These Are 2 of the Best Holiday Train Rides for Journeying Through the U.S. West With Santa
While Santa Claus certainly goes to great lengths to make sure he delivers presents to all the good boys and girls on his “nice” list, he’s taking a unique approach this year by embarking on two train rides on America’s most iconic railways. These are The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Colorado and The Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel’s Polar Express.
A Train Ride With Santa
First on Santa’s itinerary is a pre-Christmas adventure aboard The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Colorado, which happens to be the highest cog railway in the world. Santa is no stranger to high altitudes, given his usual mode of transport, but this time, he’s taking the train to Pikes Peak, a breathtaking mountain that stands at a jaw-dropping 14,115 feet in elevation. Passengers can relish the awe-inspiring vistas from the vintage train’s massive picture windows.
People can join Santa on this magical journey from December 2 to 3, 9 to 10, and 16-24. To make the experience even more special, elves on board will be offering hot chocolate and cookies before the red cog trains ascend Pike’s Peak. Tickets for this enchanting ride are available for $58.50 for adults and $48.50 for children aged 12 and under. Still, these rides are weather-dependent, so it’s wise to check the forecast before heading out.
Christmas Eve Train Adventure
For those who can’t get enough of Santa and the joy of train rides during the holiday season, there’s the enchanting option of The Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel’s Polar Express. This beloved train operates from November 10 through December 30, with 90-minute journeys departing from Williams, Arizona, to the “North Pole” nearly every evening at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. local time.
The Polar Express train is a spectacle in itself, filled with holiday cheer that’s bound to delight both the young and the young at heart. Passengers can enjoy the reading of the classic children’s book The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, which inspired the magical journey. The experience also includes festive sing-alongs, delectable cookies, and warm hot chocolate for all aboard, not to mention the chance to meet Santa himself.
The Polar Express Package
To extend the merriment, the Grand Canyon Railway offers a Polar Express Package that includes overnight accommodations after the ride. And for those looking to create an extra-special memory with friends and family, it’s even possible to charter their very own Polar Express ride.
Polar Express fares vary, with Sunday through Thursday departures starting at $58 for adults and $39 for children (ages 2 to 15). Tickets for Friday and Saturday departures begin at $70 for adults and $53 for children. For an extra special Christmas Eve adventure on December 24, the rates are $97 for adults and $67 for children.