MILFORD TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
Santa Claus Express — Garlanded Coaches and Caroling on a 2½‑Hour Holiday Ride
A 2.5‑hour Santa Express from Milford that pairs a festively decorated train, Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday music and tasty treats — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Santa Claus Express — Garlanded Coaches and Caroling on a 2½‑Hour Holiday Ride.
Adventure brief
Santa Claus Express — Garlanded Coaches and Caroling on a 2½‑Hour Holiday Ride
Experience the magic of the Holiday Season aboard the Santa Express Train: a beautifully decorated, music-filled outing with Santa and Mrs. Claus on board, colorful lights and displays, and complimentary treats that create a warm, joyful atmosphere for riders of all ages.
Every holiday season, the Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad transforms the small town of Milford, New York, into a festive wonderland aboard the Santa Claus Express. This 2.5-hour train journey blends the charm of vintage rail travel with the joyous spirit of Christmas, making it a perfect family outing that captures the heart of the region’s wintertime celebrations. Departing from 136 East Main Street, the train is festively decorated inside and out with colorful lights, garlands, and ornaments. Passengers enjoy a cozy, atmosphere warmed by holiday music and the cheerful presence of Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their helpers as the train chugs through scenic countryside draped in winter’s quiet beauty.
Milford, nestled in New York’s scenic rural landscape, provides an idyllic backdrop for this unique holiday experience. The railroad’s historic equipment, some pieces over a century old, adds to the authenticity and nostalgia visitors cherish. While the train itself does not reach ADA standards due to its age, the station offers some accessibility accommodations, including a wheelchair lift, ensuring as many guests as possible can join in the celebration. The journey is family-friendly, featuring walk-over bench seating that can be arranged to face forward or backward, perfect for groups of all sizes.
The Santa Claus Express is more than just a train ride—it’s an immersive holiday event. Guests are encouraged to bring a small gift tagged with their child’s full name to be discreetly delivered by Santa himself aboard the train, creating unforgettable memories for young riders. A range of light snacks and refreshments are available on board, including popcorn, chips, candy, and beverages, while passengers can also bring their own food to enjoy during the ride. Kleenex and restrooms onboard ensure comfort throughout the excursion.
This holiday train stands out in the region as a festive highlight that draws locals and visitors alike, offering a way to experience the season’s warmth amid historic rails and gently rolling hills. The warmth of the train’s atmosphere contrasts with the crisp winter air outside, making the Santa Claus Express a special part of Milford’s winter tradition and a standout destination for holiday travelers around upstate New York.
Whether you’re looking for a festive escape or a way to create lasting family traditions, the Santa Claus Express promises an enchanting experience that perfectly captures the magic of the holidays in this charming corner of the Empire State.
Route Schematic
Itinerary Snapshot
A simple, family-friendly round trip: board at the depot, spend the journey on the festively decorated train with entertainment and refreshments, then return to the depot.
Depot Boarding — 136 East Main St
Passengers meet and board at the station in Milford; the depot has a fully furnished bathroom for use before departure.
Onboard Entertainment and Service
During the roughly two and a half hour trip, Santa and Mrs. Claus and their helpers entertain guests, holiday music plays, restrooms are available onboard, and the dining car serves light snacks and beverages.
Return to Depot
The train completes the round trip back at the Milford depot after the afternoon run, concluding the holiday program.
Note: the railroad’s equipment is historic; full ADA compliance is not possible. The depot has a wheelchair lift and staff will make accommodations where feasible, but wheelchairs are limited to 24 inches in width and parties requiring a lift should notify the depot when purchasing tickets.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A short, festive round trip through Milford
The Santa Express is an afternoon train ride dressed in lights and garlands that runs for approximately two and a half hours, giving passengers time on board to enjoy holiday music, displays and seasonal atmosphere.
Santa, Mrs. Claus and caroling helpers aboard
Children and adults are entertained on board by Santa and Mrs. Claus and their helpers while the coaches are decorated inside and out; the train’s program includes music and complimentary snacks or light refreshments.
Historic equipment and accessibility notes
The equipment is historic in nature and, while every accommodation possible is made for riders with disabilities, the railroad cannot be made fully ADA compliant; mobility limitations and wheelchair size restrictions apply.
What the day feels like
What the ride feels like
Board at the depot and settle into bench-style 'walk over' seats on a warmly decorated train for an afternoon run that centers on a convivial, family-oriented holiday program: Santa and Mrs. Claus circulate, helpers lead music, the dining car offers light snacks, and coaches are trimmed with lights and garland for a bright, celebratory journey.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this ride suits — and where to take caution.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The Santa Claus Express runs as an afternoon holiday train and lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
Passengers meet at the depot located at 136 East Main St, Milford NY 13807.
Bring a small gift labeled with your child’s first and last name to be left at the Reindeer Shack behind the depot the day of your ride; dress warmly—the trains will be heated if the weather warrants but passengers are advised to wear warm clothing.
Restrooms are available onboard, and the dining car offers light snacks such as hot dogs, popcorn, chips, candy and bottled drinks; complimentary snacks may also be offered.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do the seats all face the same way?
The train uses 'walk over' bench seats that can face either forward or backward and can be configured as you like.
Is the train handicap accessible?
The historic equipment cannot be brought up to full ADA compliance; the depot does have a wheelchair lift, wheelchairs must be 24 inches or less in width for lift and onboard use, and parties requiring a wheelchair should note this when purchasing tickets or calling the depot.
Are there restrooms onboard?
Yes—there are restrooms on board, but riders are advised to use the fully furnished bathroom in the depot before or after departure if preferred.
Is there food and refreshments on board?
Yes; many trains offer complementary snacks and the dining car serves light items such as hot dogs, popcorn, chips, candy and soda or water. Guests may also bring their own food.
What is the alcohol policy?
Alcohol and similar substances are not served or permitted on the trains or property at any time.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-08T19:50:57.275Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.