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A New York Christmas Train Ride In Corinth!

Published: November 17, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Nestled in the foothills of New York’s southern Adirondacks, the Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway (SC&H) has quickly become one of the Northeast’s most beloved heritage railroads.

Though relatively young as a tourist operation, the line itself has deep industrial roots, once serving as a lifeline for paper mills, lumber operations, and communities in the upper Hudson River Valley. Today, the SC&H combines historic equipment, hands-on craftsmanship, and immersive family experiences—including its increasingly popular holiday rides, the Candy Cane Express and Christmas Tree Limited.

The railroad operates from Corinth, New York, a short drive north of Saratoga Springs. Its excursions highlight the natural beauty of the region, rolling through quiet forests, river crossings, and the rugged landscape that has long defined the Adirondacks. With restored vintage coaches, open-air cars, and even an historic industrial diesel locomotive, the SC&H offers a nostalgic journey that appeals to railfans, families, and tourists alike.

A Short History of the Line

Long before the Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway carried sightseers through the upper Hudson River Valley, its tracks were part of a once-vital freight corridor. The line originated as part of the Saratoga & Schuylerville Railroad, opened in the late 19th century to link area industries with the national rail network. It later came under the control of the Delaware & Hudson Railway (D&H), one of the Northeast’s dominant carriers.

For decades the route primarily hauled lumber, pulpwood, and finished paper products—commodities that drove the economy of Corinth and surrounding communities. The D&H maintained service over the branch well into the 20th century, but as traffic patterns shifted and local industry declined, freight movements dwindled. By the early 2000s, through service on much of the line ceased.

The corridor saw a brief revival in the 2010s under the Saratoga & North Creek Railway, which operated both tourist trains and limited freight. Although that venture ultimately ended, it rekindled interest in scenic and historical rail service in the region. Several years later, a new and independent group—focused specifically on short, hands-on excursions based in Corinth—launched what is now the Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway.

While the SC&H operates on only a portion of the former D&H line, it has embraced preservation, education, and community involvement as central parts of its mission. Its success speaks to the enduring appeal of rail travel in the Adirondacks and the commitment of volunteers and staff who keep these historic machines alive.

A Distinctive Heritage Railroad Experience

What makes the SC&H truly stand out is its emphasis on authentic, small-scale railroading. Unlike large excursion railways operating heavy mainline steam or long-distance trips, the railroad offers intimate, interactive journeys with a strong focus on the equipment’s mechanical history and the region’s cultural background.

Passengers can ride in:

• A restored 1916 Delaware & Hudson wooden coach, featuring original period craftsmanship.
• An open-air car, perfect during the warmer months for panoramic views of the Adirondacks.
• Vintage cabooses, offering a nostalgic throwback rarely experienced on other short-line operations.
• Classic diesel locomotives, such as a trio of ex-D&H RS3s, giving visitors a look at the working equipment that once powered American industry.

The ride itself generally lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the season and event. It departs from the beautifully maintained Corinth station and rolls northward through wooded landscapes, quiet watercourses, and gentle grades that reflect the line’s freight-era engineering.

Guides often share stories of the area’s logging and papermaking industries, the D&H’s role in regional development, and the importance of railroad transportation to isolated Adirondack towns.

Community-Focused Seasonal Events

Throughout the year, the SC&H hosts themed rides that have become a hallmark of its operation—Easter trains, summer specials, fall foliage trips, and Halloween outings—but no season is more anticipated than Christmas. The railroad embraces the holidays with warm, family-friendly programs that bring the winter landscape to life.

Two excursions in particular draw visitors from across upstate New York and the Northeast: the Candy Cane Express and the Christmas Tree Limited.

Candy Cane Express

The Candy Cane Express is the Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway’s flagship family holiday event—bright, joyful, colorful, and tailor-made for young children and parents seeking a fun and cozy Christmas adventure.

A Festive Boarding Experience

When passengers arrive at the Corinth station, they are greeted by volunteers and staff dressed in seasonal attire. The platform is decorated with lights, garland, wreaths, and festive ornaments, turning the historic depot into a charming North Country Christmas scene.

Children often receive a candy cane upon arrival—a simple but beloved touch—and families are encouraged to take photos around the decorated station area before boarding.

A Warm and Cheerful Ride

Once aboard the Candy Cane Express, the train departs on a gentle round-trip excursion through snow-kissed forests and quiet Adirondack foothills. Cars feature festive decorations inside and out, including lights, window garlands, and holiday-themed arrangements.

Key features of the Candy Cane Express include:

• Holiday music and sing-alongs, led by staff or guest performers.
• Visits from Santa Claus, who walks through the train greeting each child.
• Photo opportunities with Santa either onboard or at the end of the trip.
• Small gifts or treats for children, often including candy canes or Christmas trinkets.
• Warm drinks, such as hot chocolate or cider (options vary by the year).

Parents frequently remark that the Candy Cane Express strikes a perfect balance—it’s long enough to be a true adventure but short enough to hold the attention of younger children. The railroad’s small size also means Santa has time to interact personally with every family, making the trip feel warm and intimate.

Scenic Winter Views

While the holiday festivities are the main draw, the winter scenery is part of the magic. Snow-covered pines, frozen wetlands, and the gentle hush of the Adirondack woods create a peaceful backdrop. Photographers and nature-lovers appreciate the unique views that only a slow-moving winter train can provide.

Christmas Tree Limited

While the Candy Cane Express is aimed primarily at families with young children, the Christmas Tree Limited offers a more adult-oriented, rustic, and hands-on Christmas experience. It is one of the most unique holiday-themed trains in the Northeast: passengers can ride the train into the woods, pick out their own Christmas tree, and bring it back aboard.

A One-of-a-Kind Adirondack Tradition

The Christmas Tree Limited begins at Corinth station just like any other SC&H excursion, but the experience quickly becomes something special. Guests board a vintage coach or caboose and set off into the forested northern reaches of the line.

Midway through the trip, the train stops near a local tree farm location along the railroad. Passengers disembark and walk among rows of hand-selected Adirondack Christmas trees, typically fragrant balsam firs and spruces—the classic regional varieties used in northern New York homes for generations.

Cut-Your-Own Tree Excursion

Families and couples can select their own tree, with staff on hand to help cut, tag, and load it safely. The sight of evergreen trees being lifted onto the train harkens back to an earlier era when railroads transported Christmas trees to cities throughout the Northeast.

Once everyone is aboard again:

• The smell of fresh pine fills the coach.
• Holiday music plays softly in the background.
• Warm drinks and light refreshments may be available, depending on the trip time.
• Riders enjoy a relaxed return journey with their tree in tow.

It’s a rare combination of old-fashioned adventure and practical holiday tradition—one that many riders make an annual family ritual.

Limited Availability & Popularity

Because cutting, loading, and transporting trees requires coordination, the railroad runs a limited number of Christmas Tree Limited excursions each season. Tickets often sell out quickly, especially on weekends, and passengers are encouraged to book early.

Conclusion: A Northern Christmas Tradition in the Making

Whether you’re looking for a child-friendly holiday outing full of warmth and whimsy or a unique Adirondack adventure that lets you bring home a hand-picked Christmas tree, the Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway offers something truly special.

The Candy Cane Express captures the joy and excitement of Christmas for kids, with Santa, treats, and dazzling decorations. The Christmas Tree Limited adds a rustic, back-to-nature twist that only a heritage railway deep in the Adirondacks can provide.

Together, they have helped transform the SC&H from a small excursion line into a beloved holiday tradition—one that continues to grow with each passing winter, delighting families and railfans throughout New York and beyond.  To learn more about the railroad and their holiday train rides please click here to visit their website.