Conrail SPL-101, the Santa train operated across the NJ Division in December 2004. This train, operated at the last session before Christmas each year, runs throughout the entire Division distributing candy and small gifts to everyone working on the railroad.
	Photo from the collection of S.J. Bradley
	Sol Tucker/Pointed Magazine.com - Used with permission.
	Sol Tucker/Pointed Magazine.com - Used with permission.
	Sol Tucker/Pointed Magazine.com - Used with permission.
	Photo from the collection of S.J. Bradley.
	As Christmas Eve fast approaches, shopkeepers in South Amboy tend to last minute details as commuters rush home to spend time with their families.
	Conrail SPL-101 spreads cheer along the New Jersey Division.
	Even though the railroad never sleeps, the spirit is not lost on this crew working late this Christmas Eve. There's important merchandise to deliver tonight. Conrail Police are on hand to protect the special holiday deliveries as the crew navigates the engine terminal at Oak Island Yard.

By M.R. Snell/Photos by the Author, except where indicated.

Now that the days are getting shorter and the weather is getting colder, it’s a sure sign that the holiday season is fast approaching. Railroads operate 365 days a year around the clock, but the holiday spirit is not lost in this land of heavy freights and sleek commuter trains.

The railroads have celebrated the holiday season in their own way for many years, both for their own employees and for the general public, in many different ways. Several famous examples are the Canadian Pacific Railway Holiday Train, CSX’s Appalachian Santa Special, the Santa Fe Christmas Train (featured in the December 2005 Railroad Model Craftsman), and Conrail’s Browns Yard Santa Train. All of these have brought cheer and good will to thousands, allowing a visit with Santa and showing that railroads aren’t just about steel wheels on rails.

Canadian Pacific Railway’s brightly decorated Holiday Trains, one in the United States and one in Canada, will once again roam the system between November 30 and December 17, 2005. Not just a traveling show of entertainers and lights, CP has also chosen to support a worthy cause throughout the holiday season. In years past, the Holiday Train visited New York City. This historic event was a result of newly acquired trackage rights for affiliate Delaware & Hudson for access to New York over the tracks of CSX and Metro-North Railroad. Since the launch of the program in 1999, the CP Rail Holiday Trains have collected close to 378 tons of food and more than $1.9 million (CDN) for North American food banks.

Closer to our neck of the woods on the New Jersey Division, several real-life railroads and organizations are sponsoring holiday train rides and activities. Conrail’s Browns Yard Santa Train is an annual event sponsored by Conrail and the New Jersey PBA Local 159. The yard is located near the townships of Sayreville and Parlin. This year it is scheduled to depart Browns Yard the morning of Saturday December 10, 2005, and will travel over the Amboy Secondary to Freehold, N.J. Upon arrival at the former Pennsylvania Railroad station, Santa will detrain, giving children an opportunity to visit with him and have their pictures taken.

In addition to events held by freight carriers, various historical and preservation groups also host “Santa Trains,” often operated by local commuter, shortline, or tourist railroads. One such example is the Jersey Central Chapter NRHS Santa Claus Special, operated in conjunction with New Jersey Transit. Scheduled for December 10th, the train will operate from Westfield to Highbridge, N.J., and return with several departure times throughout the day. The trip features visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as sing-a-longs, candy canes, and coloring books for the children. Another great event is the Whippany Railroad Museum’s Santa Claus Special. Operated in conjunction with the Morristown and Erie Railroad, this yearly favorite will be operating various weekend days throughout December. Always a favorite, advance ticket purchases are recommended.

These events abound in communities both large and small throughout the country. Often staffed by volunteers, all serve a worthy cause, whether helping those in need or just sharing with one another. Spend a little time this holiday season supporting them and sharing a unique railroad experience with others.

For those of us with operating model railroads, the holiday season also presents us with a unique opportunity to share the holiday spirit “railroad style” as well. Think of creative ways you can dress up your railroad for the holidays. Perhaps special signs and banners are placed in your towns. Maybe there is a group of carolers down by the train station. Maybe you HO scale town square has a holiday display. Be creative! Invite your friends down for a special holiday HO scale train ride and hand out hot chocolate and miniature candy canes. If you’re feeling really festive, perhaps your railroad’s marketing department will spring for holiday cards this year, maybe featuring a snow-bound scene from somewhere on your pike. We’ll close out the year by taking a look at the holiday celebrations “Along the Line.”

From our RAILROAD.NET family to your own we wish you a safe and happy holiday season and a Happy New Year!

About the Author
Matt Snell , 37, was born and raised in northern New Jersey, which became the basis for his HO scale Conrail New Jersey Division. Matt is a dockworker currently residing in Milford, Ohio. Matt also writes for the Conrail Historical Society newsmagazine and will soon appear in Railmodel Journal. His HO scale Conrail New Jersey Division has been featured in Great Model Railroads 2006, and will be featured in an upcoming video from Allen Keller. Matt has been a model railroader and a railfan since age 12 and is currently married, "with goldfish and trains."