For holiday enthusiasts who can’t wait for December, tickets are now on sale for a beloved holiday tradition in Michigan. The North Pole Express is a nostalgic journey aboard a classic steam train that takes you back for an old time Christmas celebration. You’ll have to wait to ride the Express of course, but getting your hands on tickets now is like celebrating Christmas in July.
Presented by the Steam Railroading Institute, the North Pole Express is a four and a half hour, round trip excursion that includes a Country Christmas celebration. Passengers are encouraged to don their coziest PJs or 40s/50s-inspired attire to get in the spirit. After boarding in Owosso, the train journeys to the Village of Ashley for a Christmas party featuring games, rides, crafts, food and of course an appearance by Santa Claus.
The big news for 2023 is that the iconic Pere Marquette 1225 train will be back for the season. The classic steam train had to sit out the season last year as it needed to have its running gear rebuilt, inspected, refurbished and replaced for the first time in 80 years.
The North Pole Express runs on Saturdays and Sundays from November 18 through December 17, 2023, with a special ride the day after Thanksgiving. There are six ticket options starting at $70 per passenger, and all include a souvenir ticket, a ‘Believe’ bell, a cup of hot cocoa, on-board entertainment and admission to the Village of Ashley's Country Christmas.
Tickets go on sale July 25 at noon, and sell out fast, so treat yourself to an early Christmas gift. Find tickets on the North Pole Express website.