Michigan Christmas Train Rides In Coopersville!
Published: November 27, 2025
By: Adam Burns
Just off I-96 between Grand Rapids and the lakeshore, the Coopersville & Marne Railway offers a timeless slice of American railroading.
This volunteer-driven heritage railroad operates restored vintage coaches and classic diesel power over a roughly seven-mile stretch of track between the small towns of Coopersville and Marne.
All year, it’s a charming way to slow down and watch West Michigan roll by at track speed. In November and December, though, it becomes something more: a beloved family tradition thanks to its wildly popular Santa Train.
A living railroad, not a museum behind glass
What sets Coopersville & Marne apart is that it’s a working railroad. While its public face is excursion service, the organization preserves rolling stock, maintains track, and, as a federally certified common carrier, is capable of moving freight when needed.
That means visitors aren’t just looking at static displays; they’re stepping into cars that still do what they were built to do. The coaches—restored to the warm, wood-and-steel ambiance of mid-20th-century travel—carry riders through open country, past barns and creeks, and into a landscape that changes with the seasons.
Volunteers are the heart of the operation. Conductors punch tickets with old-school style, car hosts share stories and answer questions, and the train crew keeps everything moving with a professionalism born of training and a love for the craft. For families and railfans alike, that human touch is a big part of the appeal.
A brief history on the high iron
The line the Santa Train uses has roots in the region’s agricultural and industrial past. It was built by the Oakland and Ottawa Railway and later became part of the much larger Grand Trunk Western Railroad as the final component of its link to Grand Haven, Michigan.
The GTW would utlimately spinoff this branch in 1989. Today's excursions operate from Walker (near Grand Rapids) to Coopersville.
Year-round themed excursions
If you can’t make it at Christmas, the railway’s calendar still has plenty to offer. Spring brings the Bunny Train, autumn means pumpkins and costumes on the Great Pumpkin Train, and summer often features themed entertainment rides.
These aren’t just passive rides; they’re curated experiences with storytellers, musicians, and sometimes costumed characters. The Santa Train, however, is the crown jewel—so popular that tickets often sell out well before the first snowfall.
Inside the Santa Train experience
The Santa Train is designed from the ground up for families. Departures typically run on weekends from late November through the week before Christmas, with additional runs added as demand allows. The round-trip journey lasts about 90 minutes, enough time to settle in, enjoy the scenery, and savor the onboard festivities without testing the patience of the youngest riders.
From the moment you arrive in downtown Coopersville, the holiday atmosphere takes over. The depot area buzzes with excited kids in pajamas, parents with cameras at the ready, and volunteers in elf hats coordinating boarding. Inside the vintage coaches, heaters take the chill off while soft lights, garlands, and seasonal music set the mood. Trains are generally assigned seating, which keeps families together and reduces last-minute scrambles.
As the conductor calls “All aboard,” the engine eases the train out of town. The ride is gentle and unhurried, passing winter fields, tree lines dusted in snow, and small creeks that flash by under steel bridges.
Entertainment varies by year, but you can expect some combination of carolers, storytellers reading classics like “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and friendly elves working the aisle to keep energy high. The rhythm of the rails becomes part of the soundtrack.
Santa and Mrs. Claus make their grand entrance not at a fixed seat, but by visiting every car. That’s a hallmark of the Coopersville & Marne approach: no one gets left out.
Each child has a chance to talk with Santa, share a wish, and receive a small gift. Parents get the photo opportunity without a mall queue, and the slower pace of the train helps even shy children warm up. Staff and volunteers are patient pros at orchestrating these moments, and it shows.
The route travels to the community of Marne, where the locomotive runs around the train for the return trip. This railroading “ballet” is a quiet thrill for mechanically minded kids and anyone curious about how trains change direction. On the way back to Coopersville, the entertainment continues, and there’s time to take in the scenery, swap seats for a different view, or just enjoy the cozy hum of the coach.
Practical tips
Book early: The Santa Train often sells out, especially prime weekend departures. Buy tickets on the railway’s official website as soon as dates are announced.
Arrive early: Plan to be at the depot at least 30 minutes before your departure. It reduces stress, and kids love watching the train arrive and the crew prepare.
Dress in layers: Coaches are heated, but Michigan weather can be unpredictable. Layers keep everyone comfortable during boarding and post-ride photos outside.
Choose Your Seating: Many holiday excursions are now offered in a multitude of seating options and accommodations. The Coopersville & Marne is no different offering the Santa Train in either standard coach or premium class.
Why it resonates
In an era of screens and instant gratification, the Santa Train offers something both simple and profound: shared time. The unhurried pace, the tactile feel of the coach, the conductor’s punch in a paper ticket—these elements together create an experience that feels authentic and grounded.
Parents and grandparents see echoes of their own childhoods. Children experience magic that isn’t algorithm-driven. And the community benefits as visitors linger in Coopersville’s downtown, browsing shops, grabbing hot chocolate, and discovering local museums.
The railway also connects generations through volunteering. Many of the people making your trip sparkle are locals donating their time and expertise—retired railroaders, young rail enthusiasts, and families who started as passengers and stayed to help. Buying a ticket funds not just a ride, but the long-term preservation of an important piece of regional heritage.
Making a day of it
Coopersville’s walkable downtown is steps from the depot, with eateries and shops that lean into the festive spirit. On non-ride time, you can explore local history exhibits, browse antiques, or take winter photos along the decorated streets.
If you’re coming from Grand Rapids, the drive is short enough that you can pair the train with a museum visit or holiday lights elsewhere in the city. If you’re headed to the lakeshore, the Santa Train makes a perfect centerpiece before or after a beach-town stroll and hot cider.
Planning and purchasing
Because dates, times, prices, and policies can change from year to year, the most reliable source is the Coopersville & Marne Railway’s official website and social channels. Look for early announcements in the fall, join their email list if available, and consider weekday or early-season departures if weekends are full. If you have a large group or special needs, reach out directly—small heritage railroads are often remarkably accommodating when they can plan ahead.
A tradition worth keeping
The railroad's Santa Train endures because it delivers on something people crave during the holidays: connection. It’s nostalgic without being kitsch, organized yet relaxed, and local in the best sense—made by and for the community, but welcoming to anyone who wants to share in the cheer.
Whether it becomes your family’s first ride or your tenth, you’ll step off into the crisp air with rosy cheeks, a camera full of smiles, and that rare feeling that time slowed down just long enough to make a memory.
Recent Articles
-
Florida Scenic Train Rides In Parrish!
Jan 11, 26 02:59 PM
The Florida Railroad Museum (FRRM) in Parrish offers something increasingly rare in today’s rail landscape: a chance to ride historic equipment over a surviving fragment of an early-20th-century mainl… -
California's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 11, 26 02:28 PM
This article explores the charm, routes, and offerings of these unique wine tasting trains that traverse California’s picturesque landscapes. -
Georgia's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 11, 26 02:07 PM
In the heart of the Peach State, a unique form of entertainment combines the thrill of a murder mystery with the charm of a historic train ride. -
Colorado ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 11, 26 01:43 PM
Nestled among the breathtaking vistas and rugged terrains of Colorado lies a unique fusion of theater, gastronomy, and travel—a murder mystery dinner train ride. -
Minnesota Dinner Train Rides In Duluth!
Jan 11, 26 01:32 PM
One of the best ways to feel the region's history in motion today is aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad (NSSR), which operates out of Duluth’s historic depot. -
Illinois Dinner Train Rides At Monticello!
Jan 11, 26 12:42 PM
the Monticello Railway Museum (MRM) is one of those places that quietly does a lot: it preserves a sizable collection, maintains its own operating railroad, and—most importantly for visitors—puts hist… -
Alabama's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:29 AM
While the state might not be the first to come to mind when one thinks of wine or train travel, the unique concept of wine tasting trains adds a refreshing twist to the Alabama tourism scene. -
Maryland Dinner Train Rides At WMSR!
Jan 10, 26 09:13 AM
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) has become one of the Mid-Atlantic’s signature heritage operations—equal parts mountain railroad, living museum, and “special-occasion” night out. -
Arkansas Dinner Train Rides On The A&M!
Jan 10, 26 09:11 AM
If you want a railroad experience that feels equal parts “working short line” and “time machine,” the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad (A&M) delivers in a way few modern operations can. -
South Dakota's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:08 AM
While the state currently does not offer any murder mystery dinner train rides, the popular "1880 Train" at the Black Hills Central recently hosted these popular trips! -
Wisconsin's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:07 AM
Whether you're a fan of mystery novels or simply relish a night of theatrical entertainment, Wisconsin's murder mystery dinner trains promise an unforgettable adventure. -
Missouri's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:05 AM
Missouri, with its rich history and scenic landscapes, is home to one location hosting these unique excursion experiences. -
Washington ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:04 AM
This article delves into what makes murder mystery dinner train rides in Washington State such a captivating experience. -
Kentucky Scenic Train Rides At KRM!
Jan 09, 26 11:13 PM
Located in the small town of New Haven the Kentucky Railway Museum offers a combination of historic equipment and popular excursions. -
Washington "Wine Tasting" Train Rides
Jan 09, 26 08:53 PM
Here’s a detailed look at where and how to ride, what to expect, and practical tips to make the most of wine tasting by rail in Washington. -
Kentucky's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 09, 26 08:21 PM
Kentucky, often celebrated for its rolling pastures, thoroughbred horses, and bourbon legacy, has been cultivating another gem in its storied landscapes; enjoying wine by rail. -
Kentucky's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 09, 26 01:12 PM
In the realm of unique travel experiences, Kentucky offers an enchanting twist that entices both locals and tourists alike: murder mystery dinner train rides. -
Utah's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 09, 26 01:05 PM
This article highlights the murder mystery dinner trains currently avaliable in the state of Utah! -
North Carolina Dinner Train Rides At NCTM!
Jan 09, 26 12:51 PM
Tucked into the Piedmont town of Spencer, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is the kind of place that feels less like a typical museum and more like a living rail yard that never quite stopped… -
Tennessee Dinner Train Rides At The TVRM!
Jan 09, 26 12:39 PM
Tucked into East Chattanooga, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is less a “museum you walk through” and more a railroad you step aboard.
