HOLLY JOLLY, CHRISTMAS TROLLY. From local makers markets to craft brewery tours, the Chippewa River Trolley Co. has unveiled its schedule of holiday-themed tours for the 2025 season. Get all the details, see the full schedule of holiday trolley tours, and purchase your tickets (before tours sell out!) online at chippewarivertrolley.org/tours.

The Chippewa River Trolley Co. has continued to deliver – and expand! – an immersive list of tours since its debut in 2023, bringing folks everything from agritourism experiences to local breweries, wineries, and cocktail hotspots; the popular Dark History Tour, telling true, shadowy tales of the Chippewa Valley; and this holiday season, returning favorites and brand-new all-age tours.

Ahead of the wintry months, Chippewa River Trolley Co. has unveiled its slate of new holiday tours! Plus, for the first time ever, riders can add fresh-roasted nuts to their trolley experience: That's right, warm, cinnamon- and sugar-glazed pecans, almonds, and cashews await! 

Here are all the holiday tour deets you need to know: 

Schoolhouse Christmas Trolley Express

The tour promises to provide lasting memories for little ones. The festively-decorated trolley will carry children and families through downtown Eau Claire as the conductor shares kid-friendly holiday stories, songs, and more! After arriving at the charming, historic Sunnyview School at Carson Park, guests will enjoy activities and music, hot chocolate, and cookies inside – not to mention a special visit from St. Nick himself! Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet the children, who will have the opportunity to pose with the duo for photos!

Afterward, travelers board the trolley again for a return trip to The Local Store where kids will be able to ring the vintage trolley bell, snap more photos with the trolley and its driver, and take home a custom trolley coloring page which they can enter to win a basket full of Local Store kid goodies!

The Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley

This 90-minute tour promises shimmering holiday lights, seasonal sounds, and some light music, trivia (plus gifts, for you trivia heads!), and games thanks to the Holly Jolly Host! Spirits will shine even brighter as the trolley drives through the Lights in the Valley display on the south side of Eau Claire, bringing a bigger-and-better experience with thousands of twinkling tunnels, new props, and lights shining in tune with the radio. From there, passengers will return to downtown Eau Claire to enjoy a crackling fire and maybe even a holiday family photo op with the trolley.

See the bright lights and new seasonal offerings during the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley, pictured above.

The Holiday Cocktail and Chocolate Tour

The old-timey wonders of the Chippewa River Trolley aren’t just for kiddos, of course: The Holiday Cocktail and Chocolate Tour is for the 21-plus crowd only. This tour gives riders a chance to immerse themselves in holiday nostalgia and flavors without any "so, who's driving?" debates.

Throughout the night, passengers will enjoy expertly crafted cocktails at River Bend Winery & Distillery in Chippewa Falls, Helix Wine, Craft Bar & Café in Altoona’s River Prairie, and The Lakely inside the Oxbow Hotel in downtown Eau Claire. Guests will also get to sample some delicious sweet treats from Sweet Driver Chocolates!

The Bad Santa Naughty List Tavern Tour

This year, Santa’s ditching the sleigh and hopping on the trolley for a wickedly fun, adults-only pub crawl you won’t soon forget. This is a highly limited and hilarious party with just a few chances to ride! Award-winning local comedian Cullen Ryan embodies a beleaguered and bottomed-out Santa, bringing edgy, off-the-wall, interactive comedy between stops at three classic local watering holes – all of which are dolled up for the season. It’s the perfect blend of laughs, libations, and a little bit of holiday mischief, all while enjoying a festive seasonal drink at each stop (which are included with your ticket)!

Cashews, pecans and almonds — oh my! Choose between one, or all three, fresh-roasted and sugar cinnamon glazed nuts to your to your holiday trolley experience.

Holiday Market Hop: A Festive Trolley Shopping Tour

This one-day-only tour was made for all of Santa’s busiest holiday helpers. Let the festive trolley deliver you from place to place, so you can sit back, unwind, and share a few well-earned laughs with other shopping elves! Grab a friend or two and climb aboard the trolley to spend the morning checking out handmade treasures, holiday decor, small-batch chocolates and snacks, and unique gifts without worrying about traffic or parking headaches.

Stops include the Holiday Makers Markets at Market On River, Down to Earth Garden Center, the Wisconsin Makers Market, The Lismore Handmade Holiday, Christmas in the Barn in Eleva, among others. This trolley ride promises the opportunity to slow down and soak up the yuletide spirit you’ve worked so hard to create, and pickup some sweet holiday gifts for you and yours along the way. 

Christmas Tea & Menomonie Mansions: A Lace, Lumber & Legacy Tour

With historic charm, elegant tea and treats, and a few sweet surprises throughout, this tour celebrates the architecture and fascinating past of one of the Chippewa Valley's stunning lumber towns. This tour is a full afternoon, including a traditional Victorian-style tea service at the historic (and beautifully decorated) Oaklawn Inn, a private tour of the stunning Wilson Place Mansion, and vintage delights at Olde Towne – complete with classic memorabilia and refreshments (option pickup in Menomonie is also available).

All trolley tours will depart from and return to The Local Store (205 N Dewey St., Eau Claire). For safety purposes, no infants in carriers (or on laps) are allowed on the trolley. Get all the details, see the full schedule of holiday trolley tours, and purchase tickets online at chippewarivertrolley.org/tours.