Santa Express — Mid-Continent Railway Museum

The Santa Express is the Mid-Continent Railway Museum's traditional Christmas train, run on selected days from its depot at North Freedom, Wisconsin. The museum describes train rides with Old Saint Nick on an early-1900s adventure.

All cars are kept warm using steam heating or coal-fired stoves, and a uniformed conductor welcomes passengers aboard. During the 55-minute ride, Santa visits every family at their seat, and his elves help spread cheer with small gifts for the children. Trains travel the entire 7-mile round-trip route, and Coach Class is the only ticket type offered.

The museum also schedules a separate Holiday Flyer evening ride, with hot chocolate and treats but no Santa, aimed at adults and families with older children.

A 55-minute ride over the museum's 7-mile round trip in steam-heated or stove-heated early-1900s cars. A uniformed conductor welcomes you aboard, Santa visits each family at their seat, and elves give small gifts to the children. Coach Class is the only seating offered.

Mid-Continent Railway Museum, E8948 Museum Road, North Freedom, WI 53951; office phone 608-522-4261. Four Santa Express departures run each day of the event. Tickets are sold in advance with a convenience fee; adults and children (3-15) pay different fares and infants ride free. The museum issues winter weather notices for the Santa Express and Holiday Flyer. The separate Holiday Flyer evening ride has no Santa aboard.