text: Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad / James H. Andrew Railroad Museum / Iowa Railroad Historical Society / Train rides and railway museum in Boone, Iowa
  Rides & Fares
  Basic Excursion
  Dessert Train
  James Andrew Museum
  2017 Santa Express at the
  Tickets for this year's event are on sale NOW
  To purchase tickets, CLICK HERE, or call 800-626-0319 (Mon - Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
  Please be sure to read through the FAQ section below
  Santa's Scenic Valley Ride!
  There's a blizzard so fierce that reindeer can't fly in it. How will Santa deliver gifts to children on the Iowa frontier? Santa's Scenic Valley Ride takes little ones on a winter adventure with Santa on his first-ever train ride to old-time Iowa. The book was written and illustrated by Misty McNally, whose mother was born in Boone and whose grandparents once owned the historic Lincoln Restaurant on the old Lincoln Highway.
  Want to follow along with the story of Santa's Scenic Valley Ride?
  Be sure to reserve your copy when placing your ticket order!
  What is the Santa Express?
  Bring the family, and enjoy a ride from the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad's depot to the "North Pole" (and return). En route, you will hear the story of Santa's Scenic Valley Ride, sing holiday songs, and take part in other fun, family activities. Also on board, you will be served hot chocolate and a cookie, and children will get to meet (and receive a special memento from) Santa himself. Be sure to arrive in your pajamas, and experience what has become a tradition for families from across Iowa, and beyond. Tickets for this event are on sale NOW. Purchase at www.bsvrr.com, or by calling 1-800-626-0319.
  The event is located at 225 10th Street in Boone, Iowa.
  November 24 through December 17 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
  Tickets go on sale November 1, 2017
  Tickets are $18 for basic coach class, $45 for first class coach
  (First weekend ONLY -- $5 off first class coach or $2 off basic coach class)
  Tickets may be purchased by calling 1-800-626-0319, or by visiting the "Purchase Tickets" link
  No. All tickets will be held for pick-up at the depot ticket window on the day of your ride.
  Tickets are required for guests ages two and up.
  What are the differences between basic coach and first class coach?
  Basic coach class cars are preheated before boarding. Cars can be very warm when you first get on. Depending on outdoor temperature, windspeed, and direction, cars can cool off before we get back to the station. Our best advice is to dress in layers. The floors are concrete, so wear warm footwear. Our first class coach car has onboard heating, and is constantly heated.
  First class coach passengers receive a commemorative ceramic mug, while basic coach class passengers do not.
  Sleigh bells given to children in first class coach are larger than those given to children in basic coach class.
  A note about bench seating...
  The purchase of a ticket does not entitle you to an entire bench seat. Bench seats are designed to hold two adults. The purchase of a ticket entitles you to half of a bench seat. Coats and/or jackets must be worn, held in your lap, or placed in overhead luggage racks. Please be considerate of other passengers -- do not take up seating space by filling empty seats with coats or jackets.
  What takes place on the Santa Express?
  As we leave the station, your car attendant will greet you, and briefly tell you about our operations, and maybe find out a bit of information about the passengers. We will then read a new story, written just for us, "Santa's Scenic Valley Ride". The book is available in the gift shop, or may be preordered if you want to have one to read along with and see the pictures better. We will have an "elf" walking up and down the aisle, showing pictures from the book as the attendant reads the story. We should finish the story about the time we arrive at the "North Pole".
  At the "North Pole", Santa will get on the train. He will walk through the train, and greet each child and give him or her a bell. While he is doing that, the car attendant and elves will pass out cookies, as other servers pass out hot chocolate. When Santa gets through the train, he will deboard and stand by his "workshop". We will wave goodbye to him and head back to town. During the ride back, we will sing seasonal songs, tell holiday riddles and jokes, and maybe have a pajama fashion show if the kids have worn their pjs. When we get back to town, we will help everyone deboard safely.
  When do I need to arrive at the depot?
  We request that you arrive 45 to 60 minutes before the departure time printed on your confirmation or tickets. That will give you time to get parked, pick up your tickets at the ticket window, and use restrooms before boarding. You can browse our gift shop and museum while waiting to board. These are winter trains, so expect and allow for winter driving conditions. Trains do depart on time, and are not held for late arrivals.
  Are the cars heated?
  Will the "Polar Express" book be read?
  Due to copyright constraints, the "Polar Express" book is no longer read.
  How long does the ride last?
  The ride usually takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, but can vary a bit depending on how long it takes Santa, and the servers, to get through the train.
  The weather man says we might get snow. Is the train going to run?
  The "usual" winter weather (a little bit of snow) does not stop the train. Check our website, Facebook page, or Twitter feed for the latest updates. If we cancel the train (ice storm or blizzard), a gift card will be issued. Ticket holders will be required to call us to make arrangements to reschedule or to receive the gift card.
  Does the steam engine pull the Santa Express train?
  The Santa Express trains are pulled by a diesel locomotive.
  I've heard that we are supposed to wear pajamas?
  Everybody is encouraged to wear pajamas, although, it is certainly not required. Children may bring a small stuffed animal as well. But, as seating is limited, it must be carried on their lap.
  Will we be getting off of the train?
  No. All activities take place on board the train.
  There will be no refunds or exchanges. In the event of the cancellation of a train, a gift card will be issued.
  As trains often sell out, advance ticket purchase is highly recommended.
  What times do trains depart?
  Fridays: 6:00 PM
  Saturdays: 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 6:00 PM
  Sundays: 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM
  There is one train ride per ticket.
  How do I get to there?
  In the event a Union Pacific train is blocking the street you are on, proceed east to Benton Street, turn left & proceed north through the underpass, turn left & proceed west on 11th Street, turn left & proceed south on Harrison Street until you reach the B&SVRR parking lot.
  On-site parking is available. Street parking is also available. There is no additional cost for parking.
  Strollers and/or car seats are not permitted on the train. There is a designated area for "stroller parking" during the train ride. Toddlers must be held/seated on your lap.