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A Florida Christmas Train Ride Featuring A Murder Mystery!

Published: November 2, 2025

By: Adam Burns

In Southwest Florida, Seminole Gulf Railway has been part of the region’s rhythm for decades—moving freight that keeps local businesses humming and welcoming locals and visitors aboard its beloved Murder Mystery Dinner Train.

Based in Fort Myers, this family-operated short line blends the romance of rail travel with live theatre and a multi-course, chef-prepared meal.

The result is one of the area’s most distinctive nights out. And when the holidays roll around, the experience gets a festive glow: themed shows, seasonal menus, and special events that sell out fast.

An early scene of the Seminole Gulf Railway featuring GP9 #575 in Fort Myers, Florida during 1989.

What makes the Murder Mystery Dinner Train unique

- An immersive show on the move: This isn’t dinner followed by a play—it’s both, simultaneously. A professional troupe performs an original mystery in and around the railcars as you dine. Characters weave through the aisles, scenes unfold between courses, and you’re part of the unfolding whodunit.

- A leisurely journey through Southwest Florida: The train glides at a comfortable pace for several hours, giving you enough time to settle in, enjoy conversation, and watch the scenery pass while the story unfolds. You’re not going far, but that’s the point—this is about the experience.

- A proper dinner, prepared onboard: The kitchen team cooks on the train, and service is paced with the performance. Expect multiple courses—salad, soup, entrée, dessert, and often a starter, with fresh bread—and a full bar available for purchase. The menu changes periodically, and holiday runs typically add seasonal touches.

- Vintage rail ambiance: Riding in classic, climate-controlled passenger cars connects the evening to railroading’s golden era. Soft lighting, crisp table settings, and the muffled rhythm of the rails create an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and intimate.

- Original stories that rotate: Scripts change several times a year, so repeat guests get fresh twists, new characters, and different eras or themes. The troupe tailors holiday shows to the season, mixing laughs, intrigue, and festive spirit.

How a typical evening unfolds

- Arrival and check-in: Guests check in at Seminole Gulf Railway’s station in Fort Myers, with time to browse, grab a pre-boarding drink, and snap photos. Boarding begins ahead of departure; arriving early keeps the evening relaxed.

- Seating and introductions: You’re seated at your reserved table—typically private for your party—where your server explains the menu and timing. The cast may mingle, setting the scene, dropping hints, and sparking the first chuckles.

- Departure and first course: As the train eases out, appetizers and salads arrive, along with drink service. Early scenes establish the central mystery and introduce motives, alibis, and a red herring or two.

- Middle acts and main course: The plot thickens—exchanges grow sharper, clues appear and vanish, and your entrée lands as the action builds. Between acts, you’ll have time to discuss theories, top off drinks, and enjoy the ride.

- Dessert and denouement: The final scenes bring revelations and the big reveal. Dessert—often with a seasonal flourish during the holidays—caps the meal as the cast takes a bow and the train returns to the station.

Christmas season highlights

The November-to-January window is the Murder Mystery Dinner Train’s most popular stretch of the year. Here’s what sets it apart during the holidays:

- Festive, holiday-themed mysteries: Each season brings a new script tailored to the time of year—think yuletide mischief, snow-dusted intrigue (even if only in spirit), and cozy, comedic capers with a side of sleigh bells. Expect nods to classic holiday tunes, tongue-in-cheek references to seasonal stresses, and just enough sentiment to warm the room.

- Seasonal menus and décor: Railcars are dressed for the season—garlands, twinkle lights, and table settings that feel celebratory without being fussy. The culinary team typically integrates seasonal flavors: warming soups, comforting entrées, and festive desserts. Hot drinks and holiday cocktails often make appearances at the bar.

- Expanded schedules and sell-outs: Demand spikes in December. Extra performances may be added, especially on weekends and prime holiday weeks, but the best dates go first. If you’re planning a family visit, couples’ night, or an office party, book early.

- Group and private holiday parties: The train is a turnkey option for company celebrations and extended-family gatherings—built-in entertainment, a proper meal, and a shared memory. Seminole Gulf Railway offers group seating and can help coordinate details; inquire early for peak December dates.

- New Year’s Eve: The railway typically marks the year’s end with a special evening run. Expect a celebratory mood, party favors or a toast, and a show that leans into the fun of ringing in a new year on the rails. These departures are among the first to sell out.

- Gift certificates: If you’re gifting experiences rather than things, a Murder Mystery Dinner Train certificate hits the sweet spot—timeless, flexible, and easy to wrap. It’s a favorite for couples, parents, and hard-to-shop-for friends.

Planning tips to get the most from your holiday ride

- Book early—then confirm: December weekend seats can disappear weeks or months ahead. As soon as you know your travel dates or holiday plans, reserve via Seminole Gulf Railway’s official website or by phone. Closer to the day, re-confirm details and note any dietary requests.

- Arrive with time to spare: Aim to check in well before published boarding. The station gets lively during the holidays, and there’s no reason to rush. Early birds also have first pick at pre-boarding photos and a relaxed start.

- Share dietary needs in advance: The onboard kitchen can often accommodate common dietary requests with advance notice. Same-day changes are harder once the train is rolling, especially on sold-out holiday runs.

- Dress smart-casual and festive: There’s no strict dress code, but the setting encourages you to lean a bit dressy for the holidays—think seasonal colors, a fun tie, or a sparkly accessory. Comfortable shoes make sense for station areas and the slight sway of the train.

- Consider weeknight or shoulder dates: If weekends are full, look at weeknights or early December dates. You’ll have a better choice of tables and potentially a quieter car.

- Mind accessibility: The passenger cars are vintage. Seminole Gulf Railway works to accommodate guests with mobility considerations, but options can be limited by historic equipment. Call ahead so the team can advise and assist.

- Plan for beverages: A full bar is available for purchase. Outside alcohol is not permitted. If you’d like a specialty holiday cocktail, ask what’s seasonal.

- Photos are welcome—discreetly: Snap memories, but be mindful of the performers and fellow guests during scenes. If you’re unsure, ask your server about best times for pictures.

Why this experience resonates

Part of the charm is that it’s so intentionally analog. Phones go face down. Actors command the aisle. Laughter starts at one table and ripples down the car. The setting is intimate without being cramped—shared enough to feel communal, private enough for whispers and theories. You’re supporting local theatre talent and a regional railroad while treating yourself to a night that feels both novel and comfortingly traditional, especially under holiday lights.

About Seminole Gulf Railway

Seminole Gulf Railway serves Southwest Florida as both a freight carrier and a hospitality operator. Its dinner trains have helped anchor the Fort Myers cultural calendar for years, drawing visitors from across the state and giving locals a fresh reason to gather. The company’s longevity reflects a simple formula done well: respectful preservation of rail heritage, consistently warm service, and an experience that evolves with new scripts, menus, and seasonal flair.

How to go

- Where: Departures are from Seminole Gulf Railway’s station in Fort Myers.
- When: Performances typically run multiple nights per week, with additional dates during the holiday season. Check current schedules.
- How long: Plan for roughly three to three-and-a-half hours, including boarding.
- Tickets: Reserve through the official Seminole Gulf Railway Murder Mystery Dinner Train website or by phone. Gift certificates are available.

If your holidays could use a spark that’s equal parts cozy and clever, put Seminole Gulf Railway near the top of your list. The lights, the laughter, the light sway of the car as the story clicks into place—this is the kind of experience that becomes a tradition. And like the best traditions, it’s both familiar and fresh each time you return.