Last weekend we took a trip to the railroad museum in Old Sacramento.  They were having a special train ride with Santa called "the Polar Express".  In reality, it was more of a leisurely run south along the river, but the kids, and most grown-ups loved it anyway.  
The museum brings out many of its classic restored rail cars from the 20's-50's, although not all are completely restored.  We didn't get to ride any of the real old (pre 1900) though.  But each car was unique nonetheless.  The kids had a blast!  Getting on a big train, pulled by an actual steam engine was almost all they could stand.  When we were waiting to board, the train pulled up, and you never saw so many fingers pointing and hearing so much "Look, look, look!"

The inside of the cars were also decorated with the usual holiday fare, and each car had a conductor which would point out some of the sites and history as we passed.  Then, of course, Santa came through.  He also had an entourage which provided a little light humor for the adults, and led everyone in a sing-along of a few Christmas jingles.  And the kids got a little present too, even if they didn't know what the guy in the big red suit was all about.