Train to Christmas Town

November 28th _ Dec 28th, 2014
The Train to Christmas Town
Departing from the new depot at 765 Ohlone Parkway,
across from the Second Harvest Food Bank, in Watsonville, Ca

All Aboard!
Train to Christmas Town Returns to Watsonville Depot
Picking up passengers for a magical rail journey!



Make time for a new holiday tradition this season with a festive excursion aboard The Train to Christmas Town, presented by Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay Railway. Riders will become part of a heartwarming story featuring an unforgettable combination of holiday spirit and colorful characters, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Written by Peggy Bullard Ellis, The Train to Christmas Town is a modern holiday saga that reveals the season’s timeless meaning. It is the engaging tale of Janice, who loves riding the train to Christmas Town. Each December, her parents put her on the train with a small backpack filled with surprises. Janice meets magical friends from the past – including Bumblebee the Polar Bear, Zephyr the Cat, Wabash the Squirrel and two little mice named Bubble and Squeak. At the same time, she wonders about her Grandma. But there is a surprise that comes when the train arrives at Christmas Town. Though many changes occur during the journey, Janice discovers some things remain “just like always.”
The book comes to life aboard vintage passenger rail cars decorated for the holidays. The cheerful Conductor punches each passenger ticket while elves travel through cars serving hot chocolate and cookies. The book is read aloud, and there is fabulous music and fun. Grammy-nominated singer/songwriters Trout Fishing in America wrote the iconic The Train to Christmas Town music, which adds to the event’s enjoyment. At Christmas Town, a jolly guest dressed in red and white joins in to visit with all aboard, giving a special gift to each child. Passengers join the elves in singing classic, beloved Christmas Carols during the return to the Train to Christmas Town Depot.

The Train to Christmas Town is a one-hour round-trip excursion that will establish a merry holiday tone for all ages. Passengers have a choice of Diamond, Premium Coach and Coach seating. Parking is available at the Train to Christmas Town Depot for $5 per auto. The Train to Christmas Town Depot gift shop is open two hours before each day’s departure. Stuffed animals from the story, a Train to Christmas Town porcelain ornament, copies of the book, souvenir cocoa mugs and Trout Fishing in America CDs are available.

Train schedules and pricing are available at www.traintochristmastown.com and by calling 888-978-5562

About The Train to Christmas Town
Penned by Peggy Bullard Ellis, an elementary special education teacher who has written for Trains Magazine and has a life-long appreciation of trains, The Train to Christmas Town was published in 2012. The story reflects how the holiday season is traditionally a time when families make an extra effort to connect with each other, and how a train ride is the perfect environment to make the connection stronger. Illustrator Jeff Lee is the original video artist at D. Gottlieb and Company and is best known for creating the character of Q*Bert, the popular arcade game from 1982.

About Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay Railway (SC&MB)
The Santa Cruz & Monterey Bay Railway provides freight service, connecting with the Union Pacific at Watsonville Junction, California. SC&MB also operates seasonal excursion trains with plans for additional excursion service and dinner trains. The line is operated by Iowa Pacific Holdings.