Back for his 40th year, Santa greeted children and families this holiday season at the Northwest Railway Museum during the annual Santa Train excursions.

The museum planned for more than 11,000 riders to join in the festivities this year, riding the 3.5 miles from North Bend to Snoqualmie to meet Santa Claus in the historic depot.

As mothers and fathers lined up their children to find out if they’ve been good or bad, young people were given a caboose to decorate and then led to the railway kitchen car where they were served hot chocolate, coffee and fresh baked cookies.

Santa Train has become a tradition to many families who come for the ride from as far as Australia and North Pole, Alaska.