The Cape May Seashore Lines' Santa Express arrived into both the Richland Village and Tuckahoe Village trains stations Nov. 21 beginning five weekends of holiday train excursion service between the two communities.

Everyone is invited to join the railroad in welcoming the arrival of Santa for his very first seasonal visit to the region. All kids, young and old, will enjoy the historic and fun train ride with Santa on board,and he'll visit with everyone during the trips!

"Throughout the 13 seasons of The Santa Express, our passengers have become just as much a part of our Christmas tradition as we've become of theirs," said Tony Macrie, president and general manager of the Seashore Lines. "It's Christmas holiday fun for the entire family," he continued.

Children are invited to bring their wish-list letters to Santa, and parents (and grandparents!) are urged to bring their cameras and their holiday spirit!

"The train typically includes Budd-built Rail Diesel Cars, originall owned by the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines, that began traveling thevery same track nearly 60 years ago that we will be using today,” Macrie said. "Other cars include a cafe car and a lounge car, which were built for the New York Central System and the Long Island Rail Road respectively. The train is pulled by vintage diesel locomotives," he added.

The Santa Express departs the Tuckahoe Village train station, Cape May County Routes 659 / Railroad Avenue and 557 / Mill Road, on Saturdays, through Dec. 19, at 10 a.m., 12:40 p.m. and 3:20 p.m; and Sundays, Dec. 6, 13, and 20, at 11 a.m. and 1:40 p.m.

All operating dates and times are subject to change without notice.

Tickets for The Santa Express are available online, and online ticket purchases are highly suggested.

A very limited number of tickets for each Santa Express train will be available at each station prior to train departure, on a first come basis only.

For Santa Express train and ticket information, and online sales, please visit www.capemayseashorelines.org, or call 800-984-2055.

The Santa Express operates rain or shine (and snow, if we're really lucky!).