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A Nevada Christmas Train Ride In Ely!

Published: November 4, 2025

By: Adam Burns

In the high desert of eastern Nevada, far from the interstates and big-city glow, the Nevada Northern Railway keeps the romance of American railroading very much alive. Based in the historic mining town of Ely, this National Historic Landmark is more than a museum; it’s a working railroad where century-old locomotives still breathe steam, crews turn wrenches in original shops, and passengers settle into vintage coaches for journeys through sagebrush valleys and rocky canyons. Every winter, that living time capsule transforms into a holiday tradition known as Santa’s Reindeer Flyer—a family favorite that marries small-town charm with the magic of the season.

A brief history helps explain why the Nevada Northern feels different from other heritage railroads. Built in the early 1900s to serve one of the West’s great copper booms, the railroad hauled ore from mines near Ruth to a smelter at McGill and connected Ely to the national rail network. When the mines wound down decades later, the railway nearly went silent. Instead, the entire complex—depots, roundhouse, machine shops, yards, locomotives, and even a trove of original paperwork—was preserved. Today, the Nevada Northern Railway is widely regarded as one of the most complete, authentic railroad sites in North America. You don’t just ride a train here; you step into a functioning industrial ecosystem that looks and works much like it did a century ago.

On regular-season excursions, trains head out along two historic routes: one up toward the old Ruth mining district, threading a rugged canyon and a tunnel, and another across the broad sweep of Steptoe Valley toward the site of the McGill smelter. Power is often provided by steam locomotives built in 1909 and 1910, with vintage diesels filling in depending on maintenance and conditions. For enthusiasts, the rhythmic bark of steam exhaust echoing off canyon walls is worth the trip alone.

Come November and December, though, the railroad’s attention turns to Santa’s Reindeer Flyer, a special event train that brings holiday storytelling, cocoa, and lights to the rails. It begins at the East Ely depot, a stately brick building where a decorated lobby and gift shop set a festive mood. Families file onto the platform bundled in scarves and smiles, and soon the conductor’s call rings out. Once aboard, coaches glow with garlands, the aroma of hot chocolate, and the cheerful bustle of kids peering out frost-touched windows.

The Reindeer Flyer isn’t just a ride—it’s a narrative journey. As the train rolls out of the yard, volunteers and crew spin a tale that carries everyone from Ely to the “North Pole,” a whimsical wayside transformed by lights and holiday scenes. Somewhere along the way, Santa himself appears, moving from car to car to greet passengers, pose for photos, and hear wish lists. Each child typically receives a small treat, and adults get caught up in the simple joy of it all. Depending on your departure time, you may travel in late afternoon light that paints the mountains rose and gold, or after dark when the desert sky becomes a dome of stars and the holiday lights glow brightest. Either way, the trip usually runs about an hour to an hour and a half round-trip—a sweet spot that keeps little ones engaged without overtaxing them.

Part of the magic is setting. The Nevada Northern runs through a landscape that feels almost tailor-made for a winter story: sage flats edged by snow, distant peaks dusted white, and a calm that settles over the valley once the sun dips. The railroad’s vintage coaches amplify the mood. Rather than polished modernity, you get creak and character, wood trim and big windows, the sense that generations have shared similar rides with similar excitement. It’s cozy in an authentic way, and while the crew does all it can to keep cars comfortable, winter temperatures at Ely’s elevation can be brisk—so dressing in layers and bringing an extra blanket for young riders is wise.

Because this is a working heritage railroad, details can vary by date and year, but a few planning tips are steady. Tickets for the Reindeer Flyer tend to sell out early, especially for evening departures and weekends, so reserve well in advance. Arrive at the depot at least 30 minutes before departure to allow time for parking, check-in, and a quick look at the exhibits. The East Ely yard is a delight even when you’re not rolling: towering coaling and water structures, a roundhouse where you might glimpse a locomotive getting attention, and artifacts that tell the story of copper, community, and the iron road that linked them together. As for seating, the railway may offer different classes or car types; check what’s available when you book, and consider whether you want a daylight ride for scenery or an after-dark run for the lights.

Families will find the experience intentionally kid-friendly without being chaotic. Volunteers are practiced at keeping youngsters engaged, and the route’s duration is manageable for short attention spans. Strollers and bulky gear are easier to handle if you pack light—space in vintage cars can be snug. Restrooms are available at the depot, and some trains may have limited facilities onboard; it’s smart to make a stop before boarding. While festive attire and even pajamas are part of the fun for many families, the real dress code is warmth and comfort. Cameras are a must, both for snaps with Santa and for those moments when the train slows by the North Pole scene. The gift shop back at the depot is a good place to find souvenirs that help the nonprofit preserve and operate the railway for future generations.

For many returning passengers, part of the Reindeer Flyer’s appeal is the way it meshes whimsy with authenticity. On the one hand, you’re in a storybook setting—elves, cocoa, carols, and a destination called the North Pole. On the other, you’re riding rails laid down to feed a copper empire, in cars and behind locomotives that hauled miners and materials long before today’s riders were born. That blend of make-believe and material history gives the experience layers: children delight in the spectacle, while adults feel the pull of tradition and preservation. It’s a holiday outing that does more than entertain; it sustains a rare piece of American heritage.

Ely’s remote location is part of the adventure. Set amid the vastness of the Great Basin, it’s a place where night skies truly go dark and winter can feel both crisp and quiet. Many travelers use the Reindeer Flyer as the anchor for a weekend getaway, pairing the train with small-town dining, a stroll through Ely’s impressive public murals, or, for the hardy, winter hiking and snow play in the surrounding mountains. Lodging ranges from vintage motels to cozy inns, and the community embraces the season with a friendly, unhurried spirit.

If your visit sparks a deeper interest, consider coming back in another season. The Nevada Northern offers a range of themed rides—star-gazing trains, photographer weekends, and even opportunities to ride in or operate locomotives on select programs. Each shows a different side of the railroad and the landscape it crosses. But for pure, family-centered joy with a dash of nostalgia, Santa’s Reindeer Flyer is hard to beat. It’s a reminder that the best holiday traditions aren’t always found in crowded cities or elaborate spectacles. Sometimes they’re waiting at a small-town depot, on a platform dusted with snow, where a whistle echoes across the valley and a train full of smiles heads for the North Pole.

In a world that moves ever faster, the Nevada Northern Railway invites you to slow down, savor the season, and make memories that feel timeless. Whether it’s your first visit or the latest in a long line of annual trips, the Reindeer Flyer delivers exactly what the holidays promise: wonder, togetherness, and a story you’ll want to tell again and again.