Here are the best holiday trains chugging across Colorado this year
By the Thirst Team
Few things delight kids like a train. Except maybe Santa.
Conductors across Colorado are once again bringing the Christmas spirit to their trains this holiday season. They also have scenic trips through winter wonderlands for train aficionados and other big kids.
Here are the best Christmas trains in Colorado for kids of all ages. Many routes start this week, and some sell out fast, so don’t miss the boat … err, I mean train.
Polar Express train in Durango
It might be hard to believe, but “The Polar Express” movie was released 20 years ago this month. Many families revisit the modern classic every year both on their TV screens and on vintage trains.
The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad will once again transform a vintage steam train into a full Polar Express experience. The route travels to the North Pole for dancing elves, a light show and, of course, a visit from Santa delivering the first gift of Christmas. Back at the station, there are more elves and another chance to see Santa, plus live reindeer and more.
(Note: The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden also runs a Polar Express train, but every outing is already sold out.)
Nov. 22 to Jan. 4
Cascade Canyon Route
The Durango and Silverton train also starts its 26-mile winter Cascade Canyon service this weekend.
Relax in heated coaches traveling along the Animas River with snowclad Rocky Mountain views. And stop for an hour in Cascade Canyon for a fireside lunch or riverside walk.
Boxed lunches are available for pre-order, and drinks and snacks are sold on the train.
Select dates from Nov. 22 to May 2
Santa Express in the Royal Gorge
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad travels through the Royal Gorge to the North Pole in an all-new Santa Express Train.
The crew devoted 5,000 hours of craftsmanship in the past year to decking the train in hand-spun gold-leaf paint, 313 hand-painted snowflakes, 40 hand-painted pine trees and more.
Nov. 22 to Dec. 31
Santa adventure in Georgetown
The Georgetown Loop Railroad partners with History Colorado for four holiday train experiences on the historic rail line.
Santa will visit good girls and boys every day on both his daytime Rocky Mountain Adventure, which runs across the famous 95-foot-tall High Bridge. He also will ho-ho-ho onto the Lighted Forest rides through more than 300,000 lights after dark.
Several levels of service are available, and snacks and holiday cocktails are available for purchase in parlor and club cars.
After Christmas, the Victorian Holiday Celebration takes over through New Year’s Day. Daytime and nighttime departures are available to ride with Ebenezer Scrooge as he recounts his visits from ghosts past, present and future.
Nov 20 to Jan 1
Holiday express in Leadville
Santa also will brave the altitude of the Leadville Railroad for their holiday express, with festive decorations and winter scenery. The ride also includes seasonal treats and beverages, and the conductors’ historic tales.
Seats are sold in enclosed and heated lounge cars, but you can take photos and experience winter in the open-air cars.
Nov. 21-Dec. 31