Get the holidays on track with a Christmas Town train trip

Just like a protagonist in the children’s book “The Train to Christmas Town,” kids can board a train in Central California for a real-life adventure this holiday season.

The magical train will begin chugging its way out of Watsonville in Santa Cruz County on Nov. 27 (the day after Thanksgiving). Four afternoon and evening journeys will take place on select dates through Dec. 27.

Inside cars decorated for the holidays, kids and grown-ups can munch on cookies and drink hot chocolate while a recording by the book’s author, Peggy Ellis, shares the story of young Janice and her magical friends.

Santa’s elves, accompanied by characters including a polar bear and a squirrel, will visit with the passengers as the train makes the 30-minute trip to Christmas Town.

The location of the model village along the tracks is kept secret, but as the train approaches, Santa Claus waves to the passengers before boarding the train for the return trip, during which he hands out small presents as carols are sung.

Tickets start at $17 for children and $22 for adults. Parking at the station, 765 Ohlone Parkway in Watsonville, costs $5.

Watsonville is about 30 minutes from Monterey and an hour from the San Jose airport.

Info: For the train, (888) 978-5562. For details on other area attractions and lodging, contact the Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitors Council, (800) 833-3494.

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