York, it’s an experience that earns its place on the family calendar. And if you’re already a regular, you know the best part: even though the route doesn’t change, no two rides are quite the same. Snow falls differently.

Toddlers become schoolkids. New ornaments go up in the depot. But the feeling when the conductor calls “All aboard!” and the cars glow against the early winter dusk? That, happily, stays the same.

For schedules, ticket options, and up-to-date details on this year’s Santa’s Wonderland Express, check the Arcade and Attica Railroad’s official channels before you go. Then bundle up, bring your holiday spirit, and let a small railroad carry you into the season.