LEXINGTON, Ky. — On a one-way train, Saint Nick is stopping in Midway for the “old-fashioned Christmas” celebration.
Bells are ringing and families are singing as children wait to see if they made it onto Santa's nice list and lines are stretching from one end of the track to the other in downtown Midway for the town’s annual Christmas greeting tradition.
Eager to get a head start on his future as a Youtuber and media professional is Osvaldo Herra.
“Yeah, it’s like YouTube equipment. It was all right, give me a compass and I could be a YouTuber.” Herra said.
He and dozens of kids got the chance to talk firsthand with the man in the red suit. “Like suction cups on their hands and feet. Yeah and also I could use the app to animate them.” Herra said. And with a bright red mailbox directed toward the North Pole, they could even mail their wish list off for the big day.
Santa's arrival brings families from across the globe, places like Ireland, to the city’s historic district for the season. Some families are even experiencing their first Christmas in the states for the first time.
Welcoming families with smiles and holiday cheer is Santa's leading lady, Mrs. Claus, also known as Georgiana Riddell. Riddell says these kids' holiday spirit is what makes the event festive.
“Nov. 27 is Mrs.Claus's birthday and I will be 572 years old, but I'm as young at heart as I was when I was 20 because of all the love the children send us,” Riddell said.
Extra winter treats were set up along the tracks, like hot chocolate, coffee stands and Christmas-themed photo set-up.
Helping bring Santa in on the enchanted express is RJ Corman railroad group which has serviced major railroads across the country for nearly 50 years.