Hop aboard Michigan’s 7 holiday train rides
For a festive adventure on wheels, check out the seven holiday train rides happening in Michigan this December.
All aboard! Whether you’re an avid train fan or just a “Polar Express” enthusiast, a holiday train ride can be a great way to celebrate the season. Whether it’s hot chocolate as you ride through frosty scenery or even a visit from Santa himself, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a festive, family-friendly ride on the rails all across the mitten this winter. Remember, though, these treats will only be riding for a limited time, so get your tickets quick!
1. Santa Train
311 Danforth Street, Coopersville; Tickets from $37
For nostalgia and Christmas cheer, the Coopersville Marne Railway has you covered! Their annual Santa train is one of the most popular rides of the year, so be sure to book in advance. Families can enjoy a 90-minute ride on a vintage train car to visit Santa himself, with elves escorting each child to speak to him. Optional premium service also includes an onboard table with seasonal treats to enjoy while you ride.
2. Holiday Express
24001 Joy Boulevard, Clinton Township; Tickets from $19
If you’re looking for a Polar Express experience, consider the Holiday Express in Clinton Township. Guests climb aboard for a family-friendly ride on an antique train, where the Christmas classic is read aloud. There is also plenty of hot chocolate, cookies, and carol singing for all! Train cars are enclosed for all weather but not heated, so be sure to bundle up for the ride.
3. Santa House Train
Midland County Courthouse, Midland; Free
For a quick but merry journey, check out the Santa House Train, which is part of Midland’s annual Santa House experience. All aboard for a 10-15 minute loop around Midland on this colorful vintage-style train, known as the Northern Star, before making your way to the volunteer-run Santa House to enjoy bright lights and festive cheer courtesy of the Midland Community Foundation and Mr. Claus!
4. Santa Express
Clinton United Methodist Church, Clinton Village; Tickets from $15
All aboard Santa’s caboose! The Southern Michigan Railroad returns with its Santa Express for 2024. This hour-and-15-minute journey takes you straight to Santa’s village, where guests of all ages will enjoy hot chocolate, and children will receive a special present from Santa himself! Adults can also do a little Christmas shopping at the gift shop before boarding the vintage train for the journey back.
5. Christmas Express on the Little River Railroad
29 West Park Avenue, Coldwater; Tickets from $15
An authentic steam train experience, the Christmas Express on the Little River Railroad brings holiday cheer with a side of history! Advance tickets are required for this festive round-trip journey from Quincy, with an onboard visit from none other than Santa (funny how he gets around Michigan this time of year, isn’t it?).
6. North Pole Express
Steam Railroading Institute, Ossowo; Sold Out for 2024
One of the most elaborate holiday trains in Michigan, the North Pole Express is a four-and-a-half hour experience courtesy of the Michigan Steam Railroading Institute. This adventure, which includes a trip to the village of Ashley’s Country Christmas on a vintage steam train, is sold out for 2024, but Country Christmas is still open for walk-ins, so head on down!
7. Huckleberry Railroad
6140 North Bray Road, Flint; Tickets from $25
Historic Crossroads Village in Genesee County offers a taste of Christmas past (ghosts not included) with a ride on the Huckleberry Railroad! Part of the Christmas Holiday Magic program at Genesee County Parks, tickets include not only a ride on the nineteenth-century train but also admission to Christmas at Crossroads Village, where you can do your Christmas shopping and enjoy treats among beautiful seasonal decorations.
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