The holidays are chugging into town, and southeast Michigan is full of train-themed fun. Climb aboard a real train or check out some cool holiday train displays sure to put a sparkle in your child’s eyes.
All Aboard! Model Railroad Exhibit
Nov. 25-27; Dec. 3, 10-11, 17-18, 28-30, 2022Â
- Address: Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, Rochester HillsÂ
- Cost: $5/adults, $3/students and seniors
The Stoney Creek Model Railroad Club shows off train displays that are fun for the whole family. It offers scavenger hunt, too. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Dec. 3 and Dec. 17 for the Old-Fashioned Christmas event.
Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic 2022
Nov. 25-27; Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 21-23, 28-30, 2022
- Address: Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad, 6140 Bray Road, Flint
- Cost: $24/adults, $23/seniors, $22/kids 2-12, free/under 2
Travel north to Flint for Christmas at Crossroads Holiday. Here little train lovers can climb aboard an authentic Baldwin steam locomotive for a 40-minute journey along the shores of Mott Lake — and Crossroads Village, a historic town that’s transformed into an 1800s-era Christmas village.
Holiday Express Train RidesÂ
Dec. 10, 2022 Â
- Address: Joy Park, 24001 Joy Blvd., Clinton Township
- Cost: $17/residents, $22.50/non-residents
Clinton Township Parks and Recreation and the Michigan Transit Museum team up to bring local families a holiday train ride complete with a reading of The Polar Express, hot chocolate, cookies, carols and more. The trains are enclosed but not heated so be sure to dress for the weather.
Henry Ford Museum Lionel Train Display
Through Dec. 31, 2022
- Address:Â Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Cost: $27/adults, $20.25/ages 5-11, free/members and children 4 and under
During its Holidays in Henry Ford Museum event, the halls transform into a wonderland with Christmas trees covered in hundreds of ornaments – and a giant Lionel train display. It boasts 435 feet of track lined with tiny versions of historic buildings and figures, plus seasonal engines, handcars and lights. Originally owned by Richard Kughn, former CEO of Lionel Trains, this display has called Dearborn home since 1983.
This post was originally updated in 2015 and is updated regularly.Â