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California Christmas Train Rides In The Niles Canyon!

Published: December 1, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Tucked between the East Bay cities of Fremont and Sunol, the Niles Canyon Railway is a living museum that moves.

Operated by the volunteer-driven Pacific Locomotive Association, this heritage railroad preserves a storied stretch of track tied to the earliest days of transcontinental rail service to the San Francisco Bay.

All year long, it carries passengers through the rugged beauty of Niles Canyon along Alameda Creek in vintage railcars pulled by historic locomotives. Then, as the holidays approach, it transforms into one of Northern California’s most beloved seasonal experiences: the Train of Lights.

A quick look at the railway’s roots

Niles Canyon Railway runs on a former Southern Pacific corridor that helped usher the first transcontinental trains into the Bay Area in the late 1860s.

The line through Niles Canyon linked the Central Valley with the East Bay and, ultimately, Oakland’s waterfront, forming a critical final leg of the coast-to-coast route. The line - built by the original Western Pacific (of no relation to the modern company), which later became part of the Central Pacific and then Southern Pacific - saw countless freights and passenger trains for generations.

The Southern Pacific discontinued operations through the canyon in 1984.  Rather than fade into history, the route found new life. Volunteers organized under the Pacific Locomotive Association to preserve and interpret the canyon’s railroading legacy.

Beginning in 1987 they began working to restore the track, gradually returning trains to the canyon on May 21, 1988.  Since 2006 the railroad operates between the historic depots at Niles (in Fremont) and Sunol, a distance of 9.2 miles.

The ride is intimate: sheer canyon walls, the constant presence of Alameda Creek, stone retaining walls, classic railroad signals, and photogenic trestles create a timeless backdrop.

What is the Train of Lights?

Each holiday season, usually from late November through December, the Niles Canyon Railway’s Train of Lights turns that historic backdrop into a winter fantasy. The consist is strung with tens of thousands of twinkling bulbs and holiday displays from locomotive to caboose.

Inside the vintage coaches, you’ll find garlands, ornaments, and Christmas trees; outside, you’ll see themed tableaux, shimmering icicles, and glowing characters as the train glides through the darkened canyon.

This isn’t just a train with a few lights—it’s a carefully crafted spectacle built by teams of volunteers who spend weeks designing, testing, and installing the decorations. The result is a moving festival of light that reflects in Alameda Creek and illuminates the canyon walls as the train passes. It’s as immersive for kids as it is nostalgic for adults.

What To Expect On Board

The Train of Lights is a round-trip evening excursion, typically departing from either the Niles or Sunol depots on alternating nights. The journey usually lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. Because the line is single-track and the depots are at the ends, trains commonly operate in one direction and then return without turning, with a locomotive at each end or a runaround move depending on the equipment and schedule.

• Atmosphere: Expect a festive, family-friendly vibe with holiday music, decorated interiors, and cheerful volunteer car hosts. Santa often makes an appearance, especially for younger passengers.

• Seating: Tickets are sold by car and seat type. Some cars are classic enclosed coaches; others are open or partially open cars that offer panoramic views of the lights but can be chilly at night. A small number of premium or private-group options may be available.

• Power: Motive power for this particular train is typically led by Southern Pacific SD9 #5472, adorned in the railroad's classic "Black Widow" livery found on freight locomotives through the 1950s and early 1960s.

• Comfort: Many cars are heated, but not all, with some being open-air (outdoors). The canyon can be cold after dark—dress in layers, bring a hat and gloves, and consider a blanket for the open cars.  First class dome and parlor service is also available! You can also look into their private caboose.

Tickets and timing

The Train of Lights is extremely popular and routinely sells out quickly—sometimes within hours of going on sale. In most years, ticket sales open in early fall.  To learn more and purchase tickets please visit the Niles Canyon Railway's website.

Why it’s special

The Train of Lights blends three rare ingredients: an authentic historic railroad, spectacular holiday artistry, and a dramatic natural setting. Unlike a static light display, you are moving through the show—and the show is moving with you. The reflections on the water, the silhouettes of trees against the colored lights, and the contrast of warm car interiors with the cool night air create a multisensory experience that’s hard to replicate.

There’s also the heart of the operation: volunteers. The same people who restore century-old passenger cars, maintain track, and keep locomotives running are the ones stringing the lights, selling concessions, and waving to kids as the train pulls in. When you ride, you’re not just buying a ticket; you’re helping preserve an irreplaceable piece of California railroading.

Beyond the holidays

While the Train of Lights is the marquee event, the Niles Canyon Railway is worth a visit in any season. Regular excursion trains run much of the year, often on weekends, offering daytime views of the canyon’s bridges, rock cuts, and riparian habitat.

The organization also hosts themed events such as beer or wine trains, history days, photo charters, and occasional special runs that extend beyond Sunol. Both depots feature interpretive displays, and restoration projects in the yard offer a behind-the-scenes look at the craft and care that goes into vintage rail equipment.

Supporting Preservation

If the experience resonates, consider:

• Becoming a member of the Pacific Locomotive Association for benefits like early ticket access and member events.

• Volunteering—there’s a role for nearly every skill, from woodworking and metalwork to marketing, event staffing, and operations.

• Donating to help fund restorations, infrastructure, and educational programs.

Final Word

The Train of Lights isn’t just a seasonal ride—it’s a tradition that bridges generations. It celebrates the ingenuity that connected America coast to coast, the community spirit of volunteers who keep history alive, and the simple joy of holiday lights flickering through a moonlit canyon.

Whether you’re a railfan, a family looking for a new holiday memory, or a visitor seeking a uniquely Bay Area experience, this glowing journey through Niles Canyon delivers warmth, wonder, and a deeper connection to the past.

Details can change from year to year. For current schedules, ticket releases, and policies, check the Niles Canyon Railway’s official website before you go.