We are a group of people, overflowing with the Christmas spirit, who have been deputized to stand in for Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus as needed for the Train-of-Lights on Niles Canyon Railway.
We spread warmth and good cheer to those riding the Train-of-Lights, before, during and after the train ride.
The following skills are required:
- Ability to give a good rendition of “Ho, Ho, Ho” and other exclamations of the Holiday Season. Happy Hanukah, Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad and Joyous Noel are just a few that we use.
- American Sign Language is a major plus!
- Able to relate to children of all ages and be able to “control” photo opportunities to get the most photos of the most patrons during the “hour” train ride.
- The ability to react quickly to the infinite variety of situations that occur will help keep you sane 😉
We work on the scheduled train rides (Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) during the Train-of-Lights Season (first Friday after Thanksgiving until Christmas. However, if an off-night charter is scheduled, we do work additional days.
Assemble around 2:00 PM in Brightside yard and board the train before it leaves (usually at 3 PM). Generally finish around 10:30 when the train ties up for the night in Brightside. A dinner break is taken on the deadhead run from Niles to Sunol.
If you do not have your own suit, the railroad has one (complete with beard and belly if needed) that you can use. Beyond that, what ever Claus related paraphernalia that adds to the experience.