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A Michigan Christmas Train Ride At The Crossroads!

Published: October 26, 2025

By: Adam Burns

If the sound of a steam whistle and the glow of twinkling lights stir something nostalgic in you, there’s a place in mid-Michigan where those simple joys come together every holiday season.

Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad, part of Genesee County Parks near Flint, invites families, railfans, and holiday lovers to slow down, step back in time, and savor the season.

At the heart of it all is the Huckleberry Railroad, a heritage line that circles the shoreline of Mott Lake, and the beloved Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic—an annual event that transforms the entire village into a glowing, old-fashioned wonderland.

What is the Huckleberry Railroad?

The Huckleberry Railroad is a narrow-gauge, heritage railroad operated by the Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission. Its name comes from a fond, oft-told story: trains used to run slowly enough through the countryside that passengers could hop off, pick huckleberries, and get back on. Today’s Huckleberry recreates that era at a safe, leisurely pace, letting riders enjoy the rhythm of the rails and the romance of steam.

The line is a loop of a few miles that threads through woods and along Mott Lake. The setting changes with the seasons—lush green in summer, fiery color in autumn, and snow-dusted serenity in winter. The railroad typically uses historic steam locomotives and vintage coaches, carefully restored and maintained so visitors can experience railroading as it looked and felt a century ago. When needed, a diesel may pinch-hit to keep the schedule rolling, but the stars of the show are the steam engines—living, breathing machines that captivate young and old.

A ride on the Huckleberry usually lasts around a half hour to forty minutes. It’s long enough to feel like a journey and short enough to keep kids engaged. You’ll hear the whistle echo across the lake, feel the gentle sway of the cars, and see the countryside roll by at a pace that encourages you to look, listen, and simply be present.

Crossroads Village: Michigan’s 19th-Century Main Street

Beside the railroad sits Crossroads Village, a lovingly assembled collection of historic buildings and skilled craftspeople that together evoke a late-1800s Michigan town. As you wander, you’ll pass a working blacksmith shop, a one-room schoolhouse, a general store, a barber, an elegant home or two, and community gathering spots like a church and opera house. Period furnishings, demonstrations, and costumed interpreters give the village an authentic, lived-in feel rather than a museum behind glass.

The village is active spring through fall and bursts into special focus during signature events. You can browse handcrafts, watch artisans at work, and pick up unique gifts you won’t find in big-box stores. There’s food, too—from hot drinks on chilly evenings to classic comfort fare. All of this is part of what makes the holiday season here so inviting: the setting is already nostalgic; add seasonal lights and music, and it’s pure magic.

Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic

When the holidays arrive, Crossroads Village transforms. Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic is a tradition for many Michigan families and a bucket-list experience for visitors. The village streets and historic buildings are draped in tens of thousands of lights. Wreaths hang on porches, candles glow in windows, and trees sparkle in every direction. Holiday music drifts through the air, and costumed characters bring a 19th-century Christmas to life with warmth and good cheer.

Highlights you can expect:

- A nighttime Huckleberry Railroad ride through seasonal light displays and winter scenery. Coaches are decorated, and the train is the coziest vantage point for soaking in the atmosphere. If there’s snow on the ground, the reflection adds an extra shimmer to the light show.

- Visits with Santa and festive photo opportunities throughout the village. Kids can share their wish lists, and families can capture classic, hearth-and-home images.

- Live entertainment and demonstrations. Depending on the evening, you might hear carolers, see a short show in the village’s theater, or watch craftspeople demonstrate old-world skills such as blacksmithing or woodworking, often with a holiday twist.

- Holiday shopping in the general store and artisan shops. From ornaments and candles to jams, toys, and handmade gifts, you’ll find presents with a story behind them.

- Seasonal treats. Warm up with cocoa, coffee, cider, and fresh donuts. Comfort foods and sweet indulgences are part of the experience, and the aromas alone will pull you into the nearest bakery window.

- Family-friendly rides and activities. Beyond the train, the village often offers additional kid favorites and hands-on moments that keep the evening fun and varied.

Practical Tips for a Perfect Visit

- Book early. The Huckleberry Railroad’s holiday rides are extremely popular and many dates sell out. Tickets are often offered in combinations—village admission with or without a train ride—and train rides are typically timed. Choose your departure time when you buy tickets so you can plan the rest of your evening accordingly.

- Dress for the weather. This is a mostly outdoor event in Michigan, often on cold nights. Wear warm layers, hats, gloves, and comfortable shoes or boots suitable for potentially snowy or slushy paths. The coaches are enclosed, but the platforms and village streets can be chilly.

- Arrive early. Parking is ample but the earlier you arrive, the smoother your entry and the more you can explore before your scheduled train time. It’s nice to stroll the village first, then hop aboard and let the lights and music carry you along.

- Plan for strollers and accessibility. The grounds are stroller-friendly, though snow can make pushing a bit tougher. If you need accessible seating on the train, contact the park in advance to discuss options and to ensure you’re booked into an appropriate coach.

- Keep your camera handy. The combination of warm light, historic architecture, and holiday décor makes for gorgeous photos. Twilight and just after dusk are especially photogenic, with a touch of blue still in the sky.

- Check the schedule. Dates and hours vary by year, typically running select evenings from late November into December. The official Genesee County Parks website for Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad is the best source for current schedules, ticket availability, and any weather-related updates.

Why It Resonates

There are many light shows and holiday attractions, but Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad is special because it isn’t just about spectacle. It’s about senses and stories. The hiss of steam, the cadence of wheels on rail joints, the closeness of family bundled up together, the glow of lanterns against wood and brick, the way the simple pleasures of the past feel tailor-made for a season that asks us to slow down and connect.

For railfans, riding behind a historic locomotive adds depth and authenticity that’s hard to find elsewhere. For families, it’s a chance to start or continue a tradition that children will remember when they’re grown. For travelers, it’s a genuine Michigan experience rooted in local heritage and community pride.

Beyond the Holidays

If you fall for the place in December, consider a return trip in warmer weather. Summer rides showcase the green shoreline, and fall brings color tours that are equally memorable. The village hosts events throughout the year, each one using the historic setting to tell stories and create moments you can’t duplicate in a modern venue.

Final Thought

In a season that can feel crowded and hurried, Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic with a ride on the Huckleberry Railroad offers a welcome exhale. It’s a reminder that wonder doesn’t require complexity—just a well-tended place, a bit of history, the company of people you love, and the timeless joy of a train rolling through the night. If your holiday plans include finding something both festive and meaningful, point your compass to Crossroads Village. Chances are, you’ll make it part of your Christmas rhythm for years to come.