Wind your way through the mountains and experience the holidays aboard these festive train rides in Colorado.
Have you ever wondered why trains are associated with the holiday season? There’s “The Polar Express,” of course, but this tradition of holiday trains is also largely rooted in the golden age of travel. Before air travel became commonplace, the holidays were a time to board a train and head home. Since train travel was slower, the journey itself was part of the holiday experience.
Today, very few people travel home by train, but there’s still a nostalgic yearning for a slow, snowy journey winding through small mountain towns, with the sound of the train on the tracks and ever-changing scenery outside the window. Here are Colorado’s best holiday trains to ride this upcoming season (or next, as many sell out quickly!).
Santa’s Lighted Forest & Santa’s Rocky Mountain Adventure – Georgetown Loop
Where: 646 Loop Drive, Georgetown, CO 80444
When: November 6 – December 24
Price: $24 – $186 (Price varies depending on age and seating)
The Georgetown Loop has two holiday experiences: Santa’s Lighted Forest and Santa’s Rocky Mountain Adventure. Both rides take place along the same historic loop, but the Lighted Forest happens in the evening, while the Rocky Mountain Adventure takes place during the day.
On the Lighted Forest ride, you can expect a 60-minute journey through more than 300,000 twinkling lights decorating the train station, surrounding forest, and beautiful mountain landscape. Santa also joins the ride, which makes the experience even more festive and exciting for the whole family.
If you’d rather see the mountains during the day, Santa’s Rocky Mountain Adventure is a great way to take in the snow-covered Rocky Mountains. Santa is aboard every ride and takes time to visit with children and families.
There are also several different ways to experience the train ride. Coach Class offers traditional bench-style seating, and you’re welcome to bring your own lunch and non-alcoholic drinks. Parlor Class has booth-style seating and includes snacks and beverages onboard. For those looking for something a little more special, the Tahoe Executive and Waldorf Presidential cars offer upgraded seating and a more exclusive experience.
The Polar Express – Colorado Railroad Museum & Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Where: 17155 W 44th Ave, Golden, CO 80403 and 479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
When: November 6 – December 23 (Golden) and November 20 – January 2 (Durango)
Price: $80 – $500 (Golden) and $31 – $100 (Durango); prices vary by season, age, and seating choices
Experience the holiday favorite, “The Polar Express,” at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden or aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Durango. Both locations offer their own take on the classic Christmas story, with a train ride to the North Pole, Christmas carols, hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit from Santa.
At the Colorado Railroad Museum, the experience is split into three parts: live performance, immersive storytelling, and an authentic train ride. Before boarding, you’ll enjoy a performance of the famous “Hot Chocolate” song and dance, along with a retelling of “The Polar Express.” Then, you’ll climb aboard a vintage train pulled by a coal-fired steam locomotive for a ride to the North Pole. Once you arrive, you’ll get to see the elves, receive the First Gift of Christmas, and meet Santa.
In Durango, the experience revolves around a roughly 60-minute round-trip train ride aboard a historic steam locomotive. Before boarding, you can watch the train pull into the station, billowing steam as it arrives. Once aboard, you’ll enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and Christmas carols on the way to the North Pole. When you arrive at the North Pole, you’ll see thousands of twinkling lights, along with Santa and his elves. On the ride back, Santa visits with families and gives each child a silver bell, just like in the story.
Leadville Holiday Express – Leadville Railroad
Where: 326 E. 7th St., Leadville, Colorado 80461
When: November 14 – January 11
Price: $80 – $90 per person (depends on seat)
Experience a little holiday magic aboard Leadville Railroad’s Holiday Express. This two-hour train ride takes you through the beautiful Rocky Mountains, with snow-covered forests and mountain scenery along the way. There are two seating options: Coach Class, with traditional seating, and Lounge Class, which features booth-style seating in heated train cars.
During the ride, you’ll have a chance to meet Santa, purchase festive food and drinks, and step out into the open-air cars to take photos, including a fun picture inside a giant snow globe. The train also offers a narrated portion of the journey, where you go back in time to learn a little about Leadville’s railroad and mining history.
The Santa Express & The Holiday Train – Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Where: 401 Water St., Canon City, CO 81212
When: November 19 – December 30 (The Santa Express); Select dates between November 20 – December 30 (The Holiday Train)
Price: Peak: $99-$144 (The Santa Express); $104-139 (The Holiday Train); price depends on seating and peak/non-peak season
Royal Gorge Route’s The Santa Express is one of Colorado’s most popular holiday train rides. This experience takes you through the Royal Gorge and all the way to the North Pole. During the ride, you’ll sing Christmas carols, sip hot cocoa, enjoy cookies, and take in the beautiful canyon scenery. When you reach the North Pole, Santa and his elves board the train to visit with families, and each ticketed child receives a special Christmas bell to take home. You can even wear your favorite Christmas pajamas for the ride!
If you’re looking for a holiday train experience geared more toward adults, the Royal Gorge Route also offers a Holiday Train. This 1-hour-and-45-minute ride takes you through the Royal Gorge, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner served onboard, plus a full bar with seasonal cocktails and other drinks. There are also open-air cars where you can step outside and take in the views of the Arkansas River and surrounding canyon (if it’s nice outside). It’s a great way to enjoy the holiday season with friends or family without all the Santa-themed and kid festivities.
Santa’s Holiday Express – Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Where: 5234 B US Hwy 285, Antonito, CO 81120
When: December 12 – 13
Price: $15 – $50 (Price depends on seating and age).
Depart on a special Christmas journey aboard Santa’s Holiday Express in Antonito. For one weekend in December, the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, voted one of the best Scenic Train Rides in Colorado, welcomes families aboard for a holiday ride through the winter landscape of the San Luis Valley.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful Colorado scenery, hot chocolate, holiday cookies, and candy canes. And, of course, Santa joins the ride, so children will have a chance to visit with him and take pictures during the ride. You can choose between Coach Class or Deluxe Class, which offers upgraded seating and includes a beverage ticket.
