Wantagh boards the Polar Express

The Wantagh Preservation Society and Chamber of Commerce invited residents to board their organizations’ own version of the Polar Express on Dec. 11. 

This year, the annual holiday lighting ceremony was held at the Wantagh Train Museum, at 1700 Wantagh Ave. The Preservation Society invited residents to explore artifacts stored indoors and the inside of the 1912 parlor car — which was once part of the Long Island Rail Road’s Cannonball Express that ran from Penn Station to Montauk — while celebrating the holiday season. 

Wantagh High School’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Symphonic Orchestra set the mood by performing seasonal songs. Children sipped on hot chocolate and sampled cookies while listening and waiting for the lighting ceremony to begin. 

Families hopped onto the parlor car to meet none other than Santa Claus. Children told Jolly Old Saint Nick what they wanted for Christmas while their parents snapped photographs. 

The Preservation Society also sponsored a 50/50 raffle at the event. The organization celebrated its 50th anniversary in September.