The historic, Coopersville & Marne Railway is continuing its 25th year of providing family-friendly fun with the annual running of The Santa Train. Uniformed Conductors and Trainmen will assist you during your ninety-minute journey. The clickity-clack of the iron wheels and the sound of the locomotive horn at each road crossing will add to the special feeling. A blanket of snow in the passing woods and farmer’s fields completes the experience. Christmas carols are sung along the way.

The jolly old elf has a special seat in each of the decorated, vintage train cars. Some cars are almost 100 years old. Santa’s Elves will escort the little ones to sit with Santa. All children, even the shy ones, will get a special gift right from Santa’s big red bag. To put a figurative bow on this Christmas “enterTRAINment” package, the Story Telling Princess will read “The Polar Express”, which was written by Grand Rapids native, Chris Van Allsburg.

The 250 seat, heated train leaves the station in historic, downtown Coopersville every Saturday and Sunday from Thanksgiving until Christmas. Each passenger car has a restroom. Your light snacks and cameras may be taken aboard. Snow or no, we go!

Times for the departures are: Saturday, November 29 at 11 am & 1:30 pm. On all other Saturdays, the departure times are 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. All Sunday departures are at 1 pm and 3 pm. Saturday dates are Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, & 20. Sunday dates are Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14 & 21.

Ticket prices are: Adults, $15.50, Seniors (60+), $14. 50 and Children (2-12), $13.50, Children under 2 years old are free. Advance tickets: 616-997-7000, Ext. 3 or www.MItrain.net. Some tickets may be available at the train station on the days of departures. But, the train does sell out on occasion, so reservations are recommended. The Conductor begins the boarding procedures at twenty minutes prior to departure times.