elkins depot welcome center

Took the kids to ride the Polar Express, they had a blast. Highly recommend this, even the difficult non believer teenagers once again started to "Believe". What a wonderful Christmas treat and adventure, Read the Book, or at least watch the movie before coming. This is a life time memory attraction ! They stay booked up so try to get your tickets at least a year in advance.

i took my 5 year old grandson the weekend before Thanksgiving. i had dinner reservations at the Railway restaurant right next to the depot. it was a buffet it had ham, turkey, salad, mashed potatoes green beans chicken tenders and mac and cheese. The food was ok (will do a restaurant in town next time for the money) in the same building was the gift shop. after we ate a browsed the gift shop we walked around what i will call the courtyard at all the Christmas decorations then into to Depot. there was alot of down time for us... i should have booked the 415 train instead of the 715 train but wanted the whole night time side of the ride. there is a room called santas work shop and they have a few activities for the children. so when the train arrived they have you board the train in a very orderly fashion. when the train starts going the entertainment starts! OMG the singing of the chefs is great and they keep the children quite busy on the way to the North Pole. when santa gets on the train, he stops and talks to each child, it is truly wonderful to see the childs eyes lite up! I was impressed because it was not a money maker as far as pictures being taken and such so make sure to have your camera as if you do not take the special photo no one will!