{Georgetown North Pole Train, photo by Georgetown Loop Railroad Facebook} 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, there are a number of historic railroads in Colorado that 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 Christmas holiday train rides, in no particular order:
Santa’s Lighted Forest
Witness the snow-covered mountains in all their glory every evening aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad for an enchanting experience. The 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 Christmas village at the North Pole.
Passengers can meet Santa himself, 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 the Coach Car. This train departs only from the Devil’s Gate Depot in Georgetown, Colorado.
- Train: Georgetown Loop Railroad
- Trip: Georgetown to Silver Plume
- Duration: 50 – 60 minutes
- When: November 16th – December 24, 2019
- Website: georgetownlooprr.com/santas-lighted-forest
Santa’s North Pole Adventure
Perfect for the entire family, hop aboard the Georgetown Loop train for a 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 the Coach Car – each decorated with the festivities of the season. This train departs only from the Devil’s Gate Depot location in Georgetown, Colorado.
- Train: Georgetown Loop Railroad
- Trip: Georgetown to Silver Plume
- Duration: 50 – 60 minutes
- When: November 16th – December 24, 2019
- Website: georgetownlooprr.com/santas-north-pole-adventure
Santa Express Train
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. Offering 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 class.
- Train: Royal Gorge Route Railroad
- Trip: Canon City to Parkdale, CO
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- When: November 14th – December 30th, 2019
- Website: royalgorgeroute.com/santa-express-train
The Polar Express Train Ride
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 bed-time 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: Starting November 15th, 2019 – January 2nd, 2020
- Website: durangotrain.com/events/polar-express%E2%84%A2-train-ride
Christmas Tree Train
An important part of the season, picking out the Christmas tree, is always the highlight of the holidays. Make it an unforgettable moment aboard the Christmas Tree Train with the Durango and Silverton Train. Ride the Cascade Canyon Train but come prepared to cut down your own Christmas tree.
Bring your tree aboard as you ride back to Durango with a few extra passengers on board! And don’t worry, you are actually helping the forest by cutting down these trees to help prevent forest fires.
Guests must reserve a tree permit through our team when booking your excursion.
- Train: Durango and Silverton Train and Railroad
- Trip: Durango, through Cascade Canyon
- Duration: 5 hours
- When: December 1st, 8th, and 15th
- Website: durangotrain.com/events/christmas-tree-train
Winter Train to Cascade Canyon
While this isn’t exactly a Christmas-themed train, the Winter Train to Cascade Canyon is perfect to enjoy the beauty of the season. All from the comfort of your heated coaches, take in the beautiful scenery that surrounds 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 25th, 2019 – May 1st, 2020
- Website: durangotrain.com/winter-spring-trains-cascade-canyon
December Santa Train
Raise money for a good cause and also enjoy yourself aboard the Santa Train on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. They raise food and toy donations for those in need during the holiday season.
A nominal fee of $10 gets you a ride in beautiful southern Colorado and northern New Mexico with hot cocoa and candy canes, plus meeting Mr. & Mrs. Claus. All they ask is that each passenger brings a toy or a non-perishable food item for donation.
- Train: Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad
- Trip: Departs from both Chama, NM and Antonito, CO
- Duration: 1-hour round trip
- When: December 7th & 8th, 2019 departs from Chama, NM & December 14th & 15th departs from Antonito, NM
- Website: cumbrestoltec.com/santa-trains
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 festive 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 its visitors. And if you’re passing by or call the front range home, there’s a slew of holiday events near Denver to attend.
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