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A New Mexico Christmas Train Ride On Santa’s Holiday Express!

Published: October 29, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Across the spine of the southern Rockies, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad winds through high-country meadows, tight mountain curves, and a jaw-dropping gorge that seems carved for trains alone. Built in 1880 as part of the Denver & Rio Grande’s narrow-gauge network, the 64-mile line connects Chama, New Mexico, with Antonito, Colorado, crossing 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass and skirting the sheer walls of Toltec Gorge. Today, this living museum is jointly owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico and operated as a National Historic Landmark. Its vintage, coal-fired steam locomotives—think classic 2-8-2 Mikados and the beloved “Mudhen” No. 463—haul restored coaches and open gondolas through scenery that hasn’t changed much since the frontier era.

Most of the year, the Cumbres & Toltec offers full-day and half-day trips between May and October, with a leisurely, home-cooked lunch at the remote Osier station. Riders soak up the sight of smoke plumes curling against alpine backdrops, the rumble over timber trestles, and stories told by docents who know every milepost. But when the aspen leaves are long gone and snow frosts the right-of-way, the railroad leans into a different kind of magic: the holidays.

Enter Santa’s Holiday Express, the Cumbres & Toltec’s cheery, family-friendly celebration that turns heritage railroading into a heartwarming seasonal tradition. Instead of all-day mountain adventures, these winter outings are short, festive rides designed for kids, grandparents, and anyone who believes a whistle echoing across a snowy valley is the sound of joy.

What Santa’s Holiday Express is like

Santa’s Holiday Express typically operates on select dates between late November and December, often on weekends and some evenings. Depending on the year and weather, trains depart from one or both end terminals—Chama, NM, and Antonito, CO—where the railroad can stage short round trips and decorate the station area with lights and wreaths. Because deep snow and high-elevation conditions make the full route impractical, these holiday runs are brief—usually around 45 to 60 minutes—and are sometimes powered by a diesel locomotive rather than steam. What they lack in distance, they make up for in festive atmosphere.

Expect classic holiday touches: station platforms dressed in twinkle lights, carol playlists warming the cars, and onboard visits from Santa and his helpers. Children usually have time for photos and a quick chat with Santa right at their seats. You’ll often find hot cocoa, cookies, or similar treats, as well as simple keepsakes like a small ornament or coloring activity. The railroad’s staff and volunteers know these rides are often a child’s very first train trip, and they work hard to make it personal and memorable.

The vibe is unhurried and welcoming. Trains may depart in late afternoon to catch that glowing “golden hour,” or after dark for a cozier, lights-aglow feel. If you’re lucky, flurries will dust the platform while the headlight throws a bright cone across the snow—a postcard come to life.

Practical details to know

Dates, departure points, and onboard amenities can vary year to year, so always check the official Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad website for the current season’s schedule, pricing, and policies. These trips are popular with local families and out-of-town visitors, so booking early is smart—especially if you want a particular time of day.

In winter, high-altitude weather changes fast. Chama and Antonito sit near 7,900 feet, and the railroad tops out over 10,000 feet along its main line. Even though holiday rides are short, you’ll be outdoors on the platform before boarding and after arrival, and cars can feel cooler by the windows. Dress in layers, bring hats and gloves, and consider a small blanket if you’re traveling with toddlers. Footwear with good traction helps on icy surfaces.

Accessibility varies by equipment and platform conditions. If someone in your group uses a mobility device, contact the railroad ahead of time to confirm accommodations for your specific date and departure station. Restrooms are typically available at the depot and on board, but lines can form; arriving a bit early reduces the rush.

Tips to make the most of it

- Book your seats as soon as dates are released; prime departures sell quickly.
- Aim to arrive 30–45 minutes before your train time to handle parking, tickets, and photos at the decorated depot.
- Bring a fully charged phone or camera; indoor lighting and evening shots benefit from night mode or a small portable light.
- If your child wants to give Santa a letter, bring it in a large, clearly addressed envelope; some events include a “North Pole” mailbox.
- Treats are often provided, but having snacks for picky eaters (and wipes) keeps everyone happy.
- If you crave a specific ambiance, choose a twilight or evening departure for the lights or a daylight run for mountain views.

Why Santa’s Holiday Express is special

Many heritage railroads run holiday trains, but the Cumbres & Toltec layers that cheer onto one of America’s most storied narrow-gauge lines. The same right-of-way that once hauled timber, ore, and sheep now carries hopes, wish lists, and cocoa-fueled giggles. Your ticket helps preserve an irreplaceable piece of railroading history—maintaining century-old bridges, hand-laid track, and meticulously restored rolling stock—so that future generations can experience real, living steam in the mountains each summer.

There’s also a strong sense of community. The railroad anchors the economies of Chama and Antonito, and the holiday trains give locals and visitors a reason to gather after the regular season ends. Shops and cafes lean into the festivities with warm drinks and small gifts; lodging houses hang garlands and welcome families coming for their annual ride.

Pair your ride with local experiences

Turn the trip into a cozy weekend. In Chama, small inns and lodges offer fireplaces and rustic charm; in Antonito, you’ll find straightforward motels and easy access to Alamosa for additional dining and shopping. Weather permitting, daytime brings opportunities for sledding, snowshoeing, or a leisurely drive along the San Luis Valley with wide-open views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. If you’re visiting earlier in the season, watch for town tree-lighting events or holiday markets that dovetail with train dates.

How it fits with the larger Cumbres & Toltec story

If Santa’s Holiday Express is your first taste of the railroad, consider it a teaser. Come spring and summer, the Cumbres & Toltec returns to full-length steam excursions that showcase everything from the dramatic Rock Tunnel and far-below Rio de los Pinos to the sweeping S-curves leading to Cumbres Pass. Trains pause at Osier, a remote high-meadow depot, for an all-you-can-eat lunch and time to wander. Open gondolas let you ride in the elements, hear the bark of the exhaust, and smell the unmistakable scent of coal smoke—sensory details that make this railroad a bucket-list experience for railfans and first-timers alike.

Booking and current information

Because holiday operations depend on weather, equipment availability, and staffing, specifics can change. For the latest on Santa’s Holiday Express dates, departure locations, ticket options, and any special programming, consult the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad’s official channels before you plan. If a departure is canceled due to weather, the railroad will outline rebooking or refund options at the time.

In a season built on tradition, Santa’s Holiday Express delivers the essentials: time together, simple treats, and a sense of wonder wrapped in the glow of a headlight on a cold night. Whether you’re starting a new family ritual or revisiting childhood memories, this short, sparkling ride on the Cumbres & Toltec is a gift—one that keeps the spirit of discovery, and of this remarkable railroad, rolling into the new year.