Jump Onboard with Santa this Holiday Season

santa events olympia
Santa and Mrs. Claus greet visitors aboard the Lady Alderbrook. Photo courtesy Alderbrook Resort.
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By Douglas Scott

Capitol City Honda sponsorThe holidays are upon us and children around the region, the young and young at heart, eagerly await the day they can visit Santa and tell him what they want for Christmas. In the past, Santa has been known to frequent malls and town centers; but the past few years, he has been seen taking in the sights of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. From the mountains to the waterways and the forests in-between, this winter tell Santa what you would like for Christmas in some of the most beautiful locations in the state.

santa events olympia
Santa and Mrs. Claus greet visitors aboard the Lady Alderbrook. Photo courtesy Alderbrook Resort.

Santa is a busy guy this time of year, so I was sadly not granted an interview. However, I did receive a nice email requesting that I highlight a few of his favorite stops around the region. While he insisted that he enjoys every location he visits, the following two spots are sure to leave you in a festive mood, both through the jolly of Santa and through the region’s natural beauty.

If heading to the malls to stand in line to see Santa Claus isn’t your ‘cup of cocoa,’ Alderbrook Resort and Spa is offering something truly unique. The beautiful resort on Hood Canal is once again organizing cruises with Santa, complete with a hot cup of cocoa.

Each Saturday in December from 2:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., the resort’s private yacht, “Lady Alderbrook,” takes an hour-and-a half cruise on Hood Canal. The Cocoa Cruise with Santa doesn’t just show off the sights of the majestic Olympic Mountains, it also has entertainment. From Santa reading stories and sharing cookies with those aboard to enjoying sipping on delicious cocoa while looking at snowcapped mountains reflecting off the water, this event is like no other Santa event in the Pacific Northwest.

santa events olympia
The Lady Alderbrook travels around Hood Canal with the scenic Olympic Mountains for a backdrop. Photo courtesy Alderbrook Resort.

The cost is just $10 for children, $15 for seniors, and $20 for adults. Reservations are strongly recommended, as space is limited. Call Alderbrook at 360.898.2145 to save your seat. Show up early and snap a complimentary photo with Santa.  He is at Alderbrook Resort from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. each Saturday in December.

Not everyone enjoys boats, which is why Santa wanted to make sure I mentioned that there is also an opportunity to ride a train near Mount Rainier with him. This holiday season, the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad in Elbe, Washington, is giving your family the chance to ride an old steam train with Santa Claus himself at the foot of Mount Rainier.

The Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad Santa Express travels to Mineral, Washington, about 40 minutes away from Elbe. While Mineral has a nice, new museum, the highlight of the trip is riding in one of the rocking cars, listening to the train whistle through the woods. Complete with holiday lights, traveling the local forest at the base of our iconic mountain with Santa is something I would have loved as a kid. Not only do you get to ride on on old steam train, but you get to ride it with Santa Claus. Making his way through the train cars, seat to seat, Santa makes sure he spends time and visits with every guest on the Santa Express.

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Santa stands near his train in Elbe, Washington aboard the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad. Photo courtesy Douglas Scott

The Santa Express in Elbe runs through December 22. Costing $31 for adults (ages 13-61); $24/youth (ages 5-12); $15/kids (ages 3 & 4); and free for kids 2 & under, this train is sure to become a holiday tradition in the Cascade Mountains.

Trains leave up to three times a day on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month of December, but be aware that many of the trains are already sold out or are nearing capacity. Tickets to the Santa Express are available online from the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad website and should be purchased as soon as possible.

This holiday season, you have the unique opportunity to deliver your wish list to Santa in person at two very unique Pacific Northwest destinations. Sailing with Santa on waters of the Hood Canal or traveling through the forest and foothills of Mt. Rainier, the holidays come alive in Washington State. This winter, visit with Santa, sip hot cocoa, enjoy festive holiday snacks and experience the beauty of nature with Santa this holiday season.

 

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