Train visits Santa in the Esplanade

"We thought it was a beautiful day, so we thought we would have a family day out at the park." Ann-maree Thompson

It wasn’t quite the Polar Express, but children aboard the Palmerston North Esplanade train still got a glimpse of Santa.

Santa and Mrs Claus stopped by at the Esplanade on Saturday – and would be back again on Sunday – much to the glee of young passengers on the train.

It was the second year that the husband and wife had taken time out of their busy schedule to give toys and lollies to children as they rode past on the miniature trains.

Esplanade Scenic Railway vicepresident Grant Taylor said their festive guests were a popular addition to the train trips. ‘‘There are lots of grandparents here, and families too.’’

Taylor said they invited Santa along as a way to thank the public for their support. This year they had about 67,000 passengers make trips on the trains.

The railway is no stranger to hosting special guests, having Easter Bunny stop by over the Easter break and ghouls and demons during Halloween.

Santa proved popular with the passengers; Yuliya Gultekin brought her 4-year-old daughter Dilara down for a ride.

Gultekin said they visited the train almost once a week and said it was a great community asset.

Ann-maree Thompson brought her children, Zachary, 1, and Jazzlyn, 4, over from Whanganui for the day and had the added bonus of seeing Santa.

‘‘They were surprised to see him. They each got a toy and a lolly. It has been really nice. We thought it was a beautiful day, so we thought we would have a family day out at the park.’’