A Merry Train Ride in Colorado

All aboard four railroad adventures just in time for the holidays

There’s something so Christmas-y about a train during the holidays, and Colorado has more than a few scenic outings to choose from including many holiday-focused outings.

Photo by @nm.railfan Instagram

This excursion caught my eye this year, and it’s wildly popular so you may need to keep it in mind for next year, but the Christmas Tree Train in Durango is truly unique.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has created a holiday experience like no other. Guests ride the Cascade Canyon Train and cut down their own Christmas tree. The tree will then be hauled back to Durango aboard the train. This train and tree cutting outing is for anyone who wants to grace their home with a fabulous tree from the San Juan National Forest.

Photo by @redtextcherub Instagram

The train also has other holiday-themed outings available. Go to DurangoTrain.com for more information on riding the train in Durango this winter.

Photo courtesy of VisitCOS.com

Located about an hour southwest of Colorado Springs, the Royal Gorge Railroad goes all out for the holidays. From November 16 through December 30, there are four daily departures of the Santa Express including a 9:30 a.m. departure offering breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Photo courtesy of VisitCOS.com

The outing follows the story of the movie “Santa Express” and your child can now experience the ride of a lifetime. Guests are encouraged to wear cozy pajamas and enjoy the ride as your family sings Christmas carols, eats cookies and drinks hot chocolate on their way to meet Santa Claus at the North Pole.

Georgetown, Colorado is just 45-minutes west of Denver and is one of the most adorable villages in the Rocky Mountains. It’s one of the few towns that never had a major fire, meaning that it has deep historical importance. From the Hotel de Paris Museum to the old firehouse, there’s so much to see in Georgetown.

From November 17 through January 5, guests of the Georgetown Loop Railroad are delighted as they ride through more than 160,000 lights in the forest during their ride with Santa on the train.

The enclosed, heated train cars keep riders comfortable as they enjoy the company of Santa and his helpers and take in the lighted forest. There is also a North Pole Adventure available. Visit GeorgetownLoopRR.com for additional details.

Train fanatics cannot miss the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, Colorado, and this place is extra special during the holidays. With the Polar Express Train running Friday and Saturdays through December 30, this classic tale comes alive at this museum complete with many real trains.

Learn more at the ColoradoRailroadMuseum.com.