New Year’s Ride at Boothbay Railway Village

The Boothbay Railway Village museum has been overwhelmed by the response to both the North Pole Express and new Candlelight & Cocktails on Rails events. Even after adding a fifth day and later-than-planned departure times, the events still sold out well in advance and the phone calls keep coming. The museum’s staff and volunteers have come up with an opportunity for one more chance to celebrate the holiday season in vintage style.

On Saturday, Dec. 30, starting at 1 p.m., a special New Year’s ride will offer families the chance to take a heated steam-train ride, enjoy the large model train and Christmas village display in the 1847 Boothbay Town Hall, and explore the exhibits on the lower campus including Harrington House decked out in 1940s Christmas style. Hot chocolate will be served in the Town Hall as well.

One can upgrade one’s ticket to First Class and enjoy the Victorian splendor of the restored Franklin & Megantic Coach No. 2. The coach was originally built in 1903 and it embodies the typical travel of the era, with its plush walkover seats and mahogany interior.

Tickets for the New Year’s ride are available in advance through railwayvillage.org. Reservations are strongly suggested. Standard tickets are $10, First Class tickets are $15 for attendees 3 years of age and older. Museum members participate for free in Standard class but do need to make a reservation for their seats (sorry, no discounts on First Class). When ordering tickets online, remember that children under 3 years old do not need a ticket.

Departures are planned at 1, 1:30, 2, 2:30, and 3 p.m. The museum may add later departures if demand exceeds capacity.

For more information about any of the Boothbay Railway Village’s holiday celebrations, call 633-4727 or go to railwayvillage.org. The Boothbay Railway Village is located at 586 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay.