What Christmas would be complete without hot cocoa, a trip to the North Pole, or a visit with Santa Claus?! Do all that and more aboard one of these Colorado Christmas holiday train rides.
From the Front Range to the Western Slope, several historic railroads in Colorado offer something special for the winter holiday season. While most tourist trains shut down over the winter, a few keep rolling on. Board these unique Xmas-themed trains for an unforgettable time with your friends, family, and loved ones.
Here are Colorado’s best Santa Claus train rides, in no particular order:
Santa’s Lighted Forest — Georgetown Loop RR
Witness the snow-covered mountains in all their glory every evening aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad for an enchanting experience. The nighttime train makes a stop at Santa’s Lighted Forest, where the spirit of the holidays is on display with thousands of colorful lights that cover the trees and the Christmas village at the North Pole.
Passengers can meet Santa himself and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, all while watching the beautiful light show synchronized to selected Christmas carols. Passengers have a choice of the Presidential Car, Parlor Car, or Coach Car. This train departs only from the Devil’s Gate Depot in Georgetown, Colorado.
There is also a daytime option called Santa’s Rocky Mountain Adventure, featured next.
- Train: Georgetown Loop Railroad
- Trip: Georgetown to Silver Plume
- Duration: 55-60 minutes
- When: late October–December 24, 2025
- Website: georgetownlooprr.com/winter-holiday-trains
Santa’s Rocky Mountain Adventure — Georgetown Loop RR
Perfect for the entire family, hop aboard the Georgetown Loop train for a daytime ride to the North Pole. Passengers will join up with Santa and his little helpers, who help pass out presents, treats, and goodies for the children.
Choose from the Presidential Car, Parlor Car, or Coach Car – each decorated with the festivities of the season. This train departs only from the Devil’s Gate Depot location in Georgetown. While you won’t get to enjoy the lighted forest on this train, you’ll see amazing winter wonderland views.
- Train: Georgetown Loop Railroad
- Trip: Georgetown to Silver Plume
- Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- When: early November–December 24, 2025
- Website: georgetownlooprr.com/winter-holiday-trains
Santa Express Train — Royal Gorge Route RR
With your pajamas on, catch a ride aboard the Santa Express Train where Santa’s helpers offer hot cocoa, cookies, and candy canes, and even read Christmas stories to all the passengers. Ride through the Royal Gorge for an unforgettable journey to the North Pole, which shines with all the colors and brilliance of Christmas.
Kids, get your Christmas wish list ready for Santa as he makes his way through each class of service, visiting every child aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. It offers up to four daily departures, one of which includes an early morning train ride that includes breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
There are a variety of classes of service available, from the Vista Dome and first-class lunch and dinner train to the club and coach classes.
- Train: Royal Gorge Route Railroad
- Trip: Canon City to Parkdale, CO
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- When: November 20 – December 30, 2025 | Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
- Website: royalgorgeroute.com/santa-express-train
The Polar Express Train Ride — Durango & Silverton NGRR
Enjoy the warmth and fun of the season with a trip to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express via the Durango and Silverton Train. Experience the classic book, The Polar Express, come to life with the chefs, conductor, Billy, and of course, with Santa and his elves.
Enjoy treats and a bedtime story of The Polar Express as you head to the North Pole to pick up Santa. On your return to Durango, Santa visits each car while your chefs lead all passengers in the singing of Christmas carols. Passengers can choose from three different classes of service: coach, deluxe, and first-class.
- Train: Durango and Silverton Train and Railroad
- Trip: Durango to Cascade Canyon
- Duration: 1 hour
- When: November 21, 2026 – January 3, 2026
- Website: durangotrain.com/events/the-polar-express-train-ride
Winter Train to Cascade Canyon — Durango & Silverton NGRR
While this isn’t exactly a Christmas-themed train, the Winter Train to Cascade Canyon is perfect for enjoying the beauty of the season. All from the comfort of your heated coaches, take in the beautiful scenery that surrounds you as you pass through the San Juan National Forest, along the Animas River.
This 26-mile train ride departs at 9:45 am and arrives back at 2:45 pm, so plan for a full day of adventure and fun. Durango’s also one of the top Christmas towns in Colorado, so there’ll be plenty of activities to experience the season upon your return.
- Train: Durango and Silverton Train and Railroad
- Trip: Durango, through Cascade Canyon
- Duration: 5 hours
- When: November 21, 2025 – May 1, 2026
- Website: durangotrain.com/excursions/cascade-canyon-winter-train
From train rides to the North Pole and breakfast with Santa, to illuminated villages and holiday treats, what’s not to love about these Colorado Christmas trains? Celebrate the holidays with beautiful winter scenes of the Rocky Mountains, with all the Christmas traditions we know and love, all aboard one of these winter train rides.
When your journey comes to an end, keep the holiday spirits high by visiting one of Colorado’s best small Christmas towns. These quaint mountain villages go the extra mile to bring joy and festivities to all their visitors. And if you’re passing by or call the Front Range home, there’s a slew of holiday events near Denver to attend.
Christmas Holiday Events around Denver