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.
Celebrate the spirit of the holidays on themed trains featuring Christmas lights, Santa Claus, and the magic of “The Polar Express.”
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 runs Nov. 13-Dec. 23, 2026, with some exceptions. There are six seating options to choose from, and tickets start at $60.
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.
The 2026 Santa’s Reindeer Flyer runs on select dates Nov. 21-Dec. 26. Tickets are $45 for adults, $38 for seniors (ages 65+), $20 for kids (ages 4-12), and free for kids under 4 years old.
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. The Santa Train is a 20-minute outing on the Locomotive No. 25 steam engine and the 1875 Glenbrook, where riders can take photos with Santa (and receive a candy cane from him!). With additional museum admission ($10 for ages 18 and up, and free for ages 17 and under), you can also write a letter to Santa inside the train depot, plus see more historic train cars decorated for the holidays.
The 2026 Santa Train operates for the first three weekends in December: Dec. 5-6, Dec. 12-13, and Dec. 19-20. Rides depart every 30 minutes.
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 2026 Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights runs three times an evening on Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 27-Dec. 19, and tickets range from $42-$46.
On the Very Merry 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, too. The 2026 Very Merry Candy Cane Express runs three times a day on Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 27-Dec. 20, and tickets are $32-$38.
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. This 2026 Santa Train runs five times a day on Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 28-Dec. 20, and tickets are $12 per person ($6 if you’re a museum member).
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 2026 North Pole Express runs in the evening on Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 28-Dec. 20, and tickets are $39 for adults and $32 for children.
