7 AWESOME Michigan Christmas Trains: Where to Ride The Polar Express in Michigan
Whether you’re hopping aboard the Polar Express or comfy train decked out in holiday decor, taking a ride on a Christmas train in Michigan is a great way to get in holiday spirit this season. I always make a point to take the ride on one of the trains early in the season, because it makes the holiday spirit really come alive.
Michigan’s Polar Express Train Ride And More Magical Michigan Train Rides)
The Polar Express Michigan is more than than just the stuff of holiday dreams, and we’ve got some amazing Christmas train rides in Michigan to share with you.
A special ride on a Christmas train to ring in the holidays is one of the most memorable, kid-friendly holiday events in Michigan. From Santa trains to speacial holiday train rides through a snowy winter wonderland, a ride on Michigan steam trains or a diesel locomotive during the holidays is a Michigan Christmas must.
All About the Polar Express
Maybe you’ve seen The Polar Express movie, the story of a young boy beckoned on a magical Christmas Eve to ride a secret express train to the North Pole? Based on a book by Grand Rapids native Chris Van Allsburg, the story of an Polar Express Train to Santa’s North Pole heaquarters has captivated both children and adults, and it is more than make-believe.
The steam engine featured, the Pere Marquette 1225 steam train, in the book is real, and based on an experience Van Allburg has a child growing up in Michigan. You can take a ride on this North Pole Express and other steam locomotives in Michigan to visit with Santa Claus this holiday season.
If you haven’t seen the Polar Express movie yet, why not experience it first hand with these cheery Christmas train rides in Michigan and make it part of your holiday tradition? So ,get in your best holiday garb, strap on your Santa hats, and book your ticket now for the ride of your life.
EXPERT TIP: These train rides make a perfect holiday date night, as well as a fun holiday gift. You can find ticket info for each venue in this post.
North Pole Express Train Ride from Owosso to Ashley Michigan
Pere Marquette 1225 (The Polar Express)
405 S Washington St, Owosso, MI 48867
It would only make sense that the very train that The Polar Express was based on is still going strong every Saturday and Sunday throughout the Christmas season, running between Owosso and the village of Ashley MI., This fun Christmas village in mid-Michigan is more popular than ever, so if you’re thinking about going, get your tickets soon.
This is the Christmas event of the season: a one-hour-and-fifteen-minute train ride on the North Pole Express, a world-famous Pere Marquette 1225, a 1941 steam engine operating by the Michigan Steam Railroading Institute.
Board the train at the welcome center at the Railroading Institute in Owosso and head to the Village of Ashley Country Christmas, where passengers will disembark for a two-hour Christmas party, complete with hot cocoa and other treats.
Once the train stops, passengers can see pretty Christmas trees and participate in the numerous activities the village has to offer. This includes live entertainment, having a picture taken in front of the 1225, and meeting Santa Claus himself.
Santa Train at Coopersville & Marne Railway
306 Main St, Coopersville, MI 49404
This is one train trip you’ll want to make a holiday tradition. For the authentic north pole express experience, head to Coopersville and board the train from the steam era for one of the most popular Christmas train rides in MI. Coopersville is located just northwest of Grand Rapids.
Enjoy a 90-minute round-trip on a vintage 1950s era train, where kids can sit with Santa and get a present or sit with the storytelling princess to listen to her read the Polar Express to passenger as they relax in the comfy train cars.
Board this Santa Train every Saturday on November through December for some Ho Ho Ho fun with Santa. The train is fully decked out in Christmas decorations for anyone from ages nine to 90 to marvel at this holiday season. This is a fully heated train so don’t worry about bundling up for the ride, a bathroom is also open to any guests.
Little River Railroad’s Christmas/Holiday Express
Little River Railroad, 29 W. Park Ave. Coldwater, MI 49036
Looking to experience a real country Christmas? Take a scenic ride through Coldwater in southern Michigan on the Holiday Express.
Help keep steam-powered trains up and running by grabbing tickets to Little River’s Railroad Christmas/Holiday Express, which is running only four days this year: on December 3, 4, 10, and 11, 2022.
Tickets are in high demand, so make sure to purchase your tickets before they sell out. Kids can visit with Santa himself on the train, which runs about an hour round-trip.
Don’t miss out on all of the other kid-friendly special events this railroad runs, including Easter Train where kids can hang out with the Easter Bunny, and the Fall Pumpkin Train.
Holiday Magic at Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad
6140 N Bray Rd, Flint, MI 48505
Open November 29-30 and December on 1; 6-8; 13-15, 18-22, and 26-29, this is one of the easier Holiday Trains to get on as there is more availability. Enjoy not only the locomotive ride but the Village as well as Crossroads is decorated each year in a plethora of Christmas Lights. The beautiful holiday lights display is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit.
If you happen to be in the village on select dates, perhaps try out the Christmas Dinner Buffet to warm those bellies with ham or chicken before braving the cold blustery Winter. If you are going on the train, be sure to bring your mask as well as your good cheer.
Train rides aren’t the only fun holiday event going on at the Crossroads Village Holiday Magic event: they have a spectacular Christmas light show, too. You can purchase your tickets for Christmas at Crossroads Train Ride here.
Southern Michigan Railroad Santa Express
Tecumseh, Michigan
You’ll hear those sleigh bells jinging as soon as you step aboard the train for a 45-minute ride up to Santa’s workshop. The kids will have a chance to tell Santa just how good they’ve been this year and what they have on their holiday list.
Book your spot on the ‘Presents and Toys’ coach filled up with holiday lights and wrapped presents or enjoy the trip in the ‘Candy Cane Caboose’ stuffed with candy canes and a Christmas tree! This fun holiday train ride is sure to warm even the Grinch’s heart.
You can find ticket info and event details here.
Northern Star Train Midland
Head to Midland during the holiday season for a free 10-15 minute train ride around the city and see a Christmas lights display or two around this pretty mid-Michigan city.
The Northern Star train departs from the Midland County Courthouse (also known Santa’s House) at the corner of M-20 and Main Street and return to the same spot, where you can visit with the holly jolly man himself!
You can find dates and times here.
Peacock Road Family Farm
11854 Peacock Road, Laingsburg MI 48848
Take a train ride on the Peacock Express to see Santa and Mrs. Claus at their cabin in the woods. The train leaves the station every half hour. You will travel pass the Peacock Far, herd of reindeer, go over the river and through the woods to reach Santa’s cabin. Watch carefully, Santa will be waiting for you as you come around the bend.
Fine out more about this fun family train ride and Christmas at Peacock Road Family Farm here.
Want More Train Rides in Michigan?
We have a fabulous guide to 12 Top Train Rides in Michigan that you can take almost any time of the year!
More Michigan Holiday Fun
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