The Most Festive Christmas Train Rides in Colorado
Colorado’s historic railways come alive during the holidays, offering twinkling lights, snowy mountain views, cheerful music, and fun moments with Santa and his helpers.
Whether you’re planning a unique date night or a magical family adventure, these Christmas train rides offer a winter wonderland, with hot cocoa, festive storytelling, and charming vintage railcars that bring the spirit of the season to life.
Each train experience is a little different, but there is one that is the perfect distance from your location and offers the extras you are looking for. Colorado offers so many adventures for the Christmas season!
Christmas Train Rides in Colorado
Experience the magic of Christmas in Colorado aboard some of the most scenic and festive train rides in the country. These holiday journeys feel like stepping into a winter storybook.
1. Georgetown Loop Railroad – Santa Express
Step back in time on this historic narrow-gauge railroad. You can enjoy a classic Christmas ride with festive touches for the whole family, about an hour’s drive west of Denver.
- Historic narrow-gauge train through Clear Creek Canyon.
- Decorated holiday cars with lights and festive décor.
- Santa walks through the train, greeting kids.
- Hot cocoa, cookies, and themed holiday treats.
- Great for families wanting a short, classic Christmas train experience.
2. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
POLAR EXPRESS
This iconic ride brings the story of “The Polar Express” to life, making it a must-do for families with children.
Check the schedule, and ticket availablity, ahead of driving to the Durango area. It is about a 6 to 7-hour drive, depending on traffic and weather.
- Live storytelling from “The Polar Express” with elves and Santa.
- Hot chocolate and cookies served on board.
- Kids are encouraged to wear pajamas for the whole experience.
- Themed car decorations and holiday music.
- Perfect for families seeking a whole theatrical holiday ride.
CASCADE CANYON EXCURSION
If you love snowy mountains and peaceful winter scenery, this scenic excursion is one of Colorado’s most beautiful cold-season train rides.
- Travels a shorter route from Durango to Cascade Canyon and back, making it a relaxed 5-hour round-trip.
- Winter coaches are heated, offering a cozy ride through the snowy San Juan Mountains.
- Follows the Animas River with dramatic views of cliffs, forests, and rugged canyons.
- Includes a stop at Cascade Canyon for photos, exploring, or simply enjoying the quiet winter landscape.
- Not a Christmas-themed ride, no Santa or holiday decor, but ideal for travelers wanting a scenic, peaceful winter adventure.
3. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad – Santa’s Holiday Express
Santa’s Holiday Express, a themed Christmas event, enjoyed on a historic train through snowy mountains that feels like a magical holiday journey. The Colorado location, in the town of Antonio, is about a 4-hour drive south of Denver, close to the New Mexico border.
- Travels through snow-covered valleys and remote mountain wilderness.
- Offers peaceful, scenic views for couples, photographers, or winter adventurers.
- Best for travelers seeking scenic winter landscapes rather than Santa visits.
- Train rides that are in both Colorado and New Mexico.
- Book early since seats are very limited.
4. Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad – Holiday or Winter Rides
Enjoy a cozy winter journey through the Rockies with scenic views, heated cars, and festive touches perfect for families or couples.
- Holiday Express (mid-November through early January) — Heated lounge cars, seasonal decorations, and festive treats.
- Santa often visits on board, adding a magical holiday touch for kids.
- Winter Express (January through early April) — Snowy mountain scenery with comfortable, heated seating.
- Scenic views of the upper Arkansas River Valley, high-altitude terrain, and snow-dusted peaks.
- Great for families, couples, or anyone looking for a peaceful winter train adventure.
5. Royal Gorge Route Railroad – Santa Express & Holiday Train
Experience a magical ride through one of Colorado’s most dramatic canyons as the Royal Gorge Route transforms its classic railway into a festive holiday journey.
- Santa Express Train with a visit to the “North Pole,” where Santa boards the train to greet every child with a small gift.
- Holiday Train option for a cozy, scenic winter ride without the full Santa experience.
- Beautiful views of the canyon walls, the Arkansas River, and the famous Royal Gorge Bridge.
- Festive lights, decorated rail cars, holiday music, and optional hot cocoa and cookies.
- Multiple departures daily during the holiday season; great for families or couples wanting a scenic Christmas adventure.
6. Colorado Railroad Museum – Polar Express
Experience the magic of the Polar Express ride close to Denver, complete with Santa, hot cocoa, and vintage steam locomotives.
- Seasonal holiday train ride running from November to December.
- Heated pavilion with storytelling, singing, and holiday shows.
- Steam locomotive ride to “the North Pole” with Santa meet-and-greet.
- Hot cocoa and cookies served on board.
- Suitable for families and children; book early for popular dates.
7. Pikes Peak Cog Railway – Winter Scenic Ride
The historic Pikes Peak Cog Railway climbs from Manitou Springs to the top of Pikes Peak, offering snowy mountain views and a memorable Colorado winter adventure.
- Scenic Winter Ride travels 9 miles through snow-covered forests and wilderness to reach 14,115 ft at the summit.
- Heated Railcars helps to stay cozy during the ride, though warm layers are still recommended for the summit.
- Summit Views are panoramic mountain vistas and crisp winter air; great for photos and snowy memories.
- Seasonal Operation and runs year-round, but winter schedules are limited and weather-dependent, so check online before visiting.
- Not a Holiday-Themed Ride unlike Polar Express or Santa Express, the focus is on scenic winter landscapes rather than festive decor or Santa visits.
Things to Pack for a Train Ride (and What’s Allowed)
Train rides in Colorado during the winter can be enjoyable, and being prepared, bringing a few extras, can make the experience even better. Here’s a guide for what to bring and what’s allowed on most holiday trains:
Essentials to Pack
- Warm layers: Even in heated railcars, winter weather can make stations and outdoor platforms chilly. Jackets, hats, gloves, and scarves are a must.
- Comfortable shoes: Some trains require walking to the boarding platform or around the depot. Boots or sneakers with good traction are best.
- Camera or phone: Capture the scenic snowy landscapes, decorated cars, and festive moments with Santa.
- Snacks (if allowed): Some scenic trains permit small personal snacks, but check rules. Holiday trains often provide cocoa and treats on board.
- Water bottle: Stay hydrated, especially if you’re at higher elevations (like Leadville or Pikes Peak).
- Backpack or small bag: Keep your hands free for boarding, photos, and holding gifts or souvenirs.
Holiday Extras
- Pajamas for Polar Express rides: Many families dress kids in pajamas for the full storybook experience.
- Small gifts for kids: Some rides allow children to bring a gift to exchange or to have Santa deliver.
- Binoculars: Handy for spotting wildlife or mountain peaks along scenic routes.
- Small blanket, nothing bulky, to keep warm on ride. Something small enough to fit in backpack. Check specific train rules if you’re unsure, but small travel blankets are usually fine.
What’s Usually Allowed / Not Allowed
- Most trains allow personal cameras, phones, and small bags.
- Alcohol: Depends on the train. Some scenic trains allow beer/wine in observation cars, but most holiday trains do not.
- Pets: Usually, only service animals are permitted.
- Large coolers or oversized bags are generally not allowed due to space restrictions.
- Professional photography gear may need special permission.
Pro Tip: Check each train’s website before your trip. Holiday-themed trains sometimes have stricter rules to ensure a safe, festive ride.
Final Thoughts on Christmas Train Rides in Colorado
There is something special about Colorado in the wintertime, especially during the holidays.
Whether you’re dreaming of cocoa-filled family fun or a quiet snowy escape, Colorado’s Christmas trains offer unforgettable holiday memories. Choose the ride that fits your style and enjoy the magic of the season from the best seat in the mountains. There are plenty of experiences to give you a variety of adventures for years to come!
