In East Troy, Saturday, Dec. 6 is the date to watch when it comes to creating a high level of holiday excitement.

The day, which occurs at a prime time to jump start December’s festivities, will once again bring back a popular East Troy tradition with roots in Milwaukee.

Santa, Mrs. Claus and their entourage will make their annual journey to town via the East Troy Electric Railroad’s Santa Train.

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 train will depart at the Elegant Farmer at 5:30 p.m., stopping briefly at crossings along County Road ES, arriving at Division Street at about 6:25 p.m. There, Santa and crew will travel to the East Troy Village Square via East Troy Fire Department truck to light the Bob Barutha Memorial Christmas Tree.

The original East Troy Christmas Parade train, started by the East Troy Jaycees and the railroad in 1972, was an 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.

The lowdown

Spectators, who aren’t aboard the Santa Train, can catch a glimpse of Santa and Mrs. Claus 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 on Village Square via East Troy Fire Department truck for tree lighting

Santa on the Square

In anticipation of Santa’s arrival, festivities will begin on the East Troy Village Square at 6 p.m. with concessions and a Christmas carol sing-along led by the East Troy Community Band.

Cub Scouts Pack 92 will sell chili and baked goods on the square. The East Troy Lioness Club will also offer tacos, hot dogs and hot cocoa in the warmth of the Lions Lodge beginning at 5 p.m.

The East Troy Holiday Marketplace will run from 5-8 p.m., featuring vendors offering a variety of holiday gift items and entertainment by Cork ‘N Cleavage inside Ivan’s Backstage, 2093 Division St., on the square.

Photos of children with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available following the tree lighting at a cost of $5 each, with the proceeds to benefit the East Troy Food Pantry. For more information, call (262) 642-3770.