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A Montana Christmas Train Ride At Lewistown!

Published: October 27, 2025

By: Adam Burns

In the heart of Central Montana, where the prairie rolls into island mountain ranges and the sky stretches in every direction, the Charlie Russell Choo Choo has built a loyal following as one of the region’s most memorable rail experiences. Named for Western artist Charles M. Russell, whose paintings and sculptures captured the romance and grit of the American West, this excursion blends scenery, storytelling, and Montana hospitality into a single, unhurried journey. While the summer and fall dinner trains are its signature, the North Pole Adventure—its family-friendly holiday ride—has become a beloved seasonal tradition that lights up Lewistown and the surrounding communities each year.

What makes the Charlie Russell Choo Choo special starts before the train ever moves. If you’ve driven Highway 87 or explored the ranchland around Lewistown, you know how vast Central Montana feels. The train gives you a different vantage point—gliding through coulees and wheat fields, crossing high steel trestles, and tracing a historic right-of-way that predates the interstates. When the weather is clear, you can pick out several mountain ranges at once: the Big Snowy, Little Belt, Judith, Moccasin, and Highwood. Wildlife sightings are common—pronghorn on a ridge, whitetails in the draws, hawks riding thermals. It’s the kind of landscape Charlie Russell loved to paint, and seeing it from a railcar window feels both timeless and uniquely Montanan.

The summer/fall “Chew Choo” is a multi-hour dinner excursion that pairs scenic rail with hearty, locally catered fare (prime rib has traditionally been a favorite), live entertainment, and the occasional bit of Western theater. Riders often recount the thrill of crossing long, elevated trestles and the old-fashioned camaraderie of shared tables, music, and laughter. The cars are vintage, the pace is easy, and the whole experience taps into the nostalgia that trains summon so effortlessly.

Then comes winter. When the days grow short and the air turns crisp, the Charlie Russell Choo Choo shifts gears to its North Pole Adventure, a shorter, kid-centered holiday ride that trades prime rib and sunsets for cocoa, carols, and the sparkle in children’s eyes. It’s a different kind of magic, and it’s easy to see why tickets go fast.

The North Pole Adventure typically runs on select dates between late November and December. Departures are scheduled with families in mind, and the ride is shorter than the dinner train—think roughly an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the year’s setup—making it ideal for young riders. Boarding is near Lewistown, and while the precise route can vary, the goal is the same: transform a stretch of track into a journey to the “North Pole,” complete with a festive onboard atmosphere and a visit with Santa.

From the moment you step aboard, the tone is set by garland, twinkling lights, and friendly hosts and volunteers who keep kids engaged. Expect holiday music, storytelling, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Hot cocoa and cookies or similar treats are part of the experience—simple comforts that feel just right as the landscape outside slips into winter hues. Pajamas and holiday sweaters are encouraged, and many families come dressed for the occasion. For children who haven’t ridden a train before, the gentle sway and rhythmic click of the rails add to the sense that something special is happening, even before Santa appears.

The big moment, of course, is the North Pole visit. Whether Santa boards the train during the trip or welcomes kids at a decorated “North Pole” stop can vary by year and logistics, but the result is the same: a chance for each child to meet Santa, share a wish, and often receive a small gift or keepsake. Many families treat the North Pole Adventure as the centerpiece of a holiday weekend in Lewistown—strolling Main Street, visiting local shops, and soaking up the small-town cheer that makes Central Montana feel especially warm this time of year.

While the North Pole Adventure emphasizes wonder and fun, it’s also a testament to community collaboration. The train runs thanks to coordination among local organizations and rail operators, with volunteers playing a big role in decorating, hosting, and ensuring the experience feels personal. That local touch sets it apart from larger, more commercial holiday trains: there’s little sense of conveyor-belt tourism here, just neighbors helping neighbors create lasting memories.

If you’re planning your first North Pole Adventure, a few practical tips will help:

- Book early. Holiday dates often sell out quickly. As soon as tickets go on sale, reserve your spots. Exact sale dates and times can change year to year, so keep an eye on official announcements.
- Dress in layers. Montana evenings can be cold. The cars are heated, but you’ll be more comfortable if everyone has warm coats, hats, and gloves for boarding, photos, and any outdoor moments.
- Bring a camera and backup battery. Low-light scenes—twinkle lights, dusk skies, and cozy interiors—are beautiful but hard on phone batteries.
- Manage expectations for little ones. The ride length is designed for families, but snacks, a favorite blanket, or a small toy can make things even smoother for toddlers.
- Confirm accessibility. If anyone in your group has mobility needs, contact the organizers ahead of time to discuss boarding assistance and seating options.
- Check the fine print. Details like departure location, parking, stroller policies, and whether outside food is allowed can vary. Verify the latest information when you book.

Beyond the holiday season, the Charlie Russell Choo Choo’s dinner excursions are worth planning a trip around. They showcase Central Montana at golden hour, when the light slants across the fields and the mountains fade into purples and blues. The combination of scenery, elevated trestles, local flavors, and friendly service make it a standout experience for couples, families with older children, and groups. The train’s name isn’t just a tribute to Charlie Russell—it’s an invitation to see the landscapes he loved in the most immersive way possible.

A few evergreen planning pointers for the mainline season:

- Dates and frequency: Dinner trains generally run on select weekends from late spring through early fall. Dates are limited. Book well in advance, especially if you’re coordinating a group.
- Seating and service: You’ll have assigned seating, and meals are typically served at your table. If anyone in your party has dietary restrictions, request accommodations early.
- Photo ops: The long trestles and broad basins offer dramatic views. Bring a camera with a good dynamic range to handle bright skies and shadowed coulees.
- Weather readiness: Even in summer, Montana evenings can cool off. A light jacket is smart, especially if you’ll be on open vestibules or moving between cars.

Perhaps the deepest appeal of both the dinner train and the North Pole Adventure is how they slow time. So much of modern travel is about getting somewhere. These rides are about being somewhere—inside a story, inside a landscape, inside a community. You’re not scanning for the next exit; you’re watching a red-tailed hawk wheel over an alfalfa field, or sharing cocoa while a child presses their forehead to the glass, searching the night for reindeer.

For the most current schedules, ticket pricing, departure locations, and policies for both the dinner train and the North Pole Adventure, check the Charlie Russell Choo Choo’s official channels or contact the organizers directly. Details can change from year to year, and holiday offerings, in particular, are subject to demand and weather. Plan ahead, stay flexible, and bring your sense of wonder.

In a state known for big skies and wide-open spaces, the Charlie Russell Choo Choo offers a more intimate kind of grandeur: a few hours where the scenery is framed by a window, the pace is measured in miles of track, and the season—whether summer’s golden glow or winter’s sparkly hush—becomes the star of the show. The North Pole Adventure distills that feeling for families, turning a simple ride into a tradition that kids will remember long after they’ve outgrown their footie pajamas.