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A New Hampshire Christmas Train Ride In Lincoln!

Published: November 5, 2025

By: Adam Burns

New Hampshire’s winters have a way of turning the Lakes Region and White Mountains into a living snow globe. When the first flakes dust the pines along the Pemigewasset River and the shoreline of Lake Winnipesaukee turns quiet and glassy, Granite State Railway ushers in the season with its beloved Santa Express—an old-fashioned holiday train that blends small-town warmth with the magic of railroading.

Who is Granite State Railway?

Granite State Railway offers excursion experiences over the Plymouth & Lincoln Railroad, a Class III short line freight carrier in central New Hampshire. The railroad also operates the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, known for its lake-hugging rides between Meredith and Weirs Beach during the warmer months. This dual identity—part working freight railroad, part heritage excursion operator—gives Granite State Railway a uniquely authentic foundation. You’re not just boarding a theme ride; you’re traveling on rails that still support real commerce and connect communities, just as they have for generations.

Where the Santa Express Runs

The Santa Express typically departs from stations along the Plymouth & Lincoln Railroad corridor, most commonly from Lincoln in the heart of the White Mountains. In some seasons, holiday trains also operate on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, departing from Meredith and following the shoreline. Exact departure points and schedules vary by year, but the spirit is constant: twinkling coaches, friendly crews, and a festive journey through winter landscapes that feel tailor-made for a Christmas card.

What to Expect Onboard

The Santa Express is designed with families in mind. Expect a comfortable, relaxed pace—most trips last around 60 to 90 minutes—aboard heated, vintage passenger coaches dressed for the holidays. As the train pulls away from the station, car hosts set the tone with holiday music, gentle narration, and friendly banter. The windows become picture frames for snow-dusted pines, frozen riverbanks, rustic trestles, and mountain silhouettes.

Highlights often include:
- A visit from Santa (and sometimes Mrs. Claus), making time to greet children at their seats
- Hot chocolate and cookies served onboard
- Photo opportunities with Santa, so bring a camera or phone
- Small gifts or keepsakes for young passengers
- Letters to Santa drop or story time, depending on the year’s program

The experience is intentionally unhurried—more like a living room on rails than a theme park ride. Conductors and car attendants are pros at helping families settle in, keeping kids engaged, and offering tidbits about the route and the railroad’s history. If you’re lucky, you may hear a short anecdote about the line’s freight work or the earlier era when these tracks were part of a much larger New England network.

A Sense of Place

Granite State Railway’s routes highlight what makes New Hampshire a compelling winter destination. From Lincoln, the train follows the Pemigewasset River Valley, where ice shelves and evergreen stands create a serene winter palette. Around Meredith, the tracks glide beside Lake Winnipesaukee, offering peekaboo views of coves, boathouses, and snow-capped islands. Dusk rides are especially atmospheric: as the sky deepens and the car lights glow warm against the frost, the train feels like a moving hearth.

Why Families Love It

- It’s stress-free. Once you’re onboard, the schedule is set, the kids have a destination (Santa!), and there’s no traffic to fight.
- It’s authentic. You’re on a real railroad operated by railroaders, not a temporary attraction. That authenticity resonates with both children and train-loving adults.
- It’s memory-rich. The combination of music, treats, and scenery creates natural moments for photos and traditions you can repeat year after year.

Planning Your Trip

- Book early. Holiday departures often sell out, especially weekends and twilight rides. As soon as the season’s schedule is announced, secure your seats.
- Check the departure station. Confirm whether your Santa Express leaves from Lincoln or Meredith (or another listed station) and build your travel plans around that hub.
- Arrive 30 minutes early. This allows time for parking, ticket pickup if needed, browsing the station, and boarding without rushing.
- Dress in layers. Coaches are heated, but platforms and stations can be brisk. Winter boots, hats, and gloves make the pre- and post-ride moments more comfortable.
- Seating and strollers. Staff make every effort to seat families together. Space for strollers is limited; a compact, foldable model is best, or consider leaving it in the car if practical.
- Accessibility. Some equipment and stations offer limited mobility access, but options can vary by car and date. Call ahead to discuss your needs so the team can advise the best departure and seating.
- Restrooms and snacks. Station restrooms are typically available, and many trains offer simple treats as part of the experience. If your party has dietary restrictions or very young children, plan accordingly.

Tickets, Pricing, and Policies

Ticket prices vary by season, class of service, and age. Children’s fares are generally reduced; lap infants may ride at no cost or a nominal fee, depending on current policy. Exchanges and refunds are subject to the railroad’s terms—holiday trains are high-demand, so review policies during booking. Weather rarely stops a New Hampshire train, but if inclement conditions require changes, the railroad will provide guidance via its website and email confirmations.

Tips for Making It Extra Special

- Write letters to Santa at home and let the kids hand them to an elf or drop them in a special mailbox at the station.
- Coordinate with grandparents or friends to ride together; groups make the carols louder and the photos livelier.
- Plan a post-ride treat. In Lincoln, hot soup or pizza hits the spot; in Meredith, a stroll through the village lights or a stop for warm cider keeps the holiday mood going.
- Bring a small blanket for lap-warming and extra coziness during evening departures.
- Set expectations with little ones: Santa visits each row, so it’s worth practicing patience—watching the conductor punch tickets is part of the fun.

The Railroad Behind the Magic

Part of what makes Granite State Railway’s Santa Express resonate is the organization’s year-round connection to the rails. Operating on the Plymouth & Lincoln Railroad, a Class III short line, the team balances freight responsibilities with excursion operations. That dual mission keeps skills sharp, equipment well-maintained, and the stories genuine. Meanwhile, the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad side of the operation broadens the geographic footprint, introducing visitors to both mountain valleys and lake vistas—all within a couple hours of Boston and the Seacoast.

Community and Tradition

Holiday trains are more than a seasonal product; they’re a community ritual. Local families return year after year, marking milestones as children grow from shy Santa visitors into budding railfans. The railroad’s seasonal hiring and station commerce support local jobs, while riders spill into nearby shops and restaurants, adding shoulder-season vitality to small businesses. For many, the Santa Express is the unofficial start to the holidays—a cue to slow down, reconnect, and remember that simple joys matter.

How to Learn More

Because schedules, departure points, and onboard amenities can change from year to year, the best next step is to check Granite State Railway’s official website for current dates, times, and pricing. You can also subscribe to their email list or follow their social channels to be first in line when tickets go on sale.

A Final Word

The Santa Express is a gentle reminder that the holidays don’t have to be complicated. A warm coach, a whistle’s echo across a snowy river, cocoa in mittened hands, and a visit from Santa—these are the ingredients for a memory that lingers long after the tree is undecorated. Granite State Railway’s blend of true railroad heritage and heartfelt hospitality makes that memory possible, one train ride at a time.