Christmas Trains — East Troy Railroad Museum

The East Troy Railroad Museum runs Christmas Trains each holiday season: heated electric railcars carry passengers from the East Troy Depot to Santa's Workshop, where children can visit Santa and have a photo taken with him.

The daytime train experience lasts two hours in total: about 25 minutes on the train to Santa's Workshop, an hour at the workshop and a 15-minute ride back, during which every toddler and child receives a gift from an elf. There is a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Santa's Special Evening Trains offer an upgraded experience in First Class Art-Deco dining cars, complete with cookies, hot chocolate, adult hot chocolate or a beer. The museum also lists a Christmas Parade Train, which it says is not meant for public rides.

Daytime trains: two hours in total, with about 25 minutes on the train to Santa's Workshop, one hour at the workshop and a 15-minute ride back. Children can visit Santa, take a photo, and receive a gift from an elf on the return ride. The trains are heated and restrooms are available at the depot and at the workshop. Santa's Special Evening Trains ride First Class Art-Deco dining cars, complete with cookies, hot chocolate, adult hot chocolate or a beer.

Trains board only at the East Troy Depot, 2002 Church Street, East Troy, WI. Online advance reservations are required and every rider needs a ticket. Fares differ by weekday (Sunday/Saturday for daytime trains; Friday/Saturday for evening trains), by age and by museum membership. Tickets and a member presale are announced by the museum ahead of the public on-sale. Contact: 262-642-3263. Mailing address: PO Box 943, East Troy, WI 53120.