From Santa to scenic views, these magical Colorado trains offer the wonder of the season for all ages.

Holidays are a magical time, and trains are a magical way to enjoy the season. Lucky for us in Colorado, we have several lines that are ready to take us through a trip through a winter wonderland. Check out our list of trains below to excite your kiddos or feel like a kid again, surrounded by beautiful scenery and much more!

Tickets sell out quickly, so get them as early as you can.

Colorado Railroad Museum  

*This event fills up extremely fast, so get tickets ASAP*

Polar Express Train Ride: The story of The Polar Express is theatrically re-created at the museum and immerses families in sights, sounds, and wonder of the holiday season!
Dates: Nov. 9-10, 13-17, 20-24, & 29-30 | Dec. 1, 4-8, 11-15, & 17-23
Tickets

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum

Polar Express Train. Courtesy of Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. 

Polar Express Train: The award-winning book, The Polar Express, comes to life through the on the historic steam train! All passengers on this magical trip through Christmas will enjoy hot chocolate, a reading of the story, and a trip to the North Pole to pick up Santa! Santa will visit each car, and the ride will be complete with carols, and a special gift for all the kids.
Dates: Nov. 15–Jan. 2, 2020
Tickets

Christmas Tree Train: The train will also run a Christmas Tree Train on Nov. 24-25 ride the regular Cascade Canyon Train prepared to cut their own Christmas Tree to be hauled back to Durango on the steam train!
Dates: Dec. 1, 8, & 15
Tickets

Winter Cascade Canyon Train Excursions: Take a 26-mile journey deep into the perfect Colorado winter scenery of the San Juan Mountain Forest. Take in the breathtaking views in heated coaches as you make your way to the Cascade Canyon stop. Food and beverages are available, and you are welcome to bring your own festive snacks (only non-alcoholic beverages). 
Dates: Nov. 25–May 1, 2020
Tickets

Georgetown Loop Railroad

Santa's Lighted Forest. Courtesy of Georgetown Loop Railroad.

Santa’s North Pole Adventure: Santa will give his reindeer a break and board this fun, daytime train ride to pass out presents, treats, and smiles to little ones. The decorated, heated coaches, and one-hour, round-trip ride is heart-warming for all ages. Guests may choose from the coach section, parlor car, or Presidential car.
Dates: Nov. 16–Dec. 24
Tickets

Santa’s Lighted Forest: It’s an evening light show and Santa train all in one! Embark on a trip to a light show set to holiday music, all while enjoying the heated coaches. Santa and his helpers will also make a trip through the cars to meet and greet passengers on the magical ride.
Dates: Nov. 16–Dec. 24 
Tickets

Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Santa Express Train. Courtesy of Royal Gorge Railroad.

Santa Express Train: Don your pajamas and take a ride on the Santa Express Train to see a twinkly replica of the North Pole and meet Santa. On the ride, passengers will sing along to a mix of new and old Christmas music and enjoy delicious, locally sourced entrees available on every Santa Express class of service. When the Santa Express Train reaches the North Pole, Santa and his special elves board the train to pass out a special holiday bell to each ticketed child aboard.
Dates: Nov. 14 | Dec. 24 & 26-30
Tickets

Breakfast with Santa: An early departure takes little ones to the North Pole for breakfast with Santa and Ms. Claus! Passengers can enjoy a delicious meal, a train ride, hot chocolate, a special gift from Santa, and time to visit.
Dates: Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, & 22  
Tickets

New Year’s Eve Train: Ring in the New Year in serious train style with a three-course-dinner ride in a glass-dome rail car on New Year’s Eve. Who needs New York or Paris when you can celebrate on this unique ride?
Dates: Dec. 31
Tickets

Winter of 2020 Spirits Through the Gorge: Enjoy a two-hour loop through the Gorge and enjoy it in four-course foodie style, complete with some of the best local spirits distilled in Colorado. 
Dates: Jan. 19–Feb. 23, 2020
Tickets

Winter Park Express 

Winter Park Express. Courtesy of Amtrak.com.

Amtrak’s “Ski Train,” dating back to 1912, takes you on a weekend trip to the slopes, through some unbelievable scenery, from Denver’s Union Station to Winter Park. Or just board it and enjoy winter in the Colorado mountains at its finest, even if you don’t ski, before heading back home.
Dates: Jan 10–March 29, 2020
Tickets

What do you think? Will you be checking one of these magical Colorado trains this winter? Let us know in the comments below.