CORDELE — SAM Shortline Excursion Train has planned special holiday excursions for the Christmas season.

On Monday, Dec. 15, families may board the train at Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park for “The Candy Cane Train,” and ride across Lake Blackshear and back into the downtown depot in Cordele.

SAM employees and volunteers make a special effort to create a warm and cozy atmosphere at the depot during the holidays. The facility will be bright with Christmas lights and decorations.

While on the train, passengers may purchase a variety of food items from the commissary including hot dogs, sausage dogs, barbeque sandwiches, nachos, popcorn, and other snacks and drinks.

Children are welcome to wear their favorite pajamas just as the kids did in the award-winning book, The Polar Express. This book will be read at the depot and candy canes will be distributed.

Santa Claus will be present to hear children’s wishes and pose for pictures. Last-minute gifts will be available in the depot store including all types of Thomas the Tank Engine toys, SAM Shortline souvenirs such as t-shirts, bandanas, coffee mugs, ornaments and an assortment of toys for the little ones.

Each family will receive a jingle bell as a memento of the occasion.

Another special event, “A Night of Christmas Enchantment,” is planned for Saturday, Dec. 20. The train will travel from the Cordele depot to Plains.

The city of Plains and its citizens will welcome passengers to their beautifully decorated city and quaint gift shops. A night ride on SAM Shortline during the holidays can be a memorable occasion for families and groups.

In addition to these specials, SAM will run many regular excursions throughout December.

For reservations or more information about these special excursions, call 1-877-GA-RAILS (1-877-427-2457).