1.5 Hours • All Ages Welcome
Step aboard the Santa’s Twilight Express in Winnsboro, SC, for a 1.5-hour holiday journey filled with hot chocolate, carols, and personal visits from Santa. Perfect for families looking to make lasting festive memories!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
This is a low-impact activity suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Wildlife
History
Winnsboro’s railroads were once a vital part of the town’s economy and social life, enriching its cultural heritage today reflected in the historic train cars.
Conservation
Operators maintain the train and track areas responsibly to preserve the historic infrastructure and minimize local environmental impact.
The South Carolina Railroad Museum
1.5 Hours • All Ages Welcome
The South Carolina Railroad Museum in Winnsboro, South Carolina preserves and operates historic railroad equipment and offers seasonal excursion trains and family events on museum grounds. The museum hosts themed rides that run on restored passenger cars and features carefully staged holiday and fall programming that connects visitors with regional railroad heritage.
Seasonal trips include Santa’s Twilight Express, a twilight train ride with Santa where guests enjoy hot chocolate and cookies in the historic dining car, sing carols, and meet Santa with a mid-ride swap to ensure every child receives personal attention. Santa's North Pole Express is an annual 90-minute journey in which Santa greets every child without standing in line; riders are encouraged to wear pajamas and bring letters. The Pumpkin Patch Express transports families to a pumpkin patch where children pick and decorate pumpkins and enjoy games, a maze, face painting, and food vendor offerings.
The museum emphasizes safe, family-friendly experiences suitable for a broad range of ages. Ticketed excursions operate on scheduled dates and connect visitors with hands-on rides aboard restored equipment and themed programming. On-board amenities such as the historic dining car enhance guest comfort and the overall seasonal experience. Visitors should consult the museum's official schedule for specific dates, times, and ticketing details. The South Carolina Railroad Museum in Winnsboro offers community-focused events that highlight local railroad history while delivering memorable train rides for families and visitors.
Location
Winnsboro, SC
Historic railroad site in South Carolina
Tours Offered
3 seasonal trips
Holiday and fall family rides
Historic Car
Dining car treats
Hot chocolate & cookies served aboard
Family Friendly
All ages welcome
Activities for kids and adults
Secure seats for Santa’s Twilight Express, Santa’s North Pole Express, or the Pumpkin Patch Express — limited dates available.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Be sure to check in at least 20 minutes before departure to secure your boarding and choose seating arrangements.
Use Restrooms Before Boarding
There are no restrooms on board the train, so please use facilities beforehand to stay comfortable during the 90-minute ride.
Bring Pajamas and Letters for Santa
Encourage kids to wear festive pajamas and bring their letters to Santa for a more interactive visit.
Prepare for Shared Seating
Dining car tables seat four; parties may share tables, so be ready to make new friends and enjoy the communal holiday spirit.
Warm Layers
Evening rides can be chilly, so dress in layers to stay comfortable.
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Holiday Pajamas
Adds fun to the experience and helps kids feel festive.
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Camera or Smartphone
Capture memorable moments during the ride and Santa visits.
Letter to Santa
A special way for children to interact with Santa during the ride.
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