Santa Express Train

Traveling to see Santa Claus in the middle of winter might sound like a classic holiday fantasy, but the Santa Express Train in Cañon City makes this a reality—bringing a sprinkle of magic to Colorado’s stunning Royal Gorge. This 1.5-hour adventure offers families and Christmas lovers a chance to enjoy beautiful scenery, cheerful holiday ambiance, and a visit from Santa himself.

What we love about this experience is how it seamlessly combines spectacular views with genuine holiday cheer—think Santa’s sleigh flying across a full moon and snowflakes that seem to dance in the sunlight. That said, it’s worth noting that this is a popular tour, so booking in advance is essential to secure your preferred time and seating.

This journey will suit families, couples, or groups who dream of a festive escape with a touch of adventure. If you’re after a unique holiday activity that offers both stunning scenery and plenty of Santa magic, then the Santa Express Train is a worthy choice. Just keep in mind that some seating options, like the Vista Dome, require climbing stairs, which might be a consideration for visitors with mobility challenges.

Key Points

• Impressive holiday decor and themed train design create an immersive Christmas environment.
• Multiple daily departures give flexibility to fit your schedule.
• Value for money is evident, especially with the included gifts and festive atmosphere.
• Food and drinks are available for purchase, enhancing the experience but adding to the total cost.
• Authentic Santa visits and personalized gifts make this a memorable experience for children.
• Beautiful views of the Royal Gorge provide a stunning backdrop for holiday photos.

Overview of the Santa Express Train Experience

The Santa Express Train is more than just a ride—it’s a festive celebration that captures the spirit of Christmas in Colorado’s breathtaking Royal Gorge. For around $129, you and your family can enjoy a 1 hour 30-minute journey that transports you to the North Pole, complete with holiday music, cheerful decorations, and Santa’s magical presence.

This trip stands out because of its attention to detail in creating a holiday wonderland. The locomotive itself is decorated with hand-spun gold leaf paint and features 313 hand-painted snowflakes, 40 pine trees, and Santa’s sleigh flying through the sky under a luminous full moon. These touches make the train feel like a piece of Christmas art on rails.

The experience begins at the historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad station in Cañon City, with the first departures starting at 10 a.m., followed by options at 12:30 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. This flexibility is a plus for families with busy schedules or different nap times. As you board, cheerful holiday tunes fill the air, setting an upbeat, joyful mood.

The Itinerary and Highlights

Starting Point: Cañon City

Your journey kicks off at the station on Water Street, where tickets are exchanged for paper passes—adding a sense of vintage charm. Once settled into your train car, the real magic begins. The open-air cars and historic design create an authentic vintage feel, making you feel part of a holiday storybook.

The Scenic Ride Through Royal Gorge

As the train chugs through Colorado’s Royal Gorge, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the canyon, with the snow-dusted cliffs providing a stunning backdrop. The route allows ample opportunities for photos—families often praise the scenery, with one reviewer noting that the sightseeing was “fantastic,” especially as the train stops underneath the iconic Royal Gorge Bridge before reversing back.

Holiday Atmosphere and Entertainment

Throughout the ride, your ears are filled with festive Christmas tunes and cheerful decor, making the entire journey feel like a moving holiday party. You might find the staff, including elves and hosts, energetic and eager to keep everyone engaged. One reviewer highlighted an elf named Bitz, who kept the children excited and involved, which adds a special touch to the experience.

Visiting Santa and Gift-Giving

The highlight for most kids is Santa’s visit. Once Santa boards the train, he personally greets every child, making the moment intimate and magical. Children are presented with a special gift, which adds value to the ticket price. Several reviews mentioned how the kids loved meeting Santa and receiving their gifts, making this a true holiday highlight.

Dining and Bar Options

If you’re hungry or want to toast the holiday, food and drinks are available for purchase during the ride. You can order lunch or dinner, and enjoy your favorite drinks from the full bar. While not included in the ticket price, this option enhances the experience—allowing for a more relaxed, festive meal while soaking in the scenic views.

The Authenticity and Attention to Detail

The decor and themed elements are a highlight. The hand-painted snowflakes, pine trees, and Santa’s sleigh flying across the sky create an immersive environment. The train is decorated to evoke a winter wonderland, with cheerful lighting and Christmas music adding to the atmosphere.

From reviews, we learn that the staff goes above and beyond to make the experience special. For instance, one family noted the enthusiasm of the staff and how helpful everyone was. Another review praised Glenn and Gordon for making the trip “magical,” underlining the importance of engaging, friendly guides.

Navigating the Logistics

Tickets cost $129, which might seem a bit steep at first glance. However, considering the inclusive gifts, scenic views, and festive atmosphere, many find it to be good value—especially when you weigh it against the memorable experience and the chance for kids to meet Santa in an authentic setting.

Most travelers can participate, but those opting for the Vista Dome should be aware of the stairs involved—14 to be exact—so it’s worth considering if mobility could be an issue. The train’s departure times are spaced out to help you choose a slot that works best for your family, with the early morning and evening trips offering different views and moods.

What the Reviews Say

Reviewers consistently highlight the beauty of the scenery and the excitement of Santa’s visit. One reviewer from Christmas Eve described the sightseeing as “fantastic,” especially the stop under the Royal Gorge Bridge. Others appreciated the tasty breakfast vouchers included with certain ticket options, which let them enjoy a meal while riding.

The staff’s enthusiasm and engaging elves have been singled out as major positives. For example, one reviewer said, “The elf in our car, Bitz, kept everyone excited and engaged,” which demonstrates how the experience isn’t just about the scenery but about creating joyful holiday memories.

Nevertheless, some mention minor issues with management or service, but these seem to be overshadowed by the overall festive ambiance and the authentic Santa experience.

Cancellation Policy and Practicalities

It’s important to note that this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked. So, double-check your schedule before purchasing tickets. The meeting point is straightforward—at the historic Water Street station in Cañon City—making it easy to find.

Service animals are allowed, and most travelers will find this trip suitable, though those with mobility issues should consider the stairs involved in certain seating options.

The Sum Up: Is the Santa Express Train Worth It?

In a nutshell, the Santa Express Train offers a colorful blend of scenic Colorado views and holiday magic. It’s an experience that genuinely captures the spirit of Christmas, especially with Santa’s personal visit and the beautifully decorated train. The inclusion of gifts and the festive atmosphere make it particularly appealing for families with children, creating memories they’ll cherish for years.

While the ticket price may seem high, the overall value comes from the quality of the scenery, the personalized Santa interaction, and the immersive decor. The fact that many reviews mention delicious food, friendly staff, and joyful experiences speaks volumes about its worth.

This tour is best suited for families, Christmas enthusiasts, or anyone looking to add a magical holiday adventure to their Colorado trip. If you appreciate holiday traditions, scenic rides, and a bit of fairy-tale magic, this train journey is likely to be a highlight of your winter.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for young children?
Absolutely. The Santa visit and festive environment make it perfect for children of all ages. Just note that some seating options, like the Vista Dome, involve stairs, which might need consideration for very young kids or those with mobility concerns.

How long is the train ride?
It lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving enough time to enjoy the scenery, holiday tunes, and Santa’s visit without feeling rushed.

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers the scenic train ride, the festive decor, Santa’s visit and gift, and the historic preservation fee. Food and drinks are available for purchase on board but are not included.

Are there multiple departure times?
Yes, the Santa Express runs up to four times daily at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6:30 p.m., offering flexibility to suit different schedules.

Is there parking available?
While not explicitly mentioned, most train stations in similar settings have nearby parking. It’s best to arrive a little early to secure a spot and prepare for your journey.

Can I buy tickets in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended as the tour is popular, especially during peak holiday seasons.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, as Colorado winters can be cold, especially near the open-air cars. Layers, hats, and gloves are advised.

Can I bring snacks or drinks?
Outside food and drinks aren’t mentioned as allowed, but on-board purchases are available. You might want to plan your meal accordingly.

Is this activity wheelchair accessible?
Guests who choose the Vista Dome should be able to climb 14 stairs; other seating options might be more accessible. It’s best to check with the provider if you have specific needs.

In summary, the Santa Express Train offers a well-rounded holiday experience—combining Colorado’s stunning scenery with festive fun, Santa’s personal visit, and the opportunity to create lasting family memories. If you’re after a magical, scenic, and joyful Christmas adventure, this trip is worth considering.