The holiday season gets a heavy dose of nostalgia and magic as the Boothbay Railway Village Museum transforms its historic grounds into a winter wonderland. The beloved annual North Pole Express returns for three consecutive weekends on Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 5–6, 12–13, and 19–20.

Families can step back in time aboard a vintage train for a charming journey to the North Pole. Running eight times daily from 10:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., young passengers will have the special opportunity to hand-deliver their personal letters directly to Santa Claus.

The magic continues across the historic village campus with a festive lineup of seasonal activities. Families can warm up with a custom hot cocoa bar and sweet treats, create holiday-inspired keepsakes at the arts and crafts station, or embark on a village-wide "Elf Hunt." S’mores by the fire pit and local holiday shopping at Iron Horse Antiques and General Store round out the day's experiences.

Grown-Up Holiday Cheer: The North Pole Nightcap

For guests 21 and older, the museum is offering an exclusive evening excursion, The North Pole Nightcap, on Saturday, Dec. 12. This adults-only event features a vintage rail ride paired with evening holiday socializing, refreshments, and a festive atmosphere.

Important attendee and volunteer information: Because this event regularly sells out, all tickets must be purchased in advance online at the Boothbay Railway Village Museum Portal.

As the museum’s premier annual fundraiser, every ticket purchased directly sustains the preservation, educational programming, and future operations of the non-profit organization. Community members looking to get involved can sign up for volunteer shifts online at RailwayVillage.org or by calling 207-633-4727.

About Boothbay Railway Village Museum (BRVM): Located at 568 Wiscasset Road/Route 27, Boothbay, is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving New England’s rail heritage through interactive exhibits, steam-powered train rides, and a historic village settlement.