Holiday Express train departs Hill City for the North Pole

HILL CITY, S.D. — Hill City started its Christmas Celebrations Friday with the parade and the Holiday Express Train.

During the summer, the train operates as a tribute to 1880’s history, but for more than 15 years, it has transported passengers to the North Pole during the Holiday Season.

Trains run every weekend in December, as well as the 23 and 24 of the month.

Nathan Anderson, Business Operations Manager of the 1880 Train, talked about his excitement surrounding the season.

“It’s just a great time of the year. We have a lot of staff on board as elves, and working through the cars and greeting kids,” he says. “It’s just a great experience to watch the kids see Santa Claus when we arrive at the North Pole and then get to talk to Santa Claus as he walks through the train cars.”

There’s a first class option too, equipped with unlimited hot cocoa. Managers expect to sell out most of the trains this season, so be sure to make reservations to guarantee a spot on Santa’s lap!