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A Kentucky Christmas Train Ride On The Santa Train!

Published: October 27, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Where rail history and holiday magic meet in the heart of Kentucky’s horse country, the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and its beloved Santa Trains offer families, railfans, and holiday enthusiasts an experience that’s equal parts nostalgia and delight. Set amid the rolling pastures and dry-stacked stone fences of Woodford County, the museum and excursion line provide a window into the region’s railroading past—and, come late fall, a festive journey that has become an annual tradition for thousands.

About the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum

Located just a short drive from Lexington in Versailles, the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum is a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to preserving and interpreting central Kentucky’s railroad heritage. The campus typically features a small but thoughtful collection of vintage locomotives, passenger and freight cars, a depot area, and interpretive displays that tell the story of how railroads powered Kentucky’s agriculture, bourbon, industry, and daily life.

What sets the museum apart is that it’s not just static exhibits. On most operating days, visitors can board a vintage passenger coach for a leisurely excursion through the countryside. The ride travels several miles along a historic line once served by larger railroads, threading past thoroughbred farms, tree-lined fields, and vistas that hint at the dramatic limestone Palisades near the Kentucky River. Docents and crew—often volunteers with deep knowledge of rail history—bring the route to life with anecdotes about the equipment, the region, and how the railroad connected communities long before interstates.

Trips generally run from late spring or summer through the holiday season, with themed rides sprinkled throughout the year. While schedules can vary annually, weekends are typically your best bet for regular excursions. Because the museum runs historic equipment, operations are carefully managed and may change due to maintenance or weather; checking the official schedule before you go is a must.

The Santa Trains: Holiday Cheer on Rails
As autumn gives way to twinkling lights and carols, the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad transforms its coaches into rolling holiday halls for its popular Santa Trains. These special departures usually begin in late November and continue on select dates in December, drawing families across the region to make merry with the Jolly Old Elf himself.

What to expect:
- A cozy, festive atmosphere. The cars are decked with seasonal decorations and music sets the mood. While the trains typically operate in heated coaches, plan to dress for the weather since boarding is outdoors and Kentucky winters can be brisk.
- A visit from Santa. The star of the show moves through the train to greet children, hear wish lists, and pose for photos. Depending on the year, Mrs. Claus or cheerful “elves” may join the fun, adding to the excitement.
- A relaxed ride through horse country. The route shines in winter, when bare tree lines reveal more of the landscape. You’ll still enjoy the same pastoral scenes—frosted fields, farmsteads, and stone fences—now with a holiday overlay.
- Lasting keepsakes. Many families make the Santa Train their holiday card photo-op. Staff are generally happy to help you capture the moment, and some years may feature small takeaways for kids. Specifics can vary, so review details when booking.

Trips tend to last around an hour, give or take, which is just right for young attention spans. Trains run rain or shine, but policies may change in severe weather; always watch the museum’s advisories near your departure date.

Why the Santa Trains Are So Popular
The appeal is timeless: combine the tangible magic of a real train ride with the season’s most beloved traditions, and you have an outing that feels special without being complicated. There’s no overstimulation or endless lines—just an unhurried, authentic experience that lets kids and caregivers focus on being together. For grandparents and out-of-town guests, the Santa Train is also a low-stress way to show off the beauty of the Bluegrass in winter.

Because of that, departures often sell out—especially the earliest December weekends. Local word-of-mouth and repeat riders keep demand high, so planning ahead is wise.

Planning Your Visit
A bit of preparation ensures a smooth, memory-making day.

- Tickets and reservations: Purchase in advance online as soon as the schedule is announced. Choose your date and time carefully; exchanges or refunds may be limited during the high season.
- Arrival: Plan to arrive 30–45 minutes before departure. You’ll want time for parking, ticket pickup (if needed), restrooms, photos by the train, and boarding. Holiday lines move quickly, but early arrival reduces stress.
- Seating: Museum staff will guide your party to your seats. If your group is large, booking early improves the chance of sitting together. Strollers typically need to be folded; space can be limited in historic cars.
- Dress and comfort: Coaches are usually heated, but winter coats are smart for platform time, and layers are best for kids. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended for boarding steps and walking around the museum grounds.
- Food and drink: Offerings vary by year. Some seasons include small treats; others may encourage you to bring simple snacks. If you have dietary restrictions, plan accordingly. Please follow onboard guidelines to keep the cars tidy.
- Restrooms: Facilities are available at the depot. Onboard restroom availability can vary; it’s a good idea to visit before boarding.
- Accessibility: Accessibility on historic rail equipment can be limited, though the museum strives to accommodate guests whenever possible. If anyone in your party uses a mobility device or needs special assistance, contact the museum before booking so they can advise on current accommodations and best practices.

Beyond the Santa Train: Make a Day of It
If your schedule allows, consider padding your visit with time to explore the museum’s displays and outdoor equipment. Kids love getting close to the big iron, and railfans will appreciate the variety of cars and locomotives on site. After your ride, downtown Versailles offers small-town charm, local shops, and dining—from comfort food to café treats—perfect for warming up on a winter afternoon. Lexington, just down the road, offers even more options, including holiday markets and lights displays that pair nicely with a morning or early-afternoon train departure.

Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Magic
- Book early and keep an eye out for additional runs added if demand spikes.
- Bring a small bag with wipes, tissues, and a spare phone battery for all those photos.
- Set expectations with kids: the ride is relaxed, Santa visits each car, and patience pays off.
- Make it a tradition: some families choose the same weekend every year for a built-in holiday ritual.

A Note on Photography and Keepsakes
Cameras are encouraged. You’ll find festive vignettes around the depot and platform, and onboard lighting is typically adequate for candid shots. If a volunteer offers to take a family photo, say yes—that’s often the shot you’ll frame later. Some years may feature small souvenirs for purchase at the gift shop; they make nice add-ons to remember the day without clutter.

Why It Matters
Institutions like the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum preserve more than artifacts; they safeguard experience—how it felt to travel, to connect, to see the countryside from a carriage window. Pair that with the warmth of a Santa visit, and you have a holiday outing that connects generations. The details may change from year to year, but the heart of the experience remains: a real train, a real community of volunteers and families, and a real sense of wonder.

Before You Go
Check the museum’s official website or social channels for current dates, prices, operating policies, and any last-minute updates. Holiday seasons are dynamic, and the team works hard to keep guests informed.

Whether it’s your first ride or your fifteenth, the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad’s Santa Trains deliver a simple, memorable celebration of the season—Kentucky style. Step aboard, settle in, and watch the Bluegrass glide by as the conductor calls “All aboard!” and the holidays truly begin.