Santa Parade Train & Santa on the Square

Name: Santa Parade Train & Santa on the Square
Start: 2019-12-07T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2019-12-07T20:00:00.000Z
Location: East Troy, WI

On Saturday, December 7th, 2019 at 5pm — 8pm

Edited: 6/6/2023, 10:12 AM

The East Troy Electric Railroad's Santa Parade Train will make its annual journey into downtown East Troy on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Presented by the East Troy Electric Railroad in conjunction with the East Troy Area Chamber of Commerce and Mukwonago Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Center, the beautifully lit four-car train will travel down the century-old interurban trolley line between Mukwonago and East Troy.

The original East Troy Christmas Parade train, started by the East Troy Jaycees and the railroad in 1972, was a historic reproduction of the Schuster’s Christmas Parade in Milwaukee. The Schuster’s Department store chain sponsored the parade, established in 1928, to kick off the Christmas shopping season. It disappeared in 1955 with the demise of the Milwaukee Electric Lines interurban and streetcar system.

Tickets to ride the train are sold out, but spectators can catch a glimpse of Santa along County Road ES. The train will stop briefly at the following crossings:

• 5:30 p.m., train departs at The Elegant Farmer

• 5:45 p.m., Army Lake Road – Army Lake Camp

• 6 p.m., St. Peter’s Road

• 6:15 p.m., Byrnes Street

• 6:25 p.m., Division Street

• 6:30 p.m., Santa arrives at East Troy Village Square Park via East Troy Fire Department truck to light the Bob Barutha Memorial Christmas Tree

SANTA ON THE SQUARE
At East Troy Village Square Park

In anticipation of Santa’s arrival, festivities will begin at East Troy Village Square Park at 5:30 p.m.:

• Bob Barutha Memorial Christmas Tree & Square Lighting at 6:30 p.m.

• Winter activities, including s’mores station, DIY Photo Station & more

• Christmas carol sing-along led by East Troy High School Choir members

• Professional photos of children with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available following the tree lighting at about 6:40 p.m. at a cost of $8 each, with the proceeds to benefit the East Troy Food Pantry. Photos sponsored by 2894 on Main & Dither Studio and all participants will get a digital copy of their photo.

Photo cards will be available beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the south side of East Troy Village Square Park.

• Cub Scouts Pack 92 will sell chili, chili dogs and baked goods.

INSIDE IVAN'S BACKSTAGE

• Sugar cookie decorating

• Entertainment by Cork N Christmas Carols

• Kids Craft Station sponsored by Koskinen Eye Clinic

• Christmas Games

LIONS LODGE

• The East Troy Lioness Club will offer walking tacos, hot dogs and hot cocoa in the warmth of the Lions Lodge beginning at 5 p.m.

2894 ON MAIN

• Mulled wine for $6
• Wine, cocktails & evening menu until 9 p.m.

EAST TROY AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

• The East Troy Area Historical Society will offer refreshments and tours from 5-8 p.m.

EAST TROY HOUSE

• Santa Specials, including Beer Cheese Nachos, Soup of the Day, Mushroom Onion Flatbread, American Woman Burger, Pork Lo Mein, Salmon Veracruz & Mushroom Risotto

AL SMITH'S SALOON

• Hot Apple Cider for $.75 non-alcoholic or $2.75 spiked with whiskey or caramel vodka

EAST TROY BREWERY

• Open until 11 p.m. Click here for food menu. Click here for drink menu. The draft room will feature full bar & appetizers.

LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND? Visit easttroy.org/events for a complete calendar listing.

Photos with Santa

Professional photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available following the tree lighting after 6:30 p.m. in the bandstand at East Troy Village Square Park. Photos sponsored by 2894 on Main & Dither Studio and all participants will get a digital copy of their photo.

The cost is $8 with proceeds to benefit the East Troy Food Pantry.

Avoid the wait in line this year.

Here’s how it works: You check in at the photo area, located on the south side of the bandstand at East Troy Village Square Park. Our volunteers get your name, enter the information into our system and then give you a number with an approximate wait time.

Linger outside, make some s'mores, decorate a cookie or hear music by Cork N Christmas Carols inside Ivan's Backstage or check out the offerings at one of the establishments on the square until your number appears at easttroy.org indicating it’s your turn for photos.

Line status updates will be available at http://easttroy.org/santa/status/

Check out the specials that will be available to all photo participants:

East Troy Holiday
Decorating Contest

The East Troy Area Chamber of Commerce will host its fourth annual holiday decorating contest for local businesses and residents.

The business contest is open to all local businesses with a storefront and is not limited to Chamber members. The resident contest is open to all homes in the East Troy Community School District.

Businesses and residents are encouraged to decorate their storefronts and homes in the spirit of the holidays and will be eligible to win a prize and special recognition for their efforts.

This year’s entries will be evaluated by judges and the public. The voting & judging begins Dec. 9 and will run through Dec. 20. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, Dec. 25 on easttroy.org.

Prizes include free advertising and special recognition for businesses and $200 for residents.