If all you want for Christmas is a holiday-themed train ride, Nevada’s historic rail lines are here to make your wishes come true. Climb aboard in Carson City, Virginia City, Boulder City, and Ely for wintry excursions full of cheer and excitement.
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
Each themed train ride has its own ticket prices and dates of operation. Get the most up-to-date information from each operator’s website.
V&T Railway
Take a short ride from Nevada’s state capital to the North Pole with the V&T Railway. Pajamas are encouraged on The Polar Express, which features a reading of the beloved holiday story, caroling, hot chocolate, and a holiday treat. Santa and his helpers will also gift every rider a silver sleigh bell.
The Polar Express offers a variety of ticketing options: Standard rates apply November 15-30, and premier rates apply December 1-23. The train runs Thursday through Sunday (with some exceptions), departing at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8 p.m.
Nevada State Railroad Museum Carson City
Also in Carson City, the Nevada State Railroad Museum invites kids (and kids at heart) to ride the rails with Kris Kringle. Returning for its 36th anniversary, the Santa Train is described as a “merry little museum adventure.” In addition to a 30-minute outing on the Locomotive No. 25 steam engine and the 1875 Glenbrook, riders can take photos with and write letters to Santa, exchange their tickets for a raffle prize at the museum store, and sing holiday songs.
The Santa Train runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the first three Saturdays and Sundays of December. Tickets are $10 for ages 4 and up, and free for children ages 3 and under.
Virginia & Truckee Railroad
Choo-choo-choose from two holiday excursions in Virginia City, both offered by the Virginia & Truckee Railroad.
Thousands of twinkling LEDs set the holiday scene for the Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights. Vintage railcars are artfully adorned inside and out, and the night skies make the lights shine even brighter. Santa’s Workshop awaits at the end of the line, and the man himself will make a platform appearance and read out all the kids’ names. The Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights runs Fridays and Saturdays at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8 p.m. from November 29-December 21, and tickets are $36.
On the Candy Cane Express, riders get cookies and a choice of hot chocolate or apple cider while taking in snowy Nevada views (and maybe wild mustangs, too). Read stories and sing carols aboard fully decorated trains that’ll get you in the holiday spirit. Santa and his elves will present every passenger with a gift bag and light stick. The Candy Cane Express runs at 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from November 30-December 22, as well as Opening Day on Friday, November 29.
Nevada State Railroad Museum Boulder City
At the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Boulder City, double your fun with a pair of holiday trains.
For more than 20 years, the Santa Train has delighted families in southern Nevada. Rock out to Christmas music as Santa and his helpers stroll through the train handing out treats and taking photos. The daytime Santa Train runs November 29-December 22, and tickets for the 45-minute ride are $12.
In the evenings, board the North Pole Express for sing-alongs and a reading of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Mr. and Mrs. Claus will join you on the outing, and everyone disembarks at Santa’s Railyard for cookies, hot chocolate, and games. Dress warmly—there just might be a snowstorm and snowball fight, too. The North Pole Express operates November 29-December 22. First class seating is $45 for adults, $40 for children, and includes tabled train seating, a gift bag, and a priority line for refreshments and photos with Santa. Coach seating is $35 for adults and $30 for children.
Nevada Northern Railway
The Nevada Northern Railway transports folks from Ely to the North Pole on its most magical train of the year. See Saint Nick on Santa’s Reindeer Flyer, decked out with lights and decorations. Hot chocolate and cookies are served along the 90-minute journey.
Santa’s Reindeer Flyer runs on select dates November 23-December 28. Tickets are $45 for adults, $38 for seniors (ages 65+), $20 for kids (ages 4-12), and free for infants under 4 years old.