It is often said that Santa travels on a sleigh. But these days, it seems that Mr. and Mrs. Claus prefer a streetcar.

For the next month, the couple from the North Pole will be spending their weekends at Colesville's National Capital Trolley Museum, listening to wish-lists, singing carols and taking rumbling rides on one of the museum's iconic streetcars.

The merriment is part of the Holly TrolleyFest, an annual festival that began soon after the museum was opened in 1969, said docent Phil Kuhl.

This year marks the festival's first at the museum's new location on Bonifant Road, built when it was realized that the Intercounty Connector was set to run right through the old site.

But the change in location has not diminished turnout. Indeed, attendance on the festival's opening day was high.

"[The Holly TrolleyFest] has been an annual tradition in the neighborhood for years. People look forward to it," Kuhl said. "In fact, we have some people here who came out here as children, and are now bringing their children out. It becomes a family tradition."

Colesville resident Andy Hughes brought his children Jack, 6, and Lily, 2, to the museum. "My kids love trains," Hughes said.

While the Hugheses came out for the streetcars, the kids loved seeing Santa. "We got lucky with the timing," said Hughes. 

Fun for children, the museum also draws in older streetcar enthusiasts. Kuhl, for instance, discovered the site after his 2005 retirement and has volunteered with the museum for several years. 

"I've been interested in railroads ever since I was a little boy," Kuhl said. "I like operating the streetcars because it reminds me of my youth in Cleveland, when we still had them." 

L.E. Herman, 85, traveled hundreds of miles to the museum from Taylorsville, N.C.

The visit brought back fond memories for Herman, who, after returning from World War II, spent six years driving a streetcar for the Capital Transit Company in Washington, D.C.

"[Driving a streetcar] was a wonderful experience for a young man just out of the service," Herman said. "I enjoyed my stay here, but I went home to take care of my mother. My father died, and I had to go home. But I enjoyed everything I did here in Washington, D.C. It was a good trip."

Herman enjoyed the museum so much that he left a donation, he said.

"I appreciate what they're doing," said Herman. "They're doing a wonderful job, I think."

The National Capital Trolley Museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5:00 p.m. The museum will be closed on December 25 and January 1. The Holly TrolleyFest runs through December 19.