Christmas City Express — North Shore Scenic Railroad

The Christmas City Express is a holiday experience run by the North Shore Scenic Railroad at the Duluth Depot in Duluth, Minnesota. The operator calls it a storybook experience recommended for families with children and the young at heart. It begins inside the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, where guests hear a classic book reading of the Christmas City Express story, enjoy carolers and meet a special guest.

Guests then board the train for a cheerful 30-minute ride out to the shore of Lake Superior, with holiday music, singalongs, some narration and twinkling lights. Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies are served on board. The operator says the event is designed with shorter attention spans in mind, making it a good fit for children under 10, and that the whole experience lasts about 90 minutes from arrival to finish.

Museum admission is included with the ticket during and after the performance, but only about 20 minutes of exploring time is available; the museum is not open for general touring while the shows run. Coach seats are the standard ticket, and an upgrade to the SkyView dome car, with booth seating under the glass dome, is sold for an extra charge. Each evening features local musicians before and after the performance. The operator encourages every rider to bring a letter for Santa, who is part of the show.

About 90 minutes in all: a book reading, carolers and a visit from a special guest in the museum, then a 30-minute train ride to the Lake Superior shore with holiday music, singalongs, narration and lights. Hot chocolate and cookies are served on board. Aimed at families with children under 10. Bring a letter for Santa; include a return address and Santa will reply by mail, according to the operator.

Departs from the Duluth Depot, 506 W. Michigan Street, Duluth, Minnesota. Space is very limited and reservations are strongly encouraged; if seats remain, tickets can be bought at the ticket office from 3 pm on the day of the performance. A premium-day fee applies on Saturdays. In Coach, ages 2 and under ride free; Domecar seats are priced for all passengers aged 0 and up. The story performance is wheelchair accessible but the train ride is not: boarding requires about four steps up, and limited-mobility guests should allow extra time to walk from parking to the train. The museum closes early on show days (4 pm Fridays, 3 pm Saturdays); coming earlier in the day earns half-price museum admission as a combo with the train ticket.