Line of the Week: The Santa Express
November 23, 2020
This week, our Line of the Week is a little different. We’re not exploring one of our traditional lines but instead highlighting one of our favorite lines - the SEPTA Santa Express!
This Friday, November 27, 2020 would have been our 30th Santa Express. But due to the pandemic, this amazing event needed to be cancelled. But that won't stop us from celebrating and for keeping the tradition going in our hearts and minds! Plus we have so many photos!
For the past 29 years, on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and their band of merry elves have come from the North Pole to the Frankford Transportation Center.
From there, they hop the Market-Frankford Line to Center City where for the past five years, they have headed to City Hall to sing and skate at the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink at Dilworth Park.
And they are not alone! Families from all over Southeastern PA come to officially kick off the holiday season!
The Market-Frankford Line isn’t the only line that is decked out with holiday spirit! Regional Rail trains and Broad Street Line cars are also decorated for the occasion. And throughout the day, there are performances from the Walnut Street Theatre, carolers leading everyone in song, and plenty of games and prizes.
The morning is also marked with holiday decorations, music, balloons, giveaways including commemorative Santa Express buttons and Santa beards.
As the festivities wind down, people stay to skate and to shop the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market and to explore the Wintergarden at Dilworth Park - which are open again this year! This holiday-inspired garden is located on the Albert M. Greenfield Lawn. You can delight in discovering picture-perfect moments amid holiday topiaries, twinkling lights, and seasonal plants. The beautiful garden and craft market are a great spots for holiday card photos!
Revelers could also head to Christmas Village across the street at Love Park! This year, Christmas Village opens on Thanksgiving Day. Don't miss over 60 vendors selling authentic European food, ornaments and arts & crafts from all over the world!
All in all, Santa Express makes for a pretty memorable day and is a great way to spend the day and start the season! Here's to 2021!
