SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — When most think of Santa's preferred means of travel, his reindeer-pulled sleigh usually comes to mind. But what about a train?

Santa Fe Christmas is once again coming to town for the 2024 holiday season, bringing Christmas festivities to the Railway Museum of San Angelo for hours of shopping, food and fun. Its return to the museum marks the 28th year of the event and highlights over two decades of growth, according to Railway Museum Board President Suzanna Valenzuela.

"It's just something that's evolved over these 28 years into a neat little festival for our community," Valenzuela said.

The event is slated to begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, with the arrival of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus alongside "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" characters the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who. The four will ride into the festival via train, with select characters being available for free photos afterward.

The "Celebrity Santa" tradition that saw Del Velasquez, then-director of Downtown San Angelo Inc., don Saint Nick's iconic attire last year will also return for the 28th celebration. The 2024 Santa Claus will be San Angelo Police Department Chief Travis Griffith, with his wife, Vanessa Griffith, taking on the role of Mrs Claus.

New to this year's Santa Fe Christmas is a storytime event featuring Cindy Lou Who. Beginning at 10:30 a.m., Cindy will read a story for attendees.

Valenzuela stated that the event will feature about 40 local vendors selling a variety of goods as well as five food trucks. Valenzuela said that vendors are still being accepted, with those interested being able to apply through the railway museum's website.

"It will be all types of things, so it's really a great time to come out and get some Christmas shopping done," Valenzuela said.

Other activities, including live performances from multiple entertainment groups, are also planned for the event.

Santa Fe Christmas serves as one of the museum's largest fundraisers of the year, with Valenzuela stating that the previous two iterations of the event raised approximately $5,000 each. The proceeds are put toward the museum's maintenance and programming, ensuring that the site's history continues to be preserved and shared.

"We are in a historic building, so there's quite a bit of overhead with that involved," Valenzuela said.

For more information about Santa Fe Christmas, visit the Railway Museum of San Angelo's website as well as its Facebook and Instagram pages.

News Source : https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/community/community-events/whats-happening-for-santa-fe-christmas-2024/