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St. Paul, Minn.

Photos: All aboard! Riding the North Pole Express at Union Depot

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The newly renovated Union Depot train station
Visitors line up to purchase tickets aboard the North Pole Express, a holiday train experience at the newly renovated Union Depot train station in downtown St. Paul.
Matthew Hintz / For MPR News

Passengers lined up at the Union Depot train station in downtown St. Paul for a ride aboard the North Pole Express.

The holiday steam locomotive, which is being called the Twin Cities' newest holiday tradition, took riders on a 1 1/2-hour authentic steam engine experience complete with a visit from Santa Claus.

The restored steam engine is staffed by volunteers. Photojournalist Matthew Hintz rode along.

Gallery
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Catching up
Brewer, the locomotive fireman on the North Pole Express, dashes down the platform as the steam engine train pulls away.
Matthew Hintz / For MPR News
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Buying tickets for the North Pole Express
Visitors line up to purchase tickets aboard the North Pole Express, a holiday train experience at the newly renovated Union Depot train station in downtown St. Paul.
Matthew Hintz / For MPR News
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North Pole Express elves
North Pole Express elves Anna Sandberg and Paul Rousseau make their way to Platform C at the Union Depot train station.
Matthew Hintz / For MPR News