(SEPTA issued the following news release on November 14.)
PHILADELPHIA — Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to town on Saturday, November 26, on board one of five special SEPTA Santa Express trains as they make their annual trip to Philadelphia’s Center City shopping district.
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, Mrs. Claus, Santa’s 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 and Mrs. Claus are scheduled to arrive at the 11th Street Station (11th & Market Streets) at 11:22 a.m. They will then lead a parade of children and costumed characters to the Gallery at Market East and to the corner of 9th & Market Streets. There, Santa will make his 15th annual climb into the “Magic Window,” officially kicking off the start of the holiday season.
Santa Express trains will depart:
– On the Market-Frankford Line at 11 a.m. from the Bridge Street entrance of the Frankford Transportation Center, with Santa and Mrs. Claus on (the media are invited to join them).
– On the Market-Frankford Line at 11 a.m. from 69th Street Terminal.
– On the Broad Street Line at 11 a.m. from the Fern Rock Transportation (the train will operate as an express).
– On the regional rail Route R8 Chestnut Hill West Line at 10:25 a.m. from Chestnut Hill West Station.
– On the regional rail Route R5 Paoli Line at 10:10 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.
For more information, call SEPTA Customer Service at (215) 580-7800 or visit http://www.septa.org.