Santa Express — Southern Michigan Railroad Society

The Southern Michigan Railroad Society runs the Santa Express from Clinton, Michigan. Passengers board at the Clinton United Methodist Church for a ride to Santa's Caboose, then get off the train to visit Santa and share their Christmas wishes.

The operator says every child receives a gift from Santa and every passenger receives complimentary hot cocoa from Santa's elves in the gift shop. The whole experience lasts around an hour and a quarter: about 15 minutes of riding in each direction, with a 45-minute layover at Clinton Station for the visit with Santa, the gift shop and the hot chocolate.

Seating is in a Chicago South Shore & South Bend commuter coach or a New York Central bay-window caboose, and the society also offers two private cabooses, a Conrail cupola caboose for up to 8 and a Duluth, Winnipeg & Pacific cupola caboose for up to 10.

The society describes its equipment as historic.

About 1 hour 15 minutes in total: roughly 15 minutes on the train each way and a 45-minute layover at Clinton Station for a visit with Santa in his caboose, the gift shop and complimentary hot chocolate. Every child gets a gift. The train has only small propane heaters and passengers are outside on the station platforms, so dress for the weather.

Trains depart from the Clinton United Methodist Church, 10990 Tecumseh–Clinton Hwy, Clinton, Michigan. Arrive 20 minutes before departure. The train has small propane heaters but no central heating, and trains operate in rain, snow or shine. There are no restrooms aboard; portable restrooms are available at the station platforms. The historic equipment is not handicap accessible. No smoking, alcohol or pets. The society reserves the right to cancel trips and substitute equipment. Phone: 517-456-7677.