Flash player is required to view weather conditions. Download

All aboard for the North Pole Express, which is leaving out of downtown Lebanon every weekend between Nov. 24 and Dec. 23, 2007. Passengers will travel on a vintage 1930s train to the "North Pole." Along the way, guests will hear holiday carols, a short history of the railroad and the tracks travelled. Riders will also be alerted to various sights for viewing.

The journey to the North Pole takes half an hour. Once there, guests will spend an hour exploring the "North Pole," where they may warm up with hot chocolate and snacks. Guardians are invited to take pictures of the children they accompany sitting on Santa's lap, though a professional photographer will be there, too. Mrs. Claus plans to be there as well, with a host of elves who guide children through holiday crafts. They may handcraft and decorate letters to Santa, or decorate a cookie plate.

The North Pole Express is one of the signature rides operated by the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad. The engine is a restored 1950s-era GP-7 diesel-electric locomotive, built by General Motors. It pulls four commuter coaches built in 1930. Passengers may move between train cars to experience the thrill and chills (the train is not heated) of this vintage locomotive.

"The North Pole Express is an experience like none other," said Karen Zerbini, president of the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad.

Journeys to the North Pole sell out quickly. Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended. A limited number of tickets are available on event days on a first-come-first-served basis at the LM&M ticket office, 127 S. Mechanic St., Lebanon.

How to go

WHAT: LM&M's North Pole Express

WHERE: 127 S. Mechanic St., Lebanon

WHEN: 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5: 30 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 24 through Dec. 23, 2007

COST: $17, $12 for children 12 and younger, no charge for children age 1 and younger

MORE INFO: (866) 468-3401; www.LebanonRR.com