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A Minnesota Christmas Train Ride On A Streetcar!

Published: October 27, 2025

By: Adam Burns

There’s a special kind of magic in hearing a century-old streetcar hum to life, the gentle whirr of its motors and the soft glow of incandescent bulbs bouncing off polished wood. In Minneapolis and the lakeside town of Excelsior, the Minnesota Streetcar Museum keeps that magic alive. Operated by a dedicated team of volunteers, this nonprofit preserves and runs historic Twin City streetcars on two short lines—the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line in Minneapolis and the Excelsior Streetcar Line in Excelsior—offering an immersive glimpse into the era when electric streetcars stitched the Twin Cities together.

The museum’s mission is equal parts preservation and public education. Its collection includes beautifully restored streetcars built for the old Twin City Rapid Transit system, many crafted right here in Minnesota in TCRT’s own shops. From late spring through fall, the cars roll regularly, giving riders a sense of the tempo, craftsmanship, and community that defined early 20th-century urban life. Special programs interpret everything from electric traction technology to local history, while volunteers share stories that turn a short ride into a living-history lesson.

As autumn gives way to winter, the museum’s calendar pivots to the holidays, and two traditions stand out for many families: the Holly Trolley in Minneapolis and An Evening with Santa in Excelsior. These are not just rides; they’re atmospheres—part historic immersion, part small-town holiday celebration, and part memory-making ritual that draws regulars back year after year.

The Holly Trolley typically runs on the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line, a scenic stretch tucked between neighborhood streets and the parkways around Lake Harriet. As dusk arrives, the depot and streetcar are dressed for the season. Twinkling lights outline windows and eaves, garlands frame doorways, and the warm interiors of the streetcars glow against the chill outside. When the motorman rings the bell and the car glides into the night, you get a rare winter tableau: holiday lights reflected on snow, frosty breath in the air, and the rhythmic click of steel wheels reminding you that this is the same sort of ride a Minneapolis family might have taken a century ago to go downtown and see the displays.

The experience is deliberately simple and evocative. Rides usually last around 15–20 minutes, looping along the line while holiday music plays softly or, depending on the night, while riders sing carols. Inside the depot, you’ll often find small touches that make the evening feel personal: a holiday shop with museum ornaments and gifts, volunteers in period-inspired attire, and hot cocoa or treats available nearby. Families come bundled in scarves and boots; couples come for a nostalgic date; photographers come for the glow of a historic car in winter light. The Holly Trolley is popular with locals, in part because it captures a Minneapolis winter without demanding an entire afternoon. It’s a bite-sized holiday tradition that slots nicely between a neighborhood dinner and a stroll around the lake.

Across the metro in Excelsior, An Evening with Santa brings a slightly different flavor. The Excelsior Streetcar Line is rooted in a lake town with its own festive charm, and this event blends a streetcar ride with time set aside for kids to meet Santa in a cozy, low-key setting. The evening typically unfolds in timed sessions. Families check in and board the historic streetcar for a short ride under the winter sky, often catching glimpses of downtown Excelsior’s lights. After the ride, the focus turns to Santa. Children can share their wish lists, pose for photos, and often take part in simple, hands-on activities—writing letters, listening to a seasonal story, or sipping hot chocolate. The setting feels intimate and unhurried, a deliberate contrast to large, high-volume holiday attractions.

A big part of what makes both events special is the sense of place they center. These are authentic electric streetcars, restored and operated to showcase the craftsmanship of the early 1900s. The polished wood seats, brass hardware, handholds, and conductor’s bell aren’t props; they’re the real thing. The volunteers who operate and host each event are not just facilitators; they’re stewards of local history. Many are skilled tradespeople, engineers, educators, or longtime hobbyists who can answer questions about everything from how the streetcars draw power to why traction motors behave the way they do in cold weather.

If you’re planning to attend either the Holly Trolley or An Evening with Santa, a few practical tips will help. First, these events often sell out—especially the twilight and early evening rides that coincide with the best light—so buy tickets in advance through the museum’s website if timed tickets are offered. Walk-up tickets may be available during less busy windows, but holiday weekends tend to be fully booked. Dress for the weather. While the cars are enclosed and typically warm, boarding involves waiting outdoors, and Minnesota evenings can turn quickly from brisk to biting. Leave a little extra time for parking and check the museum’s latest guidance on where to park near each line. Because the streetcars are historic, boarding involves a few steps and narrower aisles than modern transit; if accessibility is a consideration, it’s wise to contact the museum ahead of time to discuss options and accommodations. Finally, pack light. Strollers often need to be folded to fit comfortably, and small bags are easier to manage inside the car.

Each event is designed with families in mind, but they play equally well for multigenerational groups. Grandparents who remember the last remnants of streetcar service in the Twin Cities often light up at the chance to share real rolling history with grandchildren. And because the rides are short and the atmosphere is calm, even very young children tend to stay engaged without becoming overstimulated.

Beyond the holiday cheer, these programs support a deeper mission. Ticket revenue helps fund restoration work, parts acquisition, training, and ongoing maintenance that are all far more complex than they appear from the platform. Keeping a century-old streetcar operational requires expertise in woodworking, metalworking, electrical systems, and safety procedures. It also requires a steady pipeline of new volunteers and donors who care about preserving hands-on, local history. Attending a Holly Trolley or An Evening with Santa isn’t just festive—it’s participatory philanthropy. You’re helping to ensure the lights stay on, the rails stay polished, and the next generation can still hear the conductor call “All aboard!”

For many, the best reason to make one (or both) events part of your holiday lineup is their timelessness. In a season that can tilt toward the commercial, an old electric streetcar offers something grounded and authentic. You can arrive with nothing more than a warm coat and a little time, and walk away with something you can’t quite buy: a new memory that feels old, attached to a place and a community that has chosen to tend its stories carefully.

The Minnesota Streetcar Museum’s holiday events typically run on select dates from late November through December, with online schedules updated each year. Check the museum’s website or social channels for exact dates, prices, parking information, weather policies, and last-minute updates. Both the Holly Trolley and An Evening with Santa run in a variety of weather conditions, but severe cold or significant snow may alter operations, so it’s smart to confirm before you head out.

Whether your goal is a first ride on a historic streetcar or a return visit to a cherished tradition, the Minnesota Streetcar Museum’s holiday offerings deliver a rare blend of history and heart. You’ll hear the bell, feel the car step into the wire, and watch winter unfold from a glowing window—just as Minnesotans did a hundred years ago. And as the streetcar returns to the depot and the doors open to the night, you may find yourself already planning next year’s ride.