Massachusetts Christmas Train Rides In Adams!
Published: November 27, 2025
By: Adam Burns
In the rolling hills and historic mill towns of western Massachusetts, the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum keeps the romance of railroading alive.
Run largely by dedicated volunteers, the museum preserves and interprets the region’s rich rail heritage while offering seasonal excursions that invite visitors to step back into a slower, storybook pace.
Each December, those efforts culminate in two wildly popular holiday rides—the Tinseliner and the Mrs. Claus Cookie Express—festive experiences that have become beloved traditions for families across the Berkshires and beyond.
About the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum
The Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum (BSRM) exists to celebrate and safeguard the railroad history of Berkshire County. Through exhibits, restoration projects, and public excursions, the museum connects people with the sights, sounds, and craftsmanship of American railroading.
Today, their excursion operations are best known through the "Hoosac Valley Train Ride," which runs between Adams and North Adams on a scenic stretch of track in the northern Berkshires. Volunteers restore vintage equipment, staff the trains, decorate coaches for special events, and share stories that turn a simple train ride into a moving history lesson.
Mission
The museum’s mission is as much about community as it is about preservation. Seasonal events draw in locals and travelers, introduce new generations to the magic of trains, and channel proceeds back into restoration and educational programming. In winter, that mission sparkles brightest with BSRM’s holiday trains, where authentic vintage rolling stock and small-town New England charm set the stage for memory-making.
The Tinseliner
A Sparkling Holiday Journey
The Tinseliner is the museum’s signature Christmas excursion—its very name conjures images of twinkling lights and old-fashioned merriment. Set on the Hoosac Valley line, the experience blends the quiet nostalgia of a vintage train ride with the color and warmth of the season.
What to expect
Festive RDCs: Volunteers deck the train - powered by historic Rail Diesel Cars, or RDCs - in garlands, bows, lights, and holiday displays. The ambiance is cozy and classic, more Currier & Ives than commercial spectacle.
Seasonal music and narration: Expect carols and holiday tunes playing softly as the train glides through the wintry landscape, along with live or recorded narration that highlights local history and rail lore.
Santa’s visit: A highlight for younger riders is a visit from Santa on the train, often accompanied by helpers who hand out small treats or souvenirs. Photo opportunities are typically part of the experience, and the jolly guest is patient with excited little ones.
Scenic route: The Hoosac Valley corridor brings together New England village charm, mill-town architecture, and mountain views. Snow is never guaranteed, but when it arrives, the ride takes on a snow-globe quality that’s pure magic.
Timing and practicalities
The Tinseliner generally operates on select dates from late November into December, with departures concentrated on weekends and some evenings. Trips are typically around an hour, give or take, which is just right for families with small children. Because demand can be high, it’s wise to buy tickets well in advance. Arrive early (30 minutes is a safe buffer) to check in, find your car, and settle in without rushing.
Why It Resonates
The Tinseliner succeeds because it’s grounded in authenticity. The coaches and locomotive are the real thing—vintage equipment lovingly maintained by people who know and care about railroad history. The volunteers’ enthusiasm is contagious, and the low-key, heartfelt presentation stands out in a season that can feel over-scheduled. For many families, the Tinseliner isn’t just an outing; it’s the moment when the holidays truly begin.
Mrs. Claus Cookie Express
A Sweet Experience for Young Riders
If the Tinseliner is a sparkling evening out, the Mrs. Claus Cookie Express is a daytime delight tuned to younger children and those who enjoy hands-on fun. It trades twinkle lights for cookies and craft-time, inviting kids to slow down, listen to a story, and savor the simple joys of the season.
What to expect
Mrs. Claus hosts: Mrs. Claus sets the tone with warm, grandmotherly charm, greeting children, answering questions, and making time for quick photos.
Cookies and cocoa: As the name promises, cookies are front and center—often accompanied by hot chocolate. Sometimes there’s a decorating activity or a simple craft. The exact format can vary year to year, but it’s always designed to be easy and enjoyable for small hands.
Storytime and singalongs: A short reading—think classic holiday tales—plus a few familiar songs help keep even wiggly little riders engaged without overwhelming them.
Keepsakes: Children typically receive a small treat or memento to remember their ride. Simple, meaningful gestures are part of what make this train a family favorite.
Timing and practicalities
Like the Tinseliner, the Mrs. Claus Cookie Express runs on select dates in the late fall and early winter, usually during daylight hours. The ride time is similar—about an hour—making it a comfortable length for toddlers and preschoolers.
Strollers are usually best left in the car; a small bag with essentials is easier to manage on board. Seating is typically assigned at booking or managed by car hosts; it helps to book all seats for your party together.
Why It Resonates
The Mrs. Claus Cookie Express is built for connection—between parents and children, and between families and the museum’s volunteers. It’s delightfully low-tech, and that’s the point: a shared cookie, a good story, and a view out the window as the Berkshires roll by.
More Than a Train Ride: Supporting Preservation and Community
One of the best parts of booking a seat on the Tinseliner or the Mrs. Claus Cookie Express is knowing your fare does double duty. You’re not only creating a memorable holiday tradition; you’re also supporting the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum’s ongoing preservation work. Ticket revenue helps fund restoration of historic rolling stock, museum programs, and the upkeep required to keep vintage trains safe and operating.
The volunteers behind the scenes—restorers, car hosts, engineers, and decorators—give countless hours to ensure each trip runs smoothly. Their care shows in the way children are greeted, questions are answered, and little details are tended to—from garlands hung just so to cocoa served with a smile. That human touch is the difference between a generic attraction and a tradition worth repeating.
Final Thoughts
In a world that moves fast, the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum’s holiday trains invite you to slow down, sing a carol, sip some cocoa, and watch winter’s quiet beauty roll by.
Whether you choose the Tinseliner’s twinkling charm or the Mrs. Claus Cookie Express’s cookie-fueled cheer, you’ll step off the train with something rare and valuable: a shared experience you’ll want to return to year after year.
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