Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Express will take place on all train rides on Saturdays Dec. 1, 8 and 15, and Sundays Dec. 2 and 9. Passengers will search for Santa’s nine missing reindeer (including Rudolph) along the train tracks during their ride and in the rail yard.

Additionally, the trains and rail yard will be festively decorated, and holiday scenes will be set up along the tracks. Frosty the Snowman will greet children in the rail yard, while Santa Claus and his elf are on board to pose for photos and visit with each child during the hour-long ride.

“Since 1988, families and friends have celebrated the holiday season at New Hope Valley Railway,” said Peter Jasion. “Our event is the only place in the Triangle where visitors can visit with Santa during a real train ride.”

Visitors will ride in open-air passenger cars and are encouraged to dress for the weather. Trains will operate in the snow, sleet or rain so plan to dress accordingly. Hot chocolate and other concessions will be available from NHVR’s food vendor.

Trains rides depart at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $14 for seniors (ages 60+), $12 for children (ages 2-12) and are free for infants under two years of age who sit in the lap of an adult ticketholder.