It can be difficult to occupy your family throughout the holiday season, especially once the kids get out of school for their holiday break. Luckily, there are holiday trains all around Michigan that provide fun for the entire family. These festive train rides are packed with activities and cheer that will surely get everyone into the Christmas spirit. Imagine The Polar Express meets reality – that is what these excursions are all about. Check out the list below to find a Christmas train ride near you!
Coopersville & Marne Railway
Located just northwest of Grand Rapids, the Coopersville and Marne Railway has been around since 1989. Today, their operations are carried out completely by trained volunteers and they run entertainment excursions from May through September and their Santa Train in November and December. Besides entertainment, this railway also serves as a freight service throughout the entire year. Passengers will be escorted by Santa’s Elves to be seated with Santa in a decorated, vintage passenger car during the 90 minute trip from Coopersville to Marne. During this ride, children will be read Christmas themed books from their story-telling Princess and even be given a present.
Rates
Adults: $35+ | Children (1-12): $30 | Children under 1: Free
Steam Railroading Institute
Passengers of the Steam Railroading Institute’s North Pole Express will be pulled diesel power. The North Pole Express is usually scheduled with the world-famous Pere Marquette 1225, but it is out of service for the 2022 season. This four-hour, round trip train ride will depart from Owosso, Michigan, and travel to the Village of Ashley’s Country Christmas to meet Santa. This excursion offers five different classes of service all with different types of accommodations and ambiances. The North Pole Express now offers an adults-only excursion as well! The trip to the village of Ashley’s Country Christmas offers several activities from live entertainment, picture opportunities, arts and crafts and more. Be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible as this event sells out fast. Here’s a look at the different classes, check out the full list and pricing options on their website:
Coach: Assigned seating with car host service and entertainment. The ticked will include a cup of hot cocoa for the ride.
Cocoa: You will be seated in a vintage 1950s coach with car host service and access to the concessions car. These passengers will also receive a souvenir mug, and bell as well as unlimited specialty hot cocoa.
Pere Marquette Parlour: This adult-only train ride offers luxurious seating in a vintage 1950s lounge car with panoramic views. Passengers will have access to holiday hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, unlimited hot cocoa, and car host service on top of other accommodations.
Little River Railroad
The Little River Railroad is a non-profit dedicated to keeping the history of steam locomotives alive, restored, and operating. Located in Coldwater, Michigan, the Little River Railroad’s annual Christmas Express is a great event for all ages. This train ride on an authentic 100-year-old steam engine train lasts an hour and 15 minutes and gives a great Christmas tour of the depot. Santa will come and visit the children in each car and give them a gift while they ride. Something nice about this train ride is that since it is shorter, it is often less crowded than others because they are able to do rides more frequently.
Masks are required and capacity restrictions are being enforced.
Rates
Adult: $22 | Children (3-11): $15 | Children (2 and under): Free
Purchase tickets here.
Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad
The Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic in Flint, Michigan is one of Mid-Michigan’s best traditions. Two decorated steam locomotives will bring your family on a magical train ride adventure. This holiday-packed event will give your family a night to remember with various activities including craft demonstrations, visits with Santa, costumed villagers, model trains, and live entertainment. Besides a train ride and activities, there are also options to drive through the village and see the lights as well as amusement rides. You can turn this event into a full night out by enjoying the dinner buffet at the Millstreet Warehouse.
Rates
Adult: $25 | Senior (60+): $24 | Children (25 months – 12 years): $23 | Children 24 months and under: Free
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