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A Maine Christmas Train Ride In Unity!

Published: November 14, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Few heritage railroads in New England carry the same blend of coastal charm, rugged inland history, and community pride as the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad, based in the picturesque mid-coast town of Unity, Maine.

Today operated by the non-profit Brooks Preservation Society, the BM&L offers year-round excursion service that celebrates its rich past while providing one of Maine’s most accessible and family-friendly railroad experiences. And when December arrives, the line transforms into a festive destination with two beloved Christmas events: the Santa Express and the uniquely timed Santa’s Sunset Limited.

Together, these rides showcase not only the railroad’s holiday spirit but also the enduring legacy of a line that once served farms, factories, and ports in central Maine—and now carries families, tourists, and railfans across a landscape rich in history.

Belfast & Moosehead Lake 70-tonner #50 departs Belfast, Maine with a 14-mile round-trip excursion along Penobscot Bay. Ronald Johnson photo.

A Brief Background: Railroading in Mid-Coast Maine

The origins of the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad reach back to 1867, when locals in Waldo County envisioned a railroad that would link their farms and industries to larger markets. Construction began in earnest in the 1870s, and by 1876 the B&ML had completed its 33-mile route between the coastal port of Belfast and the inland community of Burnham Junction, where it connected with the Maine Central Railroad.

This simple branch line played a disproportionately important role in the region. It transported agricultural goods—especially poultry, dairy, and produce—out of Waldo County, and brought in fuel, manufactured goods, and supplies. For nearly a century it served as the industrial backbone of the region.

The line is most often associated with its beautiful red brick terminal on the Belfast waterfront. For generations, trains loaded and unloaded freight at the same docks where schooners and steamers tied up, making Belfast a truly multimodal transportation hub.

Yet like many short lines across New England, the BM&L faced decline in the post-war period. Freight dwindled, passenger service vanished, and by the early 2000s, the line’s long-term survival was uncertain.

Preservation and Revival

The modern era of the B&ML began when the Brooks Preservation Society (BPS) stepped in to save the remaining trackage and equipment after the original railroad ceased operations. BPS—run by volunteers passionate about Maine’s rail history—moved quickly to stabilize track, rebuild rolling stock, and restore excursion service.

Today, the Heritage Railroad operates from Unity, Maine, running on well-maintained portions of the historic mainline. While the original stretch through Belfast has since been repurposed into a rail trail, the Unity-based operations preserve the spirit and equipment of the historic B&ML.

The preservation group has continued to invest in the experience: restoring classic diesel locomotives, rehabilitating coaches, developing themed excursions, and building a community-oriented program that brings people from across New England to ride the rails.

The result is a heritage railroad that is both historically grounded and forward-looking, offering modern event programming while honoring the BM&L’s origins.

The Present Day: Excursions Through Countryside and History

The BM&L’s scenic runs are well-known for their quiet rural beauty. The landscape around Unity is quintessential central Maine: rolling farmland, forested hills, shimmering ponds, and classic New England homesteads. Excursions typically run from Unity Station, heading through the countryside on a gentle, family-friendly ride lasting between 45 minutes and two hours depending on the event.Popular Non-Seasonal Excursions

Throughout the year, the BM&L offers a varied schedule of themed and scenic rides. Some of the most popular include:

1. The Fall Foliage Train

Autumn is arguably the railroad’s signature season. These excursions take passengers through corridors of vivid reds, oranges, and golds as Maine’s hardwood forests put on their annual display. These trips often sell out and attract both locals and leaf-peepers from across New England.

2. Ice Cream Trains & Family Rides

During warmer months, short family-oriented excursions combine a relaxed rail journey with treats, often paired with children’s activities or local partnerships. These rides are ideal for younger passengers and remain a core part of the railroad’s seasonal schedule.

3. Beer, Wine & Spirits Trains

Adult-oriented evening rides have grown in popularity. Partnering with local breweries, wineries, and distillers, the BM&L hosts tasting excursions that showcase Maine’s craft beverage scene. These trips blend railroading nostalgia with modern culinary culture.

4. Special Events & Character Trains

From spring celebrations to themed story trains for kids, the BM&L designs experiences that can be enjoyed by families, couples, and casual riders alike. These events help keep the railroad active from early May through late fall.

No matter the season, each trip provides an immersive look at the region’s rural charm, with conductors and crew sharing railroad history, local stories, and occasional behind-the-scenes insights into equipment and preservation.

Christmas at the B&ML

When December arrives, the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad embraces the Christmas season with two of its most anticipated events. Together, the Santa Express and Santa’s Sunset Limited transform the Unity-based railroad into a festive holiday corridor filled with lights, music, stories, and family traditions.

The Santa Express

The Santa Express is the railroad’s flagship holiday ride and one of the most family-friendly Christmas events in central Maine.

A Journey to Meet Santa

Families board decorated coaches at Unity Station, where the festive atmosphere begins immediately: twinkling lights, garlands, wreaths, and carols played over the speakers. The ride itself is a gentle round-trip run through the winter countryside—snow-covered fields and frosted forests if the weather cooperates.

During the trip:

• Santa boards the train, greeting each child individually
• Every young passenger receives a small gift or goodie bag
• Volunteers share Christmas stories and help with sing-alongs
• Hot cocoa and cookies are often available either onboard or at the station
• Families are encouraged to take photos with Santa, the train crew, and the decorated coaches

The Santa Express is tailored to younger families, offering a manageable ride length, warm indoor seating, and a relaxed pace. For many local residents, it has become an annual tradition.

Santa’s Sunset Limited

While the Santa Express is ideal for daytime family fun, Santa’s Sunset Limited provides a distinctly different atmosphere—a twilight or early-evening holiday ride designed to capture the magic of Christmas lights against a Maine sunset.What Makes the Sunset Limited Special?

• The train departs as daylight fades, offering gorgeous views of winter skies
• Coaches are fully illuminated with holiday lights, giving the train a glowing, seasonal appearance
• The mood is calm, cozy, and slightly more atmospheric than the daytime Santa Express
• Santa still makes his onboard visit, but the experience often feels more “storybook,” thanks to the evening setting
• Great for families with older kids, couples, and photographers looking for something visually special

The contrast between the fading sky and the warm lights of the train creates moments reminiscent of classic Christmas illustrations. It is easily one of the most unique holiday train experiences in the state.

A Living Piece of Maine Railroading

Today, the Belfast & Moosehead Lake stands not simply as a heritage attraction, but as a testament to Maine’s commitment to preserving its industrial and cultural past. Through the dedication of volunteers and the support of its community, the B&ML continues to share the joy of railroading with future generations.

From fall foliage tours to sunset tasting trains, from children’s story rides to festive Christmas excursions, the B&ML offers something for everyone—railfans, families, history buffs, and visitors simply looking for a scenic outing.

Yet it is during the holiday season that the railroad truly comes alive, carrying passengers not only across miles of track, but back into the spirit of childhood wonder.  To learn more about the railroad's excursions please click here to visit their website.