In Colorado, where we get some truly Christmasy weather, what could be better for the train lovers in your family than a holiday train experience? A magical Polar Express type experience gets adults and children alike excited for Santa and into the Christmas spirit.
Whether you want to stay near home in the Denver area, or you’ll be traveling and want to add a holiday train ride to your itinerary, there are several good options.
Holiday Train Experiences in Colorado
Georgetown Loop Railroad
Just a short drive into the mountains, the Georgetown Loop Railroad is a very popular train destination year-round but especially at Christmastime as Santa joins every train ride and they ride through his lighted forest! Tickets sell quickly so be sure to check your desired dates and get tickets soon. Check this website for all the details.
Colorado Railroad Museum Polar Express
Nearby in Golden, Colo., the Colorado Railroad Museum transforms into the Polar Express every winter. This magical show sells out quickly because of its popularity. As of this writing, tickets for this season are currently sold out but their website encourages you to check back periodically and follow their Facebook page for changes. Cancellations which open up tickets do happen and you just might get lucky!
Royal Gorge Christmas Train
If you’re headed south for Christmas or you’re up for a short getaway to enjoy the season, the Royal Gorge Christmas Train is a popular choice. This train ride is a 90-minute round-trip journey through the Royal Gorge to pick up Santa. After Santa boards, he will visit every child and give them a gift. Families are welcome to order lunch or dinner while aboard the train and there is a full bar. All details including tickets can be found here.
Note: There are two trains through the Royal Gorge. The Santa Express Train includes Santa while The Holiday Train does not. However, the Holiday Train is still beautifully decorated for Christmas. Just be clear which one you want to book and book the correct one!
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
A short drive south to Colorado Springs, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway is a popular train ride with spectacular views all year. In fact, they say winter actually provides the best views of the year. While the train itself is not Christmas-themed, a great option is to then visit the North Pole, Home of Santa’s Workshop at the base of Pikes Peak after your ride. Check out this website to see all the North Pole has to offer and for tickets and deals. Tickets and schedules for the Cog Railway can be found here.
