CLIFTON FORGE, VA (RAILFAN JOURNAL) – Santa Claus himself will be making his way to the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Railway Heritage Center, along with train engineer Grinch, this December in Clifton Forge.
The “Santa at the Depot” event will take place at the C&O Railway Heritage Center in Clifton Forge, VA on Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 12 PM-4 PM.
Children will be able to partake in multiple Christmas activities such as visiting with Santa, and enjoying hot cocoa, cookies, and popcorn. Most of all, children will get the opportunity to ride the “Little” C&O train around the yard at the heritage center with Mr. Grinch serving as the engineer for the day.
Admission to the event is $5.oo per person with children three and under able to attend to event for free.
A portion of proceeds from the event will go to help the Alleghany Highlands 2023 Christmas Mother, founded over 70 years ago to honor the birth of Christ by assisting families in need during Christmas.
The Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Heritage Center is located at 705 Main St, Clifton Forge, VA 24422. To learn more about the C&O Railway Heritage Center, click here.
A brief history of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway:
The Chesapeake & Ohio Railway (C&O) stands as a historic and vital player in the development of the American railway system. Established in 1869, the C&O was envisioned to connect the Chesapeake Bay with the Ohio River, facilitating transportation and trade across the eastern United States.
Over the years, the railway played a crucial role in the nation’s expansion, transporting coal, timber, and various goods from the Appalachian region to markets across the country. Known for its scenic route through the New River Gorge and the Allegheny Mountains, the C&O Railway not only served as an economic lifeline but also became a popular choice for passenger travel.
The famous “Chessie” mascot, an endearing kitten, further ingrained the C&O in popular culture. Through mergers and transformations, the C&O’s legacy lives on, leaving an indelible mark on the history of American railroads.