For the third year, Santa Claus will greet children of all ages aboard a passenger train excursion based in Tamaqua.

A series of three round trips to New Ringgold will depart the 1874 Reading and Philadelphia Railroad depot on Dec. 19, according to volunteers of the Tamaqua Historical Society, event sponsor, in coordination with the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway Company."We will have three 70-minute trips and they'll depart at 10:30 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.," said Dale Freudenberger, society president.A diesel-powered locomotive will pull vintage passenger coaches.Freudenberger said every child will be visited by Santa while riding the train and will receive a piece of candy.Train coaches are heated and have restrooms available on board, organizers said.The train will run rain, shine or snow and no refunds will be available. Tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis and advance purchases are recommended in order to guarantee a seat.Seats are not assigned and organizers recommend passengers to arrive at least a half-hour before train departure times.Remaining tickets not sold in advance will be sold first come, first served on the day of the trips inside the Tamaqua Railroad Station, 18 North Railroad St.Tickets are priced at $13 for those age 13 and up. One child aged 4 through 12 rides free with each adult ticket purchased. There is a $9 charge for each additional child.All children under age 3 will receive a free ticket and must have a ticket to ride, organizers said.Ticket information is available at the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce office, 114 W. Broad St., open Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, 570-668-1880.Tickets also are available at Tink's Antiques, 28 S. Railroad St., open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. No phone orders will be taken at that business. However, cash, credit cards and checks will be accepted at both locations.