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Christmas

Christmas Express — Little River Railroad

  • Run by Little River Railroad
  • Little River Railroad station — Coldwater, Michigan, United States

Next: Dec 5–13, 2026

A steam-powered round trip from Coldwater, Michigan, to Quincy with Santa on board, held on weekends before Christmas.

Updated

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Next edition

Dec 5–13, 2026

Dec 5, 6, 12 and 13. Saturdays at 1 and 4 pm; Sundays at 1 pm. About 1.5 hours. Tickets must be bought in advance.

From $15 (as published by the operator)

About this event

The Little River Railroad, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to restoring and operating historic railroad equipment, runs its Christmas Express from Coldwater, Michigan. The operator describes a steam-powered round trip to Quincy, with a visit from Santa on board the train, and a duration of about an hour and a half.

The railroad describes an authentic 100-year-old steam engine train, and says its trains normally run between Coldwater and Quincy and occasionally to Hillsdale. Pre-purchased tickets are required for the Christmas Express.

The railroad also runs seasonal specials through the year, including Easter, pumpkin and train-robbery trips.

What to expect

A steam-powered round trip to Quincy of about 1.5 hours, with Santa visiting on board the train. Tickets must be bought in advance.

Practical info

Trains leave from Coldwater, Michigan: Little River Railroad, 29 W. Park Avenue. The operator asks everyone to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure and warns it will not hold the train for late arrivals. Pre-purchased tickets are required for the Christmas Express and are sold online; the ticket office opens two hours before departure on operating days. Tickets are non-refundable; the operator may exchange a ticket for a trip of the same price in the same calendar year, when available. The train is handicap accessible; guests who need the accessible coach (number 5205) or assistance should tell the operator. Fees apply to online fares.

Where it happens

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Christmas Express?▾
The operator's booking page lists a 1.5-hour, steam-powered round trip to Quincy, Michigan, with a visit from Santa on board.
Where does the train leave from?▾
From the Little River Railroad station at 29 W. Park Avenue, Coldwater, MI 49036.
Do I need to book in advance?▾
Yes. The operator's special events page says pre-purchased tickets are required for the Christmas Express. Tickets are sold online.
When should we arrive?▾
At least 30 minutes before departure. The operator says it will not hold the train for anyone running late.
Can I get a refund or change my date?▾
Tickets are non-refundable. The operator can exchange a ticket for another trip of the same price in the same calendar year when space is available.
Is the train accessible?▾
The operator says its train is handicap accessible and asks guests to buy tickets for its accessible coach, number 5205, when available, and to tell it if assistance is needed.

Sources

Dates checked on Oct 8, 2026 from the official site: littleriverrailroad.com. Schedules can change — always confirm with the operator before you travel.

Official website: littleriverrailroad.com

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