Santa Claus typically rides a sleigh, but when in Delaware he often rides the Wilmington & Western Railroad.  All aboard the Santa Claus Express!  The Jolly Old Elf himself rides the train and greets everyone on board, plus gives all children a chocolate treat.  Be sure to bring your camera and have Santa pose for pictures with your child during this 1.5-hour ride through to Ashland aboard a steam-powered locomotive.  Trains runs every Saturday and Sunday between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Tickets are $16-18 and children under 2 are FREE.

Come to the Christsmas Bazaar at St. Thomas’s in Newark on the morning of Saturday, December 3 and enjoy breakfast with Santa Claus!  For just $5 you get food and a photo with your favorite jolly elf from 9-10:30 a.m.

Get a snack and picture with Santa at the George Wilson Center in Newark on December 3rd.  For only $2 you can join Santa for snacks, crafts, games and a relaxed visit.  You are encouraged to bring their camera to capture some special moments.  Santa’s Secret Shoppe will also be operating.  The hours are 9:30-11:30 a.m.  No pre-registration is required.

Enjoy a very special pancake breakfast (9, 9:45, 10:30, 11:15 a.m., or 12 p.m.) with Santa Claus on December 3 at the Delaware Museum of Natural History!  Get your picture taken with Santa and let him know if you’ve been naughty or nice (starting at 12:30 p.m.).  This will make for a great photo opportunity for the whole family!  Afterwards, enjoy the afternoon at the Museum!  Cost: $5 with membership or $5+admission for non-members.

At the Dutch Country Farmers Market in Middleton, you can get a 5″x7″ picture with Santa Claus for only $5.  The photo opportunities run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 3.

Tyler’s Neighborhood Kitchen is hosting its third annual Breakfast/Brunch with Santa on December 3rd beginning at 9 a.m.  Have a Meet and Greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus.  Take home homemade crafts and giveaways.  Eat a hearty meal.  The cost is $7.95 for kids and $16.95 for adults.  Call (302)234-0240 for reservations.

This year, the Good Will Fire Company is teaming up with the New Castle Lions Club to bring you Breakfast With Santa from 8-11:30 a.m. on December 3!  This event will combine the well known Pancake Breakfasts hosted by the Lions Club and Operation Santa by the Good Will Fire Company.  Santa will be present from 8:30 until 11 a.m. for photos!  The cost is $3 for kids under 12 and $6 for all others.

Sunday December 4th is WinterFest, sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation of Delaware.  The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature games, holiday crafts, music, lunch, basket auction, and visit from Santa Claus!  Tickets cost $15 for kids and $10 for adults.

If you come to the Children’s Christmas Party at the Brandywine River Museum on December 7, you’ll get to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus!  Enjoy entertainment, costumed characters, face painting, model trains, antique dolls, trees adorned with critters and Cookie Land!  The party runs from 6-8 p.m. and prices are $5-15.

Kick-off your holiday season at the annual Caroling in Hockessin event on December 8.  The evening begins with caroling led by Mrs. Claus, followed by dancing from HDC and ending with kiddies having the opportunity to share their wish list with Santa.  Attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for donation to Kind to Kids, helping children in Delaware’s foster care system have a happy holiday!  The evening runs from 7-9 p.m.

The Brandywine Zoo seems to have good connections with Old Saint Nick, as the Man in Red will be among the animals for breakfast on December 10 and 11 from 9-10 a.m.  At Breakfast with Santa, you can share your holiday wishes with Santa, bring your camera to take photos with him and some animal friends, make decorations, and enjoy a few up-close animal encounters — all before the zoo opens.

Scarf down some Milk and Cookies with Santa Claus at the Brandywine Zoo on December 10.  Enjoy this classic pairing while telling Santa your holiday wish list.  The fun runs from 10:30 a.m. to noon.  Space is limited, so register today!

The Delaware City Volunteer Fire Company, No. 1, Inc., Station 15 is hosting a Breakfast with Santa on December 11.  Breakfast will include: eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, French toast sticks, juice, coffee and milk.  Cost: $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-10.  FREE for children under 3.

Enjoy Brunch with Santa at Klondike Kate’s in the heart of Newark on December 18.  The event includes a brunch buffet, face time with Santa Claus, plus entertainment by Jungle John and Safari Susan.  The two seatings are at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.  Reservations are required (302-731-6100).

Mall Santas