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A Kentucky Christmas Train Ride In New Haven

Published: November 2, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Tucked into the rolling hills of central Kentucky, the Kentucky Railway Museum in New Haven offers a living, breathing slice of railroad history. Part museum, part working railroad, it’s a place where the steel-and-steam story of America comes to life for families, railfans, and curious travelers alike. With a collection of historic locomotives and cars, hands-on exhibits, and regular excursion trains that rumble through the countryside, the museum blends preservation with memorable experiences. And when the holidays arrive, it shines with some of its most popular events of the year: the Santa Claus Express, the North Pole Express, and Brunch With Santa.

The museum’s mission is straightforward and heartfelt: preserve the region’s rail heritage and share it with the public in engaging, accessible ways. Located about an hour south of Louisville and a short drive from Bardstown, the museum sits on a segment of the former Louisville & Nashville Railroad’s Lebanon Branch. From this base, it runs excursion trains that are typically around 90 minutes long, rolling past farmland and river bottoms that frame Kentucky’s signature landscapes. Because you’re riding on a real railroad pulled by a full-size locomotive, it’s both an educational trip and a joyous, sensory one—the sounds, the motion, the rhythmic click of wheels on jointed rail.

Inside the museum, you’ll find an array of historic rolling stock that might include cabooses, passenger coaches, freight cars, and locomotives representing different eras of railroading. One of the museum’s most beloved artifacts is Louisville & Nashville 152, a graceful 4-6-2 “Pacific” steam locomotive and a rarity of its kind. While this engine is not currently in service, it remains an icon of Kentucky railroading and a focal point of the museum’s preservation efforts. Around the yard and in the depot, exhibits tell stories of railroad workers, the communities they connected, and the technology that reshaped commerce and travel across the state.

Excursion trains are generally diesel-powered today and operate on select dates throughout the year. The museum complements regular rides with themed events ranging from history-focused trips to family fun days. Among those, three holiday favorites stand out, drawing visitors from across the region and selling out quickly.

Santa Claus Express: This is a feel-good daytime ride designed for families with children, though anyone who enjoys the magic of the season will feel right at home. The heart of the experience is meeting Santa on board. Kids typically have the chance to chat with him, share wish lists, and take photos. Expect a cozy, festive atmosphere with holiday music and seasonal decor in the coaches. The ride itself offers wintery views of the Kentucky countryside—bare trees and big skies—and a relaxed pace that suits younger riders. Practical tips: book early because these trains often sell out; arrive well ahead of departure to pick up tickets, visit the gift shop, and get settled; and keep an eye on the museum’s event page for details on any treats or activities offered on your date. If you’re bringing strollers or infant carriers, plan for compact, aisle-friendly gear and ask staff where best to store larger items before boarding.

North Pole Express: If the Santa Claus Express is a sunny, cheery day trip, the North Pole Express brings the sparkle of evening to the experience. This popular nighttime ride leans into the wonder of heading “to the North Pole,” with onboard visits from Santa and a festive ambiance. Expect twinkling lights, plenty of photo opportunities, and an atmosphere that encourages pajamas and cozy sweaters. The mood is magical after dark, and the ride can become an annual tradition for families who want a special night out. Because it’s an evening event in wintry weather, dress in layers, bring warm coats for platform time, and consider a small blanket for very young children. As with all special events, specifics—such as hot chocolate, cookies, or storytelling—can vary year to year, so check the museum’s current listing for what’s included.

Brunch With Santa: This event adds a delicious twist to the holiday train experience. Brunch With Santa typically pairs a seated brunch—served in the depot or a designated event space—with a seasonal train ride and a visit with Santa. It’s a relaxed, celebratory outing that works well for extended families and groups who want a fuller holiday experience without committing to a late-night schedule. Expect reserved times, coordinated seating, and a family-friendly menu. If you’re traveling with grandparents or little ones, this can be a comfortable, unhurried way to celebrate together. Book early, confirm your seating time, and arrive well in advance to ensure you’re ready for both the meal and the train departure. Dietary needs or accessibility requests should be communicated to the museum ahead of time so staff can advise on accommodations.

All three holiday experiences share a few best practices for planning. First, buy tickets as soon as they become available. Holiday trains are among the museum’s most popular offerings, and seats often go fast, especially for weekend dates. Second, plan to arrive 30–45 minutes early. This gives you time to park, pick up tickets if needed, visit restrooms, peek around the exhibits or gift shop, and board without rushing. Third, keep an eye on weather and the museum’s communications. Winter conditions can affect schedules, and the staff will provide updates if anything changes. Finally, bring your camera and a fully charged phone—these trips are full of moments you’ll want to capture.

Outside the holidays, the Kentucky Railway Museum remains an inviting destination. Regular excursions showcase the charm of riding the rails without the hustle of modern travel. Onboard narration or printed materials may share bits of history about the line, the equipment, and the communities along the route. Back at the depot, the knowledgeable staff and volunteers—many with deep ties to railroad operations and restoration—are often happy to answer questions. Their passion is part of the experience; the museum depends on volunteer talent for everything from restoration to event operations, and that spirit of community shows.

For those who want to support preservation work, memberships and donations help fund the upkeep of historic cars, track infrastructure, and restoration projects such as L&N 152. Members often receive perks like discounts or early access to special event tickets. If you live nearby or visit regularly, consider joining or volunteering. It’s a meaningful way to ensure future generations can hear a real locomotive horn, step into a vintage coach, and understand how railroads shaped Kentucky.

Practical considerations are straightforward. Parking is available on site, and the museum’s depot serves as the hub for ticketing and boarding. Families will find a welcoming environment; just remember that trains are industrial settings, so keep children close on platforms and follow crew instructions. If anyone in your party has mobility needs, contact the museum in advance to ask about boarding assistance and accessible seating options on specific cars and dates. Food and drink policies vary by event, so double-check what’s allowed onboard. And if you’re coordinating with a larger group or planning a birthday or organizational outing, the museum can advise on group bookings when available.

In a world where so much is virtual, the Kentucky Railway Museum offers the real thing: historic iron, the smell of ties and ballast, the gentle sway of a coach as the countryside glides by. Add in the sparkle of the Santa Claus Express, the nighttime charm of the North Pole Express, and the festive warmth of Brunch With Santa, and you have a holiday tradition worth starting—or continuing—this year. To confirm dates, pricing, and availability for these seasonal rides, visit the museum’s website or call ahead. Then bundle up, gather your crew, and get ready for a joyful trip through Kentucky’s railroading past.