Trains and holidays: a perfect match: ride the Holiday Train from Anchorage or Girdwood to Seward and enjoy a day of festivities.

• Author: Pilkington, Steve
• Position: Alaska This Month

Every December, the Alaska Railroad Corp. and the City of Seward team up for a special event-the Holiday Train and Seward Old-Fashioned Christmas festival. Whether the goal is wonderful winter scenery, a relaxing ride with convivial fun, holiday caroling, or spending time with the family, elves and Mr. and Mrs. Claus, the Holiday Train is a great choice.

Last year, about 450 people rode the Holiday Train, said Tim Thompson, public affairs officer for the railroad. After a stop in Girdwood to pick up about 30 people, the train continued on to Seward, which was waiting with a citywide festival begun the night before.

"It's a full day, plus," Thompson said. "Each car has separate activities going on. It's a pretty big deal."

The ride itself is worth the time and this year will be no different, Thompson said. It offers some spectacular coastal and inland scenery not available from the highway. The accommodations aboard the train are comfortable and make for a relaxing way to travel. The chance to see the scenery in the winter, without the worry of traffic, enhances the allure of the Alaska wild-especially when seen from low-level dome cars in the train.

For families, there are elves who provide fun and service during the trip. There is storytelling and caroling to keep up the seasonal mood, and the train is decorated for the event. "We have a lot of the railroad employees help out," he said.

For adults on the train, there is a special section set aside offering convivial drinks and talk. "We keep everybody occupied," he said.

The train runs on Dec. 3, departing Anchorage at 7 a.m. It arrives in Seward at 11:30 a.m., where Christmas elves are ready to meet and greet the train's visitors. The Seward Chamber of Commerce has organized the...