Holiday Trains at the North Shore Scenic Railroad

The North Shore Scenic Railroad is bringing back two holiday favorites this year for the month of December; the Bentleyville Shuttle the Christmas City Express.

For the Bentleyville Shuttle, the Scenic Railroad is partnering with Fitger’s for train service to Bentleyville on four consecutive Saturdays. The Bentleyville Shuttle will depart Fitger’s several times each night to provide roundtrip train service to the popular tour of lights in Bayfront Festival Park. Tickets are being sold online only at www.duluthtrains.com.

Saturday’s are Bentleyville’s biggest nights. By taking the train from Fitger’s you can park, board a heated train and enjoy a short ride to the main gate of this colossal extravaganza of lights, music, animated characters and treats that is a Midwest holiday tradition.

After your walk through tour, board a warm train for the return trip to Fitger’s. There passengers from the Shuttle can enjoy a festive holiday experience, shop the unique stores and have dinner, snacks or cocktails at several fine restaurants.

Duluth’s famous Christmas Train is back on track this holiday season. The North Shore Scenic Railroad’s Christmas City Express will run four consecutive weekends starting Friday November 25^th. Based on a book by the same name, Christmas City Express is a story telling, train ride experience for the whole family to enjoy.

“We’ve presented this holiday tradition for over twenty years and parents who once brought their children are now here with their grandchildren,” observed NSSR General Manager Ken Buehler. “It’s as much a family tradition as coming home for the holidays.”

The story is about a young girl traveling by train to visit her grandparents in Duluth on Christmas Eve. Along the way a gentle snowfall turns in a horrific blizzard and the train becomes trapped in the snow miles from anywhere and far from their destination. While safe, the passengers on board the train fear Christmas will be ruined. What the little girl and conductor do next saves Christmas for everyone.

The story is performed live in the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. A special guest visits with a gift for everyone and then there’s a train ride with hot cocoa and cookies curtesy of Super One Foods. Visiting choirs, string ensembles, carolers and other musical acts entertain while guests enjoy the decorations on Depot Square in the museum. It’s a festive time to celebrate the holidays.

Tickets for the Christmas City Express are available online at www.duluthtrains.com or by calling the North Shore Scenic Railroad at 218-722-1273. There are several trains each night, but many trains sell out. Early reservations are recommended.