The East Troy Electric Railroad’s Christmas Train merrily rides the rails on weekends, beginning Nov. 24 through Dec. 16.              

      These fun, family-friendly rides take passengers from the East Troy Depot at 2002 Church St. to Santa’s Workshop at the Elegant Farmer and back.

      The rides are just under two hours per round-trip and they include Christmas carols on the trains and hot chocolate and cookies at the Elegant Farmer, where kids can visit with Santa and have their photos taken.

      “Santa’s Workshop will be better than ever and kids will receive a small gift that is fitting for the occasion,” according to Ryan Jonas, president of the East Troy Railroad Museum. “The depot should also be warmer this year, since we installed new doors that will keep the wind and cold outside.”

      The historic railroad cars are always heated and restrooms are available at the East Troy depot.

      Tickets can be purchased online at easttroyrr.org anytime – this year with no convenience fees. Adults are $18.50, children (ages 3-14) are $16, and toddlers on parent’s laps are $8. Advance reservations are required.

      Trains will depart at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. on the following Saturdays and Sundays:

      • Nov. 24 & 25

      • Dec. 1 & 2

      • Dec. 8 & 9

      • Dec. 15 & 16

      The East Troy Railroad Museum operates regular 14-mile round trip excursions from its historic East Troy depot and museum to Indianhead Park in Mukwonago, with a stop at the popular Elegant Farmer store and deli.

      Celebrating 111 years of riding the rails through Southeast Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine countryside, this not-for-profit railroad is operated and managed by over 130 volunteers committed to the preservation of historic trolleys and interurban railcars.