Gingerbread Express with Santa and Mrs. Claus is a new holiday experience at TrainTastic in Gulfport, Mississippi. On Saturday, December 19, from 10 AM to 12 PM, families can decorate a gingerbread train, enjoy a hot cocoa bar, and get a meet-and-greet with Santa and a photographer, while Mrs. Claus roams the room and visits with families. It is a $40 add-on for up to four participants on top of general admission, and it includes a gingerbread train decorating kit, toppings and extra supplies, VIP digital photo access, and one free 6×8 framed print.
This is a one-day-only morning event, and space is limited. Here is what to expect, how it works, and how to turn December 19 into a full day of holiday fun.
When Is Gingerbread Express With Santa and Mrs. Claus?
Gingerbread Express with Santa and Mrs. Claus takes place on one date only:
- Date: Saturday, December 19
- Time: 10 AM to 12 PM
- Location: TrainTastic, 615 Pass Road, Gulfport, MS 39501
Because it is a morning event, it fits families with young children who tend to do their best before nap time, as well as anyone who would rather skip an evening outing during a busy December.
How Much Does Gingerbread Express With Santa and Mrs. Claus Cost?
The experience is a $40 add-on for up to four participants, and it is purchased on top of general admission. In other words, your group enters the museum with general admission, then adds Gingerbread Express to take part in the decorating and Santa experience.
That price covers a family of up to four, which makes it simple to plan. A group of four pays $40 for the add-on, not $40 per person.
Book through the event page. Because space is limited, reserve early.
What Is Included in Gingerbread Express With Santa and Mrs. Claus?
The add-on includes:
- One gingerbread train decorating kit for your group
- Toppings and extra supplies so you can get creative
- A meet-and-greet with Santa and a photographer, with Mrs. Claus roaming the room to chat with families
- VIP digital photo access
- One free 6×8 framed print
- A hot cocoa bar
Mrs. Claus will be roaming the room throughout the morning, chatting with families while everyone decorates. Santa then makes an appearance for meet-and-greets.
Many holiday events offer a quick photo with Santa in a long line. Gingerbread Express is different because it is a small morning event with a photographer on hand, so you are not rushing through a crowd. You leave with digital photos and a framed print, which makes a nice keepsake or a gift for grandparents.
What Will You Do at Gingerbread Express?
TrainTastic sets the exact flow of the morning, but here is the general idea of what your group gets to do:
- Decorate your gingerbread train. Everyone gets hands-on time with the kit, toppings, and extra supplies.
- Sip hot cocoa from the cocoa bar.
- Meet Mrs. Claus and Santa. Mrs. Claus roams the room and visits with families, and then Santa makes an appearance for meet-and-greets with a photographer.
- Explore the museum. With general admission, you have the rest of the museum to enjoy, from the train layouts to the play areas.
Kids tend to love the decorating because it blends creativity with a snack. Adults often find themselves arguing about the best roofline for a gingerbread train, which is part of the fun.
Why Is a Gingerbread Train a Good Fit for TrainTastic?
Gingerbread houses are common. A gingerbread train is not, and it fits the museum perfectly.
TrainTastic is the largest model railroad museum in the United States, with detailed layouts, a Gulf Coast tribute layout with more than 50 interactive local landmarks, and a S.T.E.A.M. Shop. Building a gingerbread train is a hands-on activity that connects directly to what kids see around them. After decorating, they can walk the museum, see real model trains running, and compare their sweet version to the real thing.
It is also a creative S.T.E.A.M. challenge in disguise. Kids plan, build, and problem-solve, just with more frosting.
What Are Some Tips for Decorating a Gingerbread Train?
Gingerbread decorating looks easy until the frosting starts to drip. A few simple tricks help your train come out looking like you planned it:
- Make a plan first. Take a minute to decide who is decorating the engine, the cars, and the details. Dividing the work keeps the group from fighting over one piece.
- Use frosting as glue. A little goes a long way, and a thicker dab holds toppings in place better than a thin layer.
- Work from the bottom up. Start with the base and wheels, then add details on top.
- Save the best candy for last. Decorative touches like windows, lights, and smokestacks look best when they are added at the end.
- Let the kids lead. The goal is not a perfect train. It is a train your kids are proud of.
- Take a photo before anyone eats it. The train rarely stays intact for long.
Is Gingerbread Express a Good Holiday Tradition?
For many families, a holiday tradition is simply something you do together every year, and a gingerbread train checks the boxes. It is hands-on, it ends with something delicious, and it comes with a photo you can put on the mantel.
The framed print and digital photos also make this a nice gift idea. Grandparents who live far away often love receiving a framed photo of their grandkids with Santa, and a relaxed morning with a photographer on hand makes real smiles more likely.
Because Gingerbread Express is offered on one date only, it can also become a fun annual date to circle on the calendar. Families who start the tradition this year will know to book early next year.
Who Is Gingerbread Express With Santa and Mrs. Claus Best For?
This event tends to work especially well for:
- Families with toddlers and young children, since the morning timing and short activity window suit their schedules
- Families who want a keepsake, thanks to the framed print and digital photos
- Grandparents with grandkids, who can join the decorating and photos
- Families who prefer a morning event, or who have evening plans
- Kids who love crafts and sweets, which covers most kids
Because the add-on covers up to four participants, it also works well for a parent and up to three children, or two parents and two children.
How Can You Make December 19 a Full Day of Holiday Fun?
December 19 is a busy day at TrainTastic, and families can stack the events:
- 10 AM to 12 PM: Gingerbread Express with Santa and Mrs. Claus
- Afternoon: Explore the museum with your general admission, and step out for lunch if you like, since admission allows re-entry on the same day
- 5:30 to 8:00 PM: Holiday Lights, with more than 2 million twinkling lights, outdoor train rides, sock skating, Santa photos, and crafts
Holiday Lights requires a separate ticket at $25 per person, so plan for that if you want to return in the evening.
If you would rather do just one event, the morning timing makes Gingerbread Express a relaxed alternative to the evening lineup.
What Should You Know Before You Go?
- Book early. Space is limited and the event is on one date only.
- Remember general admission. The $40 add-on is on top of admission.
- Wear something comfortable. Decorating gets sticky, and a bib or old shirt is not a bad idea for little ones.
- Think about allergies. The kit includes candy and toppings, so check with the museum if anyone has a food allergy.
- Bring a camera. A photographer is on hand, but candid shots of the decorating are fun too.
- Arrive a few minutes early. It helps you settle in before your group begins.
- Check the event page for the latest details and age guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gingerbread Express with Santa and Mrs. Claus?
Gingerbread Express with Santa and Mrs. Claus is a holiday experience at TrainTastic where families decorate a gingerbread train, enjoy a hot cocoa bar, and get a meet-and-greet with Santa and a photographer, with Mrs. Claus roaming the room to visit with families.
When is Gingerbread Express with Santa and Mrs. Claus?
It takes place on Saturday, December 19, from 10 AM to 12 PM. It is offered on that date only.
How much does Gingerbread Express with Santa and Mrs. Claus cost?
It is a $40 add-on for up to four participants, on top of general admission.
What is included?
The add-on includes one gingerbread train decorating kit, toppings and extra supplies, a meet-and-greet with Santa and a photographer, VIP digital photo access, one free 6×8 framed print, and a hot cocoa bar.
Will Mrs. Claus be there?
Yes. Mrs. Claus will be roaming the room and interacting with families during the morning, and Santa will make an appearance for meet-and-greets.
Do I need general admission too?
Yes. Gingerbread Express is an add-on to general admission, which also gives you access to the museum.
How many people can take part for the $40?
The $40 add-on covers up to four participants.
Do I need to reserve in advance?
Space is limited, so booking through the event page is recommended.
Can we also attend Holiday Lights on December 19?
Yes. Holiday Lights runs from 5:30 to 8:00 PM on December 19. It requires a separate ticket at $25 per person.
Where is TrainTastic located?
TrainTastic is at 615 Pass Road, Gulfport, MS 39501, just a few minutes from I-10.
Reserve Your Gingerbread Express Spot
A gingerbread train, a visit with Mrs. Claus and Santa, and a framed photo you will keep for years. Reserve early, because this one is for December 19 only.
See details and book your spot at
