Santa Express™

Nov 25-26 & Dec 2-3, 2023

Train Rides with Old Saint Nick

Celebrate the holiday season in a uniquely festive way aboard the 28th Annual Santa Express. Santa will visit as you take in the spirit of Christmas past on an early 1900s adventure. All 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. Once aboard, 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 the four-day event. Trains travel the entire 7-mile round-trip route. Rides last 55 minutes.

Saturday, November 25, 2023 – Departures at 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:30 pm

Sunday, November 26, 2023 – Departures at 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:30 pm

Saturday, December 2, 2023 – Departures at 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:30 pm

Sunday, December 3, 2023 – Departures at 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:30 pm

Returning for a second year…

The Holiday Flyer

Hot Chocolate and Christmas Fun

Celebrate the holiday season with a festive train ride. Embark on a 55-minute sunset ride through rural Sauk County, arriving back at North Freedom from the roundtrip ride at twilight.

Aboard the train, passengers will enjoy festive decorations and music. Hot chocolate, candy canes, as well as goodie bags for children will be provided by North Pole elves.

SANTA IS NOT SCHEDULED TO MAKE AN APPEARANCE ON 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 twlight, proving a unique ride experience. The century-old railcars are kept comfortably warm using the original steam heating systems.

Book Tickets

Booking coming soon

Booking for this train is not yet available. Check back soon.

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 prior to your train’s scheduled departure time. For current road conditions, visit https://511wi.gov/.