For generations, trains around the tree at Christmas have been a staple in many households.

And for boys and girls (adults, too) it’s only logical that real trains are even more exciting around the holiday.

It’s why Santa Claus trains in Jim Thorpe, which run on weekends in December, are such a hit. The rides are so popular, they’re usually sold out by the time the diesel pulls the half-dozen cars from the historic railroad station.

The Santa Claus trains are run by the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, which is owned by Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad.

Reading Blue Mountain will be running a Santa Claus train from the Tamaqua Railroad Station Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 and 3:30 p.m.

The trains in Jim Thorpe run the next three weekends. This weekend and next weekend, the rides are on Saturday and Sunday.

On Christmas weekend, the rides will be Friday and Saturday. All trips are at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Santa Claus trains have become a Christmas tradition in Jim Thorpe, coinciding with the weekend holiday events in the community.

Riders come from miles around to ride in the century-old passenger cars, on which children are given candy canes by Santa and his helpers.

A narrator gives a history of the trains as well as information about the areas the train passes. The cars are heated.

The 90-minute ride takes passengers from downtown Jim Thorpe to Penn Haven Junction.

Last Saturday, Scott Thompson of Hilltown Township, Bucks County, rode the train with his wife, Terri, and their 2-year-old triplet sons. It was hard to tell if the boys were more excited about stepping into a real train or being greeted by Santa.

“It’s exciting for the kids,” Thompson said. “It’s quite an adventure.”

Mike and Donna Bauer of Slatedale took their 3-year-old son, Benjamin, on the train. “We were on last year and it’s so beautiful,” Donna She said, “It’s become a nice little family tradition.”

Alan and Rose Inchini of Easton rode with their 4-year-old niece, Gina Sutton. “I loved it,” Gina said.

Alan agreed.

“It’s wonderful,” he said. “It’s very nice riding through the gorge.”

Every passenger car is decorated for Christmas. For many who ride the train throughout the year, the Santa Claus rides signal the end of the season. Train rides will resume in spring.