January 5th, 2026 by WCBC Radio

Santa Claus is on a much needed vacation after the Christmas season, but the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is continuing to celebrate the holiday. Executive Director Wes Heinz tells WCBC this year’s Polar Express experience was the best one yet for the railroad. “I think we’re sitting just under 35,000 people visited Cumberland, visited the Polar Express and took a trip to the North Pole. So, that would be a record-breaker for us.”

With dinner trains and murder mystery trips planned for 2026, Heinz says the momentum keeps people coming to the area. “They’re almost always staying in one of our hotels. They’re getting up and experiencing Cumberland, whether it’s Baltimore Street, maybe they’re going to Frostburg. You know, they’re coming from other locations to see what we have to offer.”