Looking for a unique way to get into the holiday spirit? Climb aboard one of Wisconsin’s holiday trains for a festive adventure filled with holiday cheer.
The moment the calendar flipped to November, we began a straight (and rapid) slide into the special holiday season. There are so many ways to celebrate this season of joy, togetherness, and cheer with those near and dear.
Of course, you can see a spectacular holiday light display or take a stroll through a festive market, but have you ever considered hopping on a holiday train? Several trains across Wisconsin offer special seasonal rides that bring a little extra holiday magic. These enchanting excursions immerse you in the holiday spirit and allow you to experience the season from a whole new perspective.
All aboard for some holiday fun!
Santa Express at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum
For more than 30 years, the Mid-Continent Railway Museum has created holiday magic with two wonderful railway rides. One popular option for families is the Santa Express—a 55-minute ride with a special visit from the big guy himself.
Address: E8948 Museum Road, North Freedom
Tickets: $30 for adults, $18 for ages 3 to 15, free for infants.
When: November 28-29 and December 5-6 and 12 — rides run at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
Holiday Flyer at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum
The Holiday Flyer ride offers hot chocolate and Christmas fun for all on a one-night-only special evening ride. Santa won’t be aboard this train, but it’s a unique 55-minute opportunity to see the twinkling night sky from the holiday coaches with a warm cup of cocoa and cookies.
Address: E8948 Museum Road, North Freedom
Tickets: $18 for children (ages 3-15) and $30 for adults
When: December 5, boarding at 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 7 p.m.
CPKC Holiday Train
The CPKC Holiday Train brings holiday cheer from place to place with 13 stops in Wisconsin, from Sturtevant in the southeast to La Crosse in the western part of the state. This is the only train on this list that doesn’t offer rides, but you can still have a great time and get into the holiday spirit.
You’ll enjoy good music (Allen Stone is the featured artist for Wisconsin), great company, and give back—this is a free event, but participants are asked to bring canned goods to donate. The best part—these donations (monetary and otherwise) stay in the communities where they’re collected.
Tickets: Free
When: December 8-10
Where: Check out the official U.S. Train Schedule for exact times
Sturtevant, 9900 East Exploration (December 8)
Caledonia, 5 1/2 Mile Road Railway Crossing (December 8)
Wauwatosa, Harwood Avenue railway crossing (December 9)
Hartland, West of Railway Crossing at Cottonwood Avenue (December 9)
Oconomowoc, South Silver Lake Street railway crossing (December 9)
Watertown, Brandt Quirk Park (December 9)
Columbus, 395 North Ludington Street (December 9)
Portage, CPKC Yard adjacent to Averbeck Street (December 10)
Wisconsin Dells, 100 La Crosse Street (December 10)
Mauston, Division Street railway crossing (December 10)
Tomah, 205 North Superior Avenue (December 10)
Sparta, South Water Street & Milwaukee Street (December 10)
La Crosse, 601 Saint Andrew Street (December 10)
Santa Train at the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad
What’s better than a pizza party on a train with Santa himself? Take an unforgettable two-hour trip around Trego, complete with pizza, photos with Santa, and sweet treats when you get back to the station at the Great Northern Railroad.
Address: N6639 Dilly Lake Road, Trego
Tickets: Individual tickets cost $40 for children (ages 2-12) and $50 for adults; private dining compartments (for 1-6 people) are also available
When: November 14-15, 21-22, 28-29 and December 5-6, 12-13, 19-20
Holiday Wine Train at the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad
The Holiday Wine Train is an adults-only (21+) lounge car added to Santa Pizza Train departures. During the two-hour ride, you can enjoy small bites (hot and cold hors d’oeuvres) and a cash bar. The unique experience doesn’t end there—you’ll receive a bottle of holiday wine and a wine tumbler (to enjoy it in, of course).
Address: N6639 Dilly Lake Road, Trego
Tickets: $75 per person
When: November 13-15, 20-22, 27-29 and December 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20
Daytime Christmas Train at the East Troy Depot
You can hear the train bells jingling, ring tingle tingling all the way to Santa’s workshop. The Daytime Christmas Train in East Troy is a two-hour excursion perfect for families. This isn’t just a ride on a holly-jolly decorated train—after a short 25-minute ride, everyone hops off for an hour at Santa’s workshop, which includes pictures and treats.
Address: 2002 Church Street, East Troy
Tickets: Starting at $13 for infants (ages 0-2), $36 for children (ages 3-14), and $41 for adults (member prices are cheaper)
When: November 28-29 and December 5-6, 12-13, 19-20
Book ahead—available train times are 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m.
Santa’s Special Christmas Train at the East Troy Depot
Similar to East Troy’s Daytime Christmas Train, Santa’s Special Christmas Train runs in the evening, beginning at 5 p.m. Upon arrival at Santa’s workshop, kids can enjoy the Great Hall filled with games, activities, and photos. Plus, each kiddo gets special holiday stuffies and a book to remember this wonderful winter adventure. Adult tickets also allow folks (21 and older) to enjoy an upgraded holiday drink (beer or spiked hot chocolate) with their cookies.
Address: 2002 Church Street, East Troy
Tickets: Many 2026 dates are already sold out — $49 to $79 per person
When: November 28 and December 4, 11, 12, 18, and 19 — train departs at 5 p.m.
The Polar Express Train at The National Railroad Museum
The National Railroad Museum in Green Bay puts on a one-of-a-kind holiday show. This experience is great for families and lovers of “The Polar Express” movie. Starting with hot chocolate cheer, the fun continues on board, where you can hang out with the show’s characters.
While tickets are already sold out, it’s a spectacular event worth mentioning. Mark your calendars for July to secure tickets for next year!
