Artistic rendering – Event may differ
Santa Express, Holiday Flyer & Holiday Nightcap Trains
Step back in time for a magical holiday train experience at Mid-Continent Railway Museum. Choose from three festive journeys: the Santa Express, where Santa himself visits each family with a gift; the Holiday Flyer, offering a festive evening ride with hot chocolate and treats; or the Holiday Nightcap, an adults-only excursion with spiked hot chocolate. All rides feature historic, steam-heated railcars for a truly authentic Christmas adventure.
What to Expect
Historic train rides with Santa or festive holiday themes.
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
- Parking: No specific information available, but visitors are advised to allow extra travel time for winter weather.
- Accessibility: The Santa Express and Holiday Flyer trains operate regardless of weather conditions. Visitors driving through winter weather should allow extra travel time and arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
- Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, couples, adults seeking festive holiday experiences
Vibe
Festive, nostalgic, charming, cozy
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low (trains run regardless of weather)
Special Events & Promotions
- New for 2025: Holiday Nightcap train for adults 21+
- Santa visits each family on the Santa Express
- Small gifts from Santa's elves for children on the Santa Express
Tags
Featured Video
Website & Socials
Location
Event Details
Duration
55 minutes per ride
Ages
Santa Express: All ages; Holiday Flyer: All ages; Holiday Nightcap: 21+
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Mid-Continent Railway Museum
Food & Drink
Hot chocolate and treats provided on Holiday Flyer; spiked hot chocolate on Holiday Nightcap.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Book tickets well in advance, as all trains are expected to sell out.
- Allow extra travel time if driving in winter weather, and plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your departure.
- Consider the Holiday Nightcap for an adults-only festive experience, featuring spiked hot chocolate.
- The Santa Express is ideal for families with younger children, offering a visit from Santa and a small gift.
- Dress warmly and comfortably, as the historic railcars are heated but the journey takes place in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Santa Express, Holiday Flyer, and Holiday Nightcap?
The Santa Express includes a visit from Santa and a gift for children. The Holiday Flyer offers a festive evening ride with hot chocolate and treats, without Santa. The Holiday Nightcap is for adults 21+ and includes spiked hot chocolate.
Are the trains heated?
Yes, all train cars are kept comfortably warm using the traditional steam heating system or coal-fired stoves, similar to how they were heated in the early 1900s.
What is the duration of each train ride?
Each train ride lasts approximately 55 minutes and covers a 7-mile round-trip route.
Can I bring infants on the Holiday Nightcap train?
No, the Holiday Nightcap train is exclusively for passengers aged 21 and older, so infants are not permitted.
What happens if there is bad weather?
The Santa Express and Holiday Flyer trains operate as scheduled regardless of weather conditions. Visitors should allow extra travel time for winter weather.
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.
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