Michigan Christmas Trains: Polar Express & More

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.

🎄 Updated November 2025 with current dates, prices, and ticket information!

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.

🎄 MICHIGAN CHRISTMAS TRAINS QUICK COMPARISON
🎟️ Most Affordable: Northern Star Railroad (FREE!)
💰 Best Value: Peacock Express ($115 for up to 7 people)
⭐ Most Authentic: North Pole Express (Real Polar Express train!)
👶 Best for Toddlers: Northern Star (15 minutes) or Peacock (flexible)
🎅 Best Santa Experience: Coopersville (personal visits)
❄️ Most Activities: Crossroads Village (train + lights + village)
⚠️ Fastest to Sell Out: North Pole Express (2-4 hours!) 🚂 Longest Ride: Coopersville (90 minutes)

💡 Booking Tip: Most trains sell out by early November. North Pole Express tickets go on sale June 24 at NOON – set your alarm!

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. Tickets go on sale June 24, 2025 at 12:00pm NOON and sell out in 2-4 hours!

2025-2026 Dates: November 21-23, 28-30; December 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 2025
Price: $85+ per person (all ages)
Duration: 4-hour experience total.

💡 Insider Tip: Set an alarm for 11:45am on June 24! Have your credit card ready and refresh the page right at noon. These tickets sell out FAST. Weekday evening trains are less crowded than Saturday afternoons.

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 and Sunday from November 29 through December 21, 2025 for some Ho Ho Ho fun with Santa.

2025-2026 Dates: Saturdays & Sundays, November 29 – December 21, 2025
Price: $30-$47 per person (varies by seating choice)
Ticket Sales: On sale now – book by mid-October for best availability

💡Insider Tip: The “Candy Cane Caboose” upgrade ($47) is worth it for train-obsessed kids – the view is incredible! Arrive 30 minutes early to explore the charming depot and use restrooms before boarding.

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 in 2025: December 6, 7, 13, and 14.

2025 Dates: December 6-7, 13-14, 2025
Price: $22 adults, $15 children (ages 3-11)
Important: Train is ENCLOSED but NOT HEATED – dress very warmly!

💡 Insider Tip: This is a real steam locomotive experience! Dress like you’re going sledding – winter coat, hat, mittens, warm boots. Bring hand warmers for kids’ mittens. The steam engine is amazing but it’s COLD!

Holiday Magic at Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad
6140 N Bray Rd, Flint, MI 48505

Open November 28-30, December 5-7, 12-14, 17-21, 26-28, 2025 – this is one of the easier Holiday Trains to get on as there is more availability.

2025 Dates: Nov 28-30, Dec 5-7, 12-14, 17-21, 26-28, 2025
Price: $25-$27 per person
Duration: 40-minute train ride + 2-3 hours for village exploration

💡 Insider Tip: Book the LAST train time of the evening, then explore the village first while it’s less crowded. The Christmas lights look even more magical after dark! The covered bridge makes a gorgeous photo spot.

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.

2025 Dates: November 29-30, December 6-7, 13-14, 2025
Price: $20 adults, $15 seniors
Private Caboose: $150 (8 people) or $175 (10 people)
Ticket Sales:Begin October 2025 – sells out fast!

💡 Insider Tip: The private caboose is an amazing deal for families! $150 ÷ 8 people = less than $19 per person, and you get your own space. Perfect for extended family. Dress warmly – you’ll be outside waiting and at the North Pole stop.

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!

2025 Dates: December 6-23, 2025
Hours: Mon-Fri 6pm-8:30pm (check website for weekend hours)
Price: FREE!
No tickets needed: First-come, first-served

💡 **Insider Tip:** Go on a weeknight (Tuesday or Wednesday) around 6:30pm for the shortest wait. Weekend lines can be 30-45 minutes. Bundle up – this is an OPEN-AIR train! Bring blankets and hot cocoa in a thermos.

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!

Last Updated: November 2025

Planning your Michigan Christmas adventure?

Check out our Christmas Lights in Michigan guide and our gudie to the best Michigan beach towns to visit at Christmas for more fun holiday ideas!

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