If your family loves holiday traditions with a little bit of magic, the East Troy Christmas Train is one of the most memorable seasonal experiences in Southeast Wisconsin. This festive ride takes families on a charming journey to Santa’s Workshop at the Elegant Farmer, complete with historic train cars, winter scenery, and a visit with Santa himself.
📍 Looking for more festive rides?
Check out our full list of Holiday Train Rides Near Milwaukee to explore even more seasonal options.
What the Experience Is Like
The Christmas Train departs from the East Troy Depot and travels through the countryside in historic, heated rail cars. The round-trip experience lasts just under two hours, giving families plenty of time to relax, take in the snowy landscape, and enjoy the nostalgic charm of the ride.
When the train arrives at the Elegant Farmer, kids can:
- Meet Santa
- Take photos
- Receive a small gift
Santa’s Workshop is decorated for the season and offers additional activities for families, making the stop a highlight of the trip.
Schedule & Departure Details
The Christmas Train typically operates on Saturdays and Sundays in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
The ride departs from:
East Troy Depot
2002 Church Street
East Troy, WI
Train cars are warm and cozy, restrooms are available, and there is free parking at the depot.
Train Times
Departure times generally include:
- 9:00 a.m.
- 10:30 a.m.
- 12:00 p.m.
- 1:30 p.m.
- 3:00 p.m.
(Note: the 3:00 p.m. train does not run on certain dates.)
Families looking for an extra-special outing can watch for Santa’s Special Saturday Evening Trains, which run on select Thursday and Friday evenings. These tend to fill quickly.
Ticket Pricing
Ticket prices vary slightly by day of the week. Here’s what families can expect:
- Adults: $28 (Sunday) or $30 (Saturday)
- Children ages 3–14: $24 (Sunday) or $26 (Saturday)
- Infants and toddlers: $11 (Sunday) or $12 (Saturday)
Reservations are required, and trains often sell out early. Tickets can be purchased online at the East Troy Railroad Museum website.
More About Santa’s Workshop at the Elegant Farmer
The Elegant Farmer is beautifully decorated for the season and adds to the charm of the outing. Kids can enjoy festive activities, and families will find seasonal treats available. It’s a warm, welcoming stop that complements the ride and makes the experience feel complete.
How to Book
Reservations must be made in advance, and some dates sell out quickly each year.
Tickets are available at:
More Holiday Fun
For more seasonal outings, lights, events, and Santa experiences, explore our Holiday Fun Guide — your go-to resource for celebrating the season with kids around Milwaukee.
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
