Holiday Trains

by Joe Thompson

Click on thumbnails to view larger photos. Use back arrow to return. All photos by Joe Thompson unless otherwise credited. All rights reserved.


I have seen a lot of ads for Park Trains and Tourist Trains that offer Christmas or Chanukah light viewing. I thought I would gather some examples.

Oakland Zoo From 2014: "Highlights of this family friendly event include a candy cane lane themed rides area, a night time adventure on the Outback Express Adventure Train, rocking around the Christmas trees in the Wayne and Gladys Valley Children’s Zoo, and a light show that’s sure to blow out any bah hum bugs." At the Oakland Zoo.

Chanukah Train From 2017: The Roaring Camp Railroads offered a Chanukah Train. The video below is from the first season, in 2013.

Holiday Lights Train From 2017: The Roaring Camp Railroads offered a Holiday Lights Train.

Roaring Camp Holiday Trains
From 2023: The Roaring Camp Railroads offered a Holiday Lights Train, a Chanukah Train and a New Year's Train.

Carson City Santa Train From 2017: The Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City, Nevada ran a Santa Train.

Carson City Santa Train 2023 From 2023: The Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City, Nevada ran a Santa Train.

Candy Cane Express From 2017: The Virginia and Truckee Railroad in Virginia City, Nevada ran a Candy Cane Express Train. The video below is from 2010.

Candy Cane Express/Holiday Lights Train
From 2023: The Virginia and Truckee Railroad in Virginia City, Nevada ran a Candy Cane Express Train and a Holiday Lights Train.

Polar Express From 2017: The V & T Railroad in Carson City, Nevada ran a Polar Express (TM) Train.

VT Polar Express 2023 From 2023: The V & T Railroad in Carson City, Nevada ran a Polar Express (TM) Train.

CalTrain Holiday Train Package From 2017: CalTrain, which runs commuter trains on the San Francisco peninsula, operates a special holiday train one weekend during the season and offers a discount ticket package for riders during the season.

CalTrain Holiday Train 2023
From 2023: CalTrain, which runs commuter trains on the San Francisco peninsula, operates a special holiday train one weekend during the season and offers a discount ticket package for riders during the season.

North Pole Express From 2017: The Friends of the 261 in Saint Paul, Minnesota ran the North Pole Express, pulled by 1944 steam locomotive Mikwaukee Road 261, a 4-8-4.

1225/North Pole Express From 2017: The Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan ran the North Pole Express, pulled by 1941 steam locomotive Pere Marquette 1225, a 4-8-4, which served as the inspiration for Chris Van Allsburg's book The Polar Express. Click on the image to see a larger version.

1225/North Pole Express 2023 From 2023: The Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan ran the North Pole Express, pulled by 1941 steam locomotive Pere Marquette 1225, a 4-8-4, which served as the inspiration for Chris Van Allsburg's book The Polar Express.

Santa is on his way From 2018: The Western Railway Museum at Rio Vista Junction offered train rides to meet Santa Claus. Click on the image to see a larger version.

WNR Santa train 2023 From 2023: The Western Railway Museum at Rio Vista Junction offered train rides to meet Santa Claus. Click on the image to see a larger version.

Santa is on his way From 2018: The Fillmore and Western Railway offered the North Pole Express and the Sugar Plum Express. Click on the image to see a larger version.

From 2023: For Halloween: The Haunted Train at Ardenwood Historic Farm. "Spooky, Not Scary."

CSRM Track or Treat From 2023: For Halloween, the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento offerred Track or Treat. "Enjoy a delightful not frightful ride behind a diesel locomotive operated by our ‘Skeleton Crew,’ while our '(g)host with the most' car attendants keep the party going for 45 fun-filled minutes. Before and after your ride, enjoy exclusive access to the Passenger Station complete with fangtastic games, activities, and photo ops for all ages!"

CSRM Polar Express From 2023: For Christmas, the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento offerred The Polar Express. "THE POLAR EXPRESS(TM) Train Ride is a live, interactive theatrical show on rails, staged by the California State Railroad Museum Foundation."

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Copyright 2011-2023 by Joe Thompson. All rights reserved.

Last updated 31-December-2023