Christmas Train Rides in Colorado (2026)
Colorado is one of the few places where a holiday train ride can include real snow, a real mountain and a steam engine all at once. The state has two licensed Polar Express rides, a theatrical one at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden and a narrow-gauge steam one in Durango, plus five railroads’ own Santa trains in the high country. For licensed rides in neighboring states, see our state-by-state Polar Express list.
The short version
- 7 holiday trains in Colorado for 2026, 2 of them the licensed Polar Express (Durango, Golden)
- First to run: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Golden, from November 6. Last: Holiday Express, Leadville, until January 11
- Lowest fare: Santa's Holiday Express, Antonito, from about $15
- Book only on each railroad’s own site; every ride below links to it
Colorado holiday trains at a glance
- Holiday trains
- 7 confirmed for 2026
- Licensed Polar Express
- Durango, Golden
- Season
- November 6 to January 11, 2026
- Lowest fare
- From about $15 (Cumbres & Toltec)
- After Christmas
- Durango & Silverton (to January 2), Leadville Railroad (to January 11), Royal Gorge Route (to December 30)
- Last checked
Plan your date
When each Colorado Christmas train runs
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride in Golden starts first, on November 6, and Holiday Express in Leadville runs the latest, to January 11. Each bar spans a ride’s season, not every day in it, so check the railroad’s calendar for exact dates.
- THE POLAR EXPRESS Train RideGolden · Nov 6 to Dec 23
- Santa's Lighted ForestGeorgetown · Nov 6 to Dec 24
- Santa's Rocky Mountain AdventureGeorgetown · Nov 6 to Dec 24
- Holiday ExpressLeadville · Nov 14 to Jan 11
- Santa Express TrainCañon City · Nov 19 to Dec 30
- THE POLAR EXPRESS Train RideDurango · Nov 20 to Jan 2
- Santa's Holiday ExpressAntonito · Dec 12 and 13
Look inside the book
Riding a Colorado Christmas train? Read Rally first.
Rally Takes the Train is a corgi’s first train ride, from the early wake-up to the dark tunnel to the sunshine on the other side. It takes about five minutes to read, so it fits in the car on the way to the station. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $13.99 on Amazon.
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25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Colorado's Two Licensed Polar Express Rides
On the map
Where Colorado’s Christmas trains leave from
- 1Golden: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
- 2Georgetown: Santa's Lighted Forest
- 2Georgetown: Santa's Rocky Mountain Adventure
- 3Leadville: Holiday Express
- 4Cañon City: Santa Express Train
- 5Durango: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
- 6Antonito: Santa's Holiday Express
Licensed Polar Express Other holiday trains. Faint dots are Colorado towns, for shape.
A stage show with a steam train near Denver, and a narrow-gauge steam train in the San Juans.
Colorado's 2026 holiday trains at a glance
| Ride | Town | Season | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Railroad Museum | Golden | Nov 6 to Dec 23 | From $80 | On sale now |
| Durango & Silverton | Durango | Nov 20 to Jan 2 | From about $31 | On sale now |
| Georgetown Loop Railroad | Georgetown | Nov 6 to Dec 24 | From about $33 | Selling fast |
| Georgetown Loop Railroad | Georgetown | Nov 6 to Dec 24 | From about $23 | On sale now |
| Leadville Railroad | Leadville | Nov 14 to Jan 11 | From $80 | On sale now |
| Royal Gorge Route | Cañon City | Nov 19 to Dec 30 | From $94 | On sale now |
| Cumbres & Toltec | Antonito | Dec 12 and 13 | From about $15 | On sale now |
Golden: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride at the Colorado Railroad Museum
Licensed Polar ExpressColorado Railroad Museum · Golden
- Operator
- Colorado Railroad Museum(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden
- Season
- November 6 to December 23, 2026; several evenings a week at first, daily after Thanksgiving; shows at 5:00, 6:30 and 8:00 pm
- Ride length
- A three-part evening: pavilion show, steam train ride to the North Pole, and the finale
- What's included
- A cabaret-style pre-show, the Hot Chocolate song with cocoa and cookies, a dramatic reading of the story, and a steam train ride to the North Pole
- Price
- From $80 per person; first class sold by the table of four; shows before Thanksgiving cost less
- Tickets
- On sale now; members get a presale
- Best ages
- All ages; lap riders under 2 free
The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, 15 acres and more than 100 locomotives at the foot of North Table Mountain, stages its Polar Express as a three-part show. It starts inside a heated pavilion with a cabaret-style pre-show, the Hot Chocolate song and dance served with cocoa and cookies, and a dramatic re-enactment of the story. Then everyone walks out to board an authentic steam train for the ride to the North Pole.
Arrive about 30 minutes before your show so you do not miss the pre-show, since pavilion seating depends on when you get there. Standard seats are sold per person and first class by the table of four. Dates before Thanksgiving cost less, and lap riders under 2 are free.
Check dates and tickets with Colorado Railroad Museum(opens in a new tab)Durango: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride on the Durango & Silverton
Licensed Polar ExpressDurango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad · Durango
- Operator
- Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Durango Depot, Durango
- Season
- November 20, 2026 to January 2, 2027, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day; mostly 4:55, 6:30 and 8:00 pm, with 9:10 pm some nights
- Ride length
- About 65 minutes on the train; allow 2 hours in all
- What's included
- A pre-boarding show, hot chocolate and a treat, the story read aloud, a light show at the North Pole and Santa's first gift of Christmas for every passenger
- Price
- From about $31 by class: standard, deluxe and first class, plus a preservation fee
- Tickets
- On sale now; some dates and cars sell quickly
- Best ages
- All ages
The Durango & Silverton calls the Polar Express its most popular event of the year. A vintage narrow-gauge steam train leaves the downtown Durango depot for the North Pole while chefs serve hot chocolate and a treat and the book is read aloud. At the North Pole there is a light show, and on the way back Santa walks every coach handing out the first gift of Christmas.
The railroad asks families to arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before departure, but not to miss the show as the train steams into the station; final boarding is 10 minutes before. Every cabin is heated. A wheelchair coach with a lift and an accessible restroom is available. Park in the railroad’s paid lot on College Drive. Read the cancellation terms before booking; there is a 60-day nonrefundable window.
Check dates and tickets with Durango & Silverton(opens in a new tab)Colorado Mountain Santa Trains for 2026
Five railroads’ own holiday trains, from the I-70 corridor to the San Luis Valley.
Georgetown: Santa's Lighted Forest on the Georgetown Loop
Holiday lights trainGeorgetown Loop Railroad · Georgetown
- Operator
- Georgetown Loop Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Georgetown Loop Railroad station, Georgetown
- Season
- Evenings November 6 to December 24, 2026, except November 10, 11, 17 and 26; 5:00 and 6:30 pm, most days also 8:00 pm
- Ride length
- About 55 minutes
- What's included
- A ride through a forest lit with more than 300,000 lights, with Santa on every train before Christmas
- Price
- From about $33 in coach; table seating in parlor and premium cars costs more
- Tickets
- On sale now; many December evening trains already full
- Best ages
- All ages; children 1 and up need a seat in table cars
After dark the Georgetown Loop lights up the station, the hillside and the forest along the line with more than 300,000 lights, and the evening train takes about 55 minutes to roll through it, with Santa on every departure before Christmas. Georgetown is about an hour west of Denver on I-70, so it is an easy after-school trip for Front Range families.
Coach is enclosed with bench seats and no on-board service, sold first come, first served. Parlor and the Tahoe and Waldorf private cars are booked by the table, with snacks and a drink included; the railroad notes the Tahoe has the bigger windows for the lights. When we checked, many December weekend evening trains were already full.
Check dates and tickets with Georgetown Loop Railroad(opens in a new tab)Georgetown: Santa's Rocky Mountain Adventure by daylight
Santa trainGeorgetown Loop Railroad · Georgetown
- Operator
- Georgetown Loop Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Georgetown Loop Railroad station, Georgetown
- Season
- Daily November 6 to December 24, 2026, except November 10, 11, 17 and 26; departures from 10:45 am to 3:15 pm
- Ride length
- About 1 hour
- What's included
- Santa visiting on board and a ride over the 95-foot High Bridge
- Price
- From about $23 in coach
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages
The daytime version of the Georgetown Loop holiday train is the better pick for toddlers and for anyone who wants to see the mountains. Santa rides every departure before Christmas, visiting kids while the train climbs through the forest and crosses the 95-foot High Bridge.
It is also cheaper than the evening Lighted Forest train, and coach riders may bring a sack lunch and non-alcoholic drinks. Dress warmly; Georgetown sits above 8,500 feet and the platform can be cold even on a sunny afternoon.
Check dates and tickets with Georgetown Loop Railroad(opens in a new tab)Leadville: the Holiday Express at 10,000 feet
Holiday trainLeadville Railroad · Leadville
- Operator
- Leadville Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Leadville Railroad depot, Leadville
- Season
- Daily November 14, 2026 to January 11, 2027, except November 26 and December 24 and 25; 1:30 pm daily, with 4:30 pm many days and 10:30 am or 7:15 pm on busy days
- Ride length
- About 2 hours round trip
- What's included
- Heated lounge and coach cars, a snow globe photo in the open-air car, half-narrated scenery, and a chance to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus or an elf
- Price
- From $80, fees included
- Tickets
- On sale now; tends to sell out
- Best ages
- Seats for ages 4 and up; 3 and under on a lap
Leadville is the highest incorporated city in the country, and its railroad runs a two-hour Holiday Express through the San Isabel National Forest above the Arkansas River valley, nearly every day from mid-November into January. The heated lounge cars have booths and big windows, and there is an open-air car where kids can feel the snow and pose with a snow globe. Along the way you may meet Mrs. Claus, an elf or Santa himself.
Hot cocoa is sold on board and there are restrooms on the train. Seats are for ages 4 and up; younger children ride on a lap. At this altitude, bring hats and gloves even for the enclosed cars, and give kids extra water on the drive up.
Check dates and tickets with Leadville Railroad(opens in a new tab)Cañon City: the Santa Express through the Royal Gorge
North Pole trainRoyal Gorge Route Railroad · Cañon City
- Operator
- Royal Gorge Route Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Santa Fe Depot, Cañon City
- Season
- November 19 to December 30, 2026; up to four departures a day, about 9:30 am, 12:30, 4:00 and 7:00 pm, varying by date
- Ride length
- About 1 to 1 and a half hours
- What's included
- Hot cocoa and cookies, Christmas music, and Santa and his elves boarding at the North Pole in the gorge to give each ticketed child a bell
- Price
- From $94; meals and drinks extra
- Tickets
- On sale now; most dates sell out weeks ahead
- Best ages
- All ages; pajamas encouraged
The Royal Gorge Route runs its Santa Express from the Santa Fe Depot in Cañon City into the granite canyon of the Royal Gorge, where the railroad sets its North Pole. Kids in pajamas sing along to Christmas music, cocoa and cookies are included, and at the North Pole Santa and his elves come aboard to give each ticketed child a bell. The train also has an open-air car and a grill menu.
Seats are assigned at booking, and groups larger than four are split across the aisle or back to back. Arrive 60 to 90 minutes early for tickets and photos. The Vista Dome is up 14 steps and not accessible; call before booking for wheelchair seating. There are no refunds on Santa Express tickets.
Check dates and tickets with Royal Gorge Route(opens in a new tab)Antonito: Santa's Holiday Express on the Cumbres & Toltec
Santa trainCumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad · Antonito
- Operator
- Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad(opens in a new tab)
- Boards at
- Antonito Depot, Antonito
- Season
- Saturday December 12 (1:00, 3:00 and 5:00 pm) and Sunday December 13 (10:00 am, 1:00 and 3:00 pm), 2026
- Ride length
- A short round trip from Antonito
- What's included
- A visit with Santa on board, hot chocolate, a holiday cookie and a candy cane
- Price
- The railroad lists its Santa trains from about $15 in coach; deluxe costs more
- Tickets
- On sale now
- Best ages
- All ages
The Cumbres & Toltec is famous for its all-day summer trips over Cumbres Pass, but on one December weekend it runs a short, inexpensive Santa train from its Antonito depot in the San Luis Valley. Santa joins the train so kids can meet him and families can get a photo, and everyone gets hot chocolate, a cookie and a candy cane.
The railroad suggests layers, a warm coat, hat and gloves, and sturdy shoes; if you step into the open-air gondola, eye protection is recommended. It is also collecting unopened toys and canned food for local charities. The same railroad runs a Chama, New Mexico, Santa train the weekend before.
Check dates and tickets with Cumbres & Toltec(opens in a new tab)Which Colorado Christmas Train From Denver, Springs or the Western Slope
Denver and Boulder
Golden for the licensed Polar Express, about 25 minutes from downtown, or Georgetown for the lights or a daytime Santa ride an hour up I-70.
Colorado Springs and Pueblo
The Royal Gorge Santa Express in Cañon City, about an hour from the Springs.
Southwest Colorado
Durango’s Polar Express, with the longest season, into January.
Toddlers
Georgetown’s daytime train or the short Antonito Santa train. Leadville’s two hours and high altitude are better for kids 4 and up.
The best value
Antonito’s short Santa train and Georgetown’s daytime coach seats, from about $23.
How Far Colorado Holiday Trains Are From the Front Range
Typical winter drive times; mountain passes can add a lot in a storm.
| Starting from | To | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Denver | Golden | About 25 minutes |
| Denver | Georgetown | About 1 hour |
| Denver | Leadville | About 2 hours |
| Colorado Springs | Cañon City | About 1 hour |
| Denver | Cañon City | About 2 hours |
| Grand Junction | Durango | About 3 hours 15 minutes |
| Alamosa | Antonito | About 35 minutes |
The Cumbres & Toltec’s other Santa train and Sky Railway’s holiday ride are just over the line on our New Mexico page. Western Slope families are also within reach of Heber Valley’s North Pole Express on our Utah page.
Free to print
An hour of I-70 traffic needs crayons
Free printable Rally pages with a red train, a maze and a word search. Print them before you head into the mountains.
Get the free printablesColorado Details Worth Knowing Before You Go
Altitude
Georgetown is above 8,500 feet and Leadville above 10,000. Kids feel it too: bring water, snacks and warm layers, and take the drive slowly if your family is coming up from sea level.
Chains and traction law
I-70 and the mountain passes enforce Colorado’s traction law during storms. Check road conditions before you leave for Georgetown or Leadville, and give yourself extra time for an evening train.
Model trains in Loveland
The Rocky Mountain Train Show holiday edition fills The Ranch Events Complex in Loveland on November 28 and 29. It is a model train show, not a ride.
Getting there by train
Amtrak’s California Zephyr arrives at Denver Union Station, about 25 minutes from Golden; see our California Zephyr with kids guide.
Mr. Conductor, Mountain Edition
Rally’s favorite person on the train in our book is Mr. Conductor, who reaches down to say hello. On a long mountain ride like Leadville or the Royal Gorge, the crew becomes part of the show, so let your kids ask them about the snow and the steep grades.
My mom dreamed up Rally’s ride and never got to write it; I did, for her, and our story page shares why. Print a set of our free Rally pages for the mountain drive.
A train story for Colorado kidsRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi on his first train ride, hand-painted in watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon
More for holiday train families
- Find a Christmas train near you: type your town and see every ride in the country sorted by distance
- Christmas train guide by state: licensed rides, costs and booking tips
- Christmas trains in New Mexico
- Christmas trains in Utah
- Every Amtrak route with kids, for a real train trip after the holidays
- Free Rally activity pack and coloring pages to print before the ride
Sources
- Colorado Railroad Museum: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride(opens in a new tab)
- Durango & Silverton: THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride(opens in a new tab)
- Georgetown Loop Railroad: winter holiday trains(opens in a new tab)
- Leadville Railroad: Holiday Express(opens in a new tab)
- Royal Gorge Route Railroad: Santa Express(opens in a new tab)
- Cumbres & Toltec: Santa's Holiday Express(opens in a new tab)
- Spotatrain: Colorado rail events(opens in a new tab)
Checked against each railroad’s own pages on . THE POLAR EXPRESS is a trademark of Warner Bros. Entertainment. Each ride is run by the railroad or museum named above; Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Warner Bros. Entertainment, Rail Events or any railroad listed here. Book only through the operator’s own site, and confirm dates and prices there before you go.
Colorado Christmas trains: questions parents ask
Where is the Polar Express in Colorado?
Colorado has two licensed Polar Express rides in 2026. The Colorado Railroad Museum runs one in Golden, west of Denver, from November 6 to December 23, and the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad runs one from its Durango depot from November 20 to January 2. Both use steam trains.
What Christmas train rides are in Colorado in 2026?
We confirmed seven holiday train rides in Colorado for 2026: the Polar Express in Golden; the Polar Express in Durango; Santa's Lighted Forest in Georgetown; Santa's Rocky Mountain Adventure in Georgetown; the Holiday Express in Leadville; the Santa Express Train in Cañon City; Santa's Holiday Express in Antonito. Two of the 7 Colorado rides are the licensed Polar Express.
What holiday events for kids are in Golden, Colorado, in 2026?
For families, Golden has THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from Colorado Railroad Museum (November 6 to December 23, from $80). It includes a cabaret-style pre-show, the Hot Chocolate song with cocoa and cookies, a dramatic reading of the story, and a steam train ride to the North Pole. For other Golden, Colorado, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are there in Durango, Colorado, this year?
For families, Durango has THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from Durango & Silverton (November 20 to January 2, from about $31). It includes a pre-boarding show, hot chocolate and a treat, the story read aloud, a light show at the North Pole and Santa's first gift of Christmas for every passenger. For other Durango, Colorado, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in Georgetown, Colorado, in 2026?
Two holiday train events run in Georgetown in 2026: Santa's Lighted Forest from Georgetown Loop Railroad (November 6 to December 24, from about $33); Santa's Rocky Mountain Adventure from Georgetown Loop Railroad (November 6 to December 24, from about $23). Santa's Lighted Forest in Georgetown includes a ride through a forest lit with more than 300,000 lights, with Santa on every train before Christmas. For other Georgetown, Colorado, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What holiday events for kids are in Leadville, Colorado, in 2026?
For families, Leadville has Holiday Express from Leadville Railroad (November 14 to January 11, from $80). It includes heated lounge and coach cars, a snow globe photo in the open-air car, half-narrated scenery, and a chance to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus or an elf. Plan on about 2 hours round trip. For other Leadville, Colorado, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in Cañon City, Colorado, in 2026?
For families, Cañon City has Santa Express Train from Royal Gorge Route (November 19 to December 30, from $94). It includes hot cocoa and cookies, Christmas music, and Santa and his elves boarding at the North Pole in the gorge to give each ticketed child a bell. For other Cañon City, Colorado, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
What Christmas events are happening in Antonito, Colorado, in 2026?
For families, Antonito has Santa's Holiday Express from Cumbres & Toltec (December 12 and 13, from about $15). It includes a visit with Santa on board, hot chocolate, a holiday cookie and a candy cane. Plan on a short round trip from Antonito. It is a short, inexpensive Santa train on a narrow-gauge line better known for its long summer trips over Cumbres Pass. For other Antonito, Colorado, events like parades and tree lightings, check the town or chamber of commerce calendar.
Where can families near Denver, Colorado find a Christmas train ride?
From Denver, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Golden, about 25 minutes; Georgetown, about 1 hour; Leadville, about 2 hours; Cañon City, about 2 hours. Each Colorado ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Denver families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Colorado Springs, Colorado find a Christmas train ride?
From Colorado Springs, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Cañon City, about 1 hour. Each Colorado ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Colorado Springs families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Grand Junction, Colorado find a Christmas train ride?
From Grand Junction, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Durango, about 3 hours 15 minutes. Each Colorado ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Grand Junction families can compare before they drive.
Where can families near Alamosa, Colorado find a Christmas train ride?
From Alamosa, typical winter drive times on clear roads are: Antonito, about 35 minutes. Each Colorado ride on this page lists dates, prices and the booking link, so Alamosa families can compare before they drive.
How is the Golden Polar Express different from Durango?
Golden is a three-part show: a live pre-show and Hot Chocolate number in a heated pavilion, a reading of the story, then a steam train ride at the museum. Durango is mainly a 65-minute steam train ride from downtown, with a short show before boarding and Santa handing out the first gift on the way back.
How long is Santa's Lighted Forest at Georgetown Loop?
About 55 minutes. The evening train runs through a forest lit with more than 300,000 lights, and Santa rides every departure before Christmas. In 2026 it runs from November 6 to December 24 at 5:00 and 6:30 pm and most days at 8:00 pm, and many December weekend trains sell out.
Is the Leadville Holiday Express good for toddlers?
It works best for children 4 and older. The ride lasts about two hours at more than 10,000 feet, and the Leadville Railroad sells seats only to ages 4 and up, with younger children riding on a lap. Families with toddlers often prefer Georgetown's one-hour daytime Santa train.
Do you get off the train at the Royal Gorge North Pole?
No. On the Royal Gorge Route's Santa Express, Santa and his elves board the train at the North Pole in the gorge and walk through the cars, giving each ticketed child a holiday bell. Hot cocoa and cookies are included, and meals from the grill are sold separately.
Are there any Colorado Christmas trains after Christmas?
Yes. The Polar Express in Durango runs until January 2; the Holiday Express in Leadville runs until January 11; the Santa Express Train in Cañon City runs until December 30. Every other Colorado ride on this page ends by Christmas Eve. The Polar Express in Durango: November 20, 2026 to January 2, 2027, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day; mostly 4:55, 6:30 and 8:00 pm, with 9:10 pm some nights.
What is the cheapest Christmas train in Colorado?
The lowest posted 2026 fare we found in Colorado is for Santa's Holiday Express in Antonito: from about $15. At the top end is the Santa Express Train in Cañon City: from $94. Prices come from each Colorado railroad's own listing and can change, so confirm at checkout. For Santa's Holiday Express in Antonito: the railroad lists its Santa trains from about $15 in coach; deluxe costs more.
When do Colorado Christmas train tickets go on sale?
On sale now: the Polar Express in Golden; the Polar Express in Durango; Santa's Lighted Forest in Georgetown; Santa's Rocky Mountain Adventure in Georgetown; the Holiday Express in Leadville; the Santa Express Train in Cañon City and 1 more. Popular Colorado dates go first, so buy as soon as your ride opens.
Which Colorado Christmas trains have Santa?
Six of the 7 Colorado rides on this page include Santa. The Polar Express in Durango: a pre-boarding show, hot chocolate and a treat, the story read aloud, a light show at the North Pole and Santa's first gift of Christmas for every passenger. Santa's Lighted Forest in Georgetown: a ride through a forest lit with more than 300,000 lights, with Santa on every train before Christmas.
Are there steam-powered Christmas trains in Colorado?
One Colorado holiday train is listed with steam: the Polar Express in Golden. The Polar Express in Golden: a cabaret-style pre-show, the Hot Chocolate song with cocoa and cookies, a dramatic reading of the story, and a steam train ride to the North Pole.
How much are tickets for the Polar Express in Golden?
The Polar Express in Golden costs from $80 per person; first class sold by the table of four; shows before Thanksgiving cost less. The Polar Express runs November 6 to December 23, 2026; several evenings a week at first, daily after Thanksgiving; shows at 5:00, 6:30 and 8:00 pm. Colorado Railroad Museum tickets: on sale now; members get a presale.
What does the Polar Express in Durango cost in 2026?
The Polar Express in Durango costs from about $31 by class: standard, deluxe and first class, plus a preservation fee. The Polar Express runs November 20, 2026 to January 2, 2027, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day; mostly 4:55, 6:30 and 8:00 pm, with 9:10 pm some nights. Durango & Silverton tickets: on sale now; some dates and cars sell quickly.
How much is Santa's Lighted Forest in Georgetown?
Santa's Lighted Forest in Georgetown costs from about $33 in coach; table seating in parlor and premium cars costs more. Season: Evenings November 6 to December 24, 2026, except November 10, 11, 17 and 26; 5:00 and 6:30 pm, most days also 8:00 pm. Georgetown Loop Railroad tickets: on sale now; many December evening trains already full.
What does Santa's Rocky Mountain Adventure in Georgetown cost in 2026?
Santa's Rocky Mountain Adventure in Georgetown costs from about $23 in coach. Santa's Rocky Mountain Adventure runs daily November 6 to December 24, 2026, except November 10, 11, 17 and 26; departures from 10:45 am to 3:15 pm. Georgetown Loop Railroad tickets: on sale now. Georgetown Loop Railroad age rules: all ages. The train crosses the 95-foot-tall Devil's Gate High Bridge while Santa is making his rounds.
What does the Holiday Express in Leadville cost in 2026?
The Holiday Express in Leadville costs from $80, fees included. The Holiday Express runs daily November 14, 2026 to January 11, 2027, except November 26 and December 24 and 25; 1:30 pm daily, with 4:30 pm many days and 10:30 am or 7:15 pm on busy days. Leadville Railroad tickets: on sale now; tends to sell out.
How much are tickets for the Santa Express Train in Cañon City?
The Santa Express Train in Cañon City costs from $94; meals and drinks extra. The Santa Express Train runs November 19 to December 30, 2026; up to four departures a day, about 9:30 am, 12:30, 4:00 and 7:00 pm, varying by date. Royal Gorge Route tickets: on sale now; most dates sell out weeks ahead.
How much is Santa's Holiday Express in Antonito?
Fares for Santa's Holiday Express in Antonito: The railroad lists its Santa trains from about $15 in coach; deluxe costs more. Santa's Holiday Express runs Saturday December 12 (1:00, 3:00 and 5:00 pm) and Sunday December 13 (10:00 am, 1:00 and 3:00 pm), 2026. Cumbres & Toltec tickets: on sale now. Cumbres & Toltec age rules: all ages.
What is included with the Polar Express in Golden?
The Polar Express in Golden includes a cabaret-style pre-show, the Hot Chocolate song with cocoa and cookies, a dramatic reading of the story, and a steam train ride to the North Pole. Colorado Railroad Museum ride length: a three-part evening: pavilion show, steam train ride to the North Pole, and the finale. It is a stage production as much as a train ride: the evening opens in a heated pavilion with the Hot Chocolate number performed live.
How long is the Polar Express in Durango?
For the Durango ride, plan on about 65 minutes on the train; allow 2 hours in all. Included with the Polar Express in Durango: a pre-boarding show, hot chocolate and a treat, the story read aloud, a light show at the North Pole and Santa's first gift of Christmas for every passenger. It is a vintage narrow-gauge steam train in a mountain town, and the whole evening is alcohol-free for families.