The High Springs Museum's free Christmas toy train display opens Friday, Dec. 4, at St. Bartholomew's next to City Hall, with Santa visits on two weekends.

The High Springs Museum’s Christmas toy train display fills St. Bartholomew’s, next to High Springs City Hall, with running toy trains and surprise visits from Santa Claus over two December weekends, starting Friday, Dec. 4. Admission is free.

Last checked 2026-11-06.

Upcoming dates

  • Fri. Dec. 4, 5 to 8 p.m.
  • Sat. Dec. 5, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Fri. Dec. 11, 5 to 8 p.m.
  • Sat. Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (toy train drawing at 4 p.m.)

This is the fourth year the High Springs Historical Museum and St. Bartholomew’s have put on the display. The museum lists these four sessions only; it does not give a rain date or any other days.

Where it is and parking

The trains are set up at St. Bartholomew’s, 18615 NW 238th St., High Springs, beside City Hall in the town’s historic downtown. High Springs is about 17 miles northwest of Gainesville; see our Gainesville, Alachua, Newberry and High Springs comparison for more on the town.

The museum itself is close by, inside the Old Schoolhouse at 23760 NW 187th Ave., behind City Hall and the Red Caboose. It is open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the same hours as the Saturday train sessions, with free admission, so you can visit both on Dec. 5 or Dec. 12.

The museum does not publish parking details for the event.

Tickets and cost

Admission is free; no tickets are needed. The museum is a nonprofit run on donations and welcomes them at its building.

What to know

  • The trains: real, running toy trains on several separate layout tables, including a “Polar Express” set. One table is built for children, with buttons and switches that work the trains and accessories.
  • Santa: Santa Claus will make surprise visits during the sessions and bring small gifts for young children, the museum says. It does not give set times for his visits.
  • Free toy train drawing: children 12 and under can be entered in a free drawing for a Christmas toy train set, sponsored by the High Springs Historical Society. The winner is drawn at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at St. Bartholomew’s. Entrants do not need to be there to win; the winner is told by phone. No purchase or donation is needed to enter.
  • More trains: the museum, which tells the story of High Springs as a railroad town, has an interactive Thomas the Tank Engine train set for children in its own building.
  • Contact: the museum takes questions through the contact form on its museum information page.

For tree lightings, parades and more Santa visits around Gainesville, see holiday lights and Christmas events and our Christmas parade and tree lighting guide.

Dates and venues as listed on the Visit Gainesville calendar and confirmed on the organizer’s site.

Frequently asked questions

When is the High Springs Christmas train display?

Friday, Dec. 4, 5 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 5, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 11, 5 to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where is the High Springs Christmas train display?

At St. Bartholomew’s, 18615 NW 238th St., High Springs, next to City Hall.

How much does the High Springs Christmas train display cost?

Nothing. The High Springs Museum lists the event as free admission.

Will Santa be at the High Springs train display?

Yes. The museum says Santa Claus will make surprise visits with small gifts for young children.

How do kids win the toy train set?

A free drawing for children 12 and under is held Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. Winners do not need to be there and are told by phone.