Santa Express & Holiday Flyer Trains
Make Mid-Continent Railway Museum part of your family’s holiday season tradition. We offer two types of festive train rides.
Now in its third decade, the Santa Express is Mid-Continent’s traditional Christmas train that includes a visit from Santa Claus and a small gift from Santa’s elves for the children during a 55-minute ride. This experience is perfect for families with younger children or adults who are young at heart.
Aboard the Holiday Flyer passengers each receive a hot chocolate and treats with a festive onboard atmosphere. This experience is perfect for adults or families with older children looking for a fun holiday experience without a visit from Santa Claus.
Santa Express™
Nov 30-Dec 1 & Dec 7-8, 2024
Train Rides with Old Saint Nick
Celebrate the holiday season in a uniquely festive way aboard the 30th Annual Santa Express. Santa will visit as you take in the spirit of Christmas past on an early 1900s adventure. All train cars are kept comfortably warm using the over century-old tradition of steam heating or coal-fired stoves, just like at the North Pole.
A uniformed conductor will welcome you aboard and collect your tickets. Upon departing, Santa takes time to visit each and every family at their seat during the 55-minute ride. Santa’s elves are also aboard and help spread Christmas cheer with small gifts for the children.
All aboard!
Santa Express Schedule
There are four Santa Express departures each day of this four-day event. Trains travel the entire 7-mile round-trip route. Rides last 55 minutes.
Saturday, November 30, 2024 – Departures at 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:30 pm
Sunday, December 1, 2024 – Departures at 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:30 pm
Saturday, December 7, 2024 – Departures at 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:30 pm
Sunday, December 8, 2024 – Departures at 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:30 pm
Santa Express Photos
Returning for a third year…
The Holiday Flyer
December 7, 2024
Hot Chocolate and Christmas Fun
Departing Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 4:00 PM, 5:30 PM, and (newly added) 7:00 PM departure.
Celebrate the holiday season with a festive train ride. Embark on a 55-minute evening ride through rural Sauk County.
Aboard the train, passengers will enjoy festive decorations and music. Hot chocolate and goodies will be provided onboard.
SANTA WILL NOT BE ABOARD THE HOLIDAY FLYER TRAIN. For an experience with Santa, please book our Santa Express trains.
This is a rare chance to experience Mid-Continent’s train rides during twilight or after dark (depending on the departure time chosen), proving a unique ride experience. The century-old railcars are kept comfortably warm using the train’s original steam heating system for a truly historic atmosphere.
Holiday Flyer Photos
Book Your Tickets
Most Santa Express and Holiday Flyer trains are expected to sell out in advance. Book tickets early!
Fares
For the Santa Express and Holiday Flyer trains, Coach Class is the only type of ticket offered.
| Fare Class | Fare |
|---|---|
| Adult | $27.00 |
| Senior (62+) | $25.00 |
| Child (3-15) | $14.00 |
| Child (2 and Under) | Free |
WINTER WEATHER NOTICE: Santa Express and Holiday Flyer trains operate as scheduled regardless of weather conditions. If driving through winter weather please allow extra travel time and arrive at least 30 minutes before your train’s scheduled departure time. For current road conditions, visit https://511wi.gov/.