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A Michigan Christmas Train Ride In Coopersville!

Published: November 4, 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. Like many short stretches of Midwestern railroad, it once served as a vital link between growing towns and the markets beyond. When big railroads consolidated and traffic patterns shifted, segments like Coopersville–Marne faced abandonment. Community-minded rail advocates stepped in, organized, and preserved the route for excursion service. The result is a corridor that still rings with steel wheels—and a living classroom for the region’s history.

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 for a smooth trip

- 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.
- Photos: You’re welcome to take your own photos with Santa when he reaches your seats. Charge your phone or bring a camera—these are memory-making moments.
- Accessibility: The railway strives to accommodate guests with mobility needs and often provides an accessible car and a lift at the station. Contact them ahead of time so they can plan for your visit.
- Strollers and gear: Space is limited in vintage coaches. If you can, bring compact strollers and minimal bags. Check current policies on the website.
- Food and restrooms: Policies and facilities can vary by season and equipment assignment. Restrooms are typically available at the station, and onboard options may be limited. Check the latest details when you book and plan accordingly.

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 Coopersville & Marne Railway’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.