(Septa issued the following on November 25.)
PHILADELPHIA — Santa is coming to town on Friday, November 28, on board one of five special SEPTA Santa Express trains as they make their annual trip to the Gallery at Market East in Center City Philadelphia.
SEPTA Santa Express service has become a Philadelphia holiday tradition that brings smiles to the faces of thousands of children from throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.
The special service includes five colorfully decorated trains featuring Santa and his helpers (SEPTA employee volunteers) and a spirited group of magicians, face painters, and costumed characters. Two Market-Frankford Line trains, one Broad Street Line train, and two regional rail trains comprise the Santa Express fleet.
Santa is scheduled to arrive at the 11th Street Station (11th & Market streets) at 10:22 a.m. on board a Market-Frankford Line train. From there they will lead a parade of children and costumed characters to the Gallery at Market East.
Santa Express trains will depart:
— On the Market-Frankford Line at 10 a.m. from Frankford Transportation Center, with Santa on board (the media are invited to join them).
— On the Market-Frankford Line at 10 a.m. from 69th Street Terminal.
— On the Broad Street Line at 10 a.m. from the Fern Rock Transportation Center (the train will operate as an express).
— On the regional rail Route R8 Chestnut Hill West Line at 9:30 a.m. from Chestnut Hill West Station.
— On the regional rail Route R5 Paoli Line at 9:10 a.m. from Paoli Station.
Passengers can board any of the five trains at station stops along the way to join in on the festivities, although seating may be limited.