California Christmas Train Rides In Felton!
Published: November 25, 2025
By: Adam Burns
Nestled beneath the towering redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Roaring Camp Railroads stands as one of California’s most enchanting heritage operations. Based in Felton, the site is best known for its combination of historic narrow-gauge steam trains, family-oriented events, and its seamless blend of natural beauty and railroad heritage.
While many visitors come to experience the steep, winding climb to the summit of Bear Mountain, the railroad also operates a popular standard-gauge line between the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Felton, offering seasonal excursions that have become beloved traditions for generations.
Among these, the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train is perhaps the most magical. Offered each holiday season, this dazzling nighttime experience transforms downtown Santa Cruz into a rolling festival of lights, music, and holiday spirit. For families, couples, and railfans alike, the Holiday Lights Train is the perfect blend of coastal charm, festive ambiance, and historic railroading.
Santa Cruz Portland Cement 0-4-0 #2 rolls into Santa Cruz along Chestnut Street on July 13, 2014. Drew Jacksich photo.Origins of Roaring Camp Railroads
The story of Roaring Camp begins in the late 1950s, when Norman Clark, a history enthusiast with a passion for steam railroading, sought to recreate a 19th-century logging camp deep within the redwoods. His dream was not just to preserve steam locomotives, but to immerse visitors in the environment, sounds, and culture of early California logging.
To bring this vision to life, Clark acquired rolling stock from various West Coast logging operations and built a narrow-gauge line that mimicked the rugged logging railroads of the 1880s–1910s era. Over time, Roaring Camp grew into a full living-history site featuring exhibits, shops, period-inspired buildings, camp demonstrations, and—most importantly—operating steam locomotives.
In 1985, Roaring Camp added the standard-gauge Santa Cruz, Big Trees & Pacific Railway, giving the railroad the ability to connect its mountain operations with the Santa Cruz waterfront. This route, built originally by the South Pacific Coast Railroad and later acquired by Southern Pacific, opened new tourism opportunities and eventually became home to several seasonal excursions, including the Holiday Lights Train.
A Railroad Steeped in Tradition
Roaring Camp Railroads is known for its exceptional steam locomotive roster, which includes some of the most historically significant types in existence. Among its most iconic engines are:
- Heisler No. 2 – A geared locomotive ideal for steep grades.
- Shay No. 1 “Dixiana” – The railroad’s signature engine, originally used in North Carolina logging operations.
- Climax No. 5 – Another rare geared locomotive type.
These geared engines are essential to Roaring Camp’s Bear Mountain line, where grades approach an impressive 9%, making it one of the steepest passenger-carrying railroads in the United States.
While the narrow-gauge operation creates an immersive, backwoods atmosphere, the standard-gauge Santa Cruz line offers a different experience—scenic, coastal, and urban, giving passengers a comfortable transition from redwoods to the Pacific shoreline.
The Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train: A Festive Coastal Celebration
When December arrives, the Santa Cruz Branch line is transformed into one of Northern California’s most festive holiday experiences. The Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train lights up downtown Santa Cruz, drawing locals and tourists who return year after year.
A Visual Spectacle on Rails
The moment visitors approach the train, they know they’re in for something special. Each railcar is wrapped in thousands of twinkling lights—reds, blues, greens, golds—creating a shimmering display that evokes the spirit of old-fashioned Christmas pageantry. Once aboard, guests enjoy:
- Indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for cool winter evenings
- Holiday music and sing-alongs
- Live entertainment, often featuring Christmas characters and storytelling
- Seasonal treats, available at concession areas near the boarding location
- Sweeping nighttime views of downtown Santa Cruz, Pacific Avenue, and the beach area
The Holiday Lights Train typically runs 60 minutes, completing a festive loop from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk through the heart of the city. As the train glides past shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, riders experience a unique coastal holiday ambiance unlike any other event in the region.
More Than Just a Train Ride: A Family Tradition
The Holiday Lights Train is carefully curated to appeal to all ages. For children, the experience is filled with excitement—blinking lights, Santa and holiday characters, music, and the thrill of a nighttime train ride. Adults appreciate the nostalgia, craftsmanship, and the chance to share the magic of railroading with their children and grandchildren.
Common features of the event include:
Sing-Alongs & Entertainment
Performers lead passengers in classic holiday songs, from “Jingle Bells” to “Deck the Halls.” Often, a jovial conductor or holiday host narrates stories, engages the children, and keeps the atmosphere lively.
Santa Claus Appearances
Santa frequently strolls through the train, greeting families and posing for photos—one of the highlights for younger riders.
Downtown Festivities
Because the train boards near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, families can combine their train ride with other activities: shopping, dining, amusement attractions, or simply enjoying holiday decorations along the waterfront.
The Perfect Setting: Santa Cruz by Night
The Holiday Lights Train is unique among holiday-themed rail excursions because of its setting. While many Christmas trains operate through forests, fields, or quiet countryside, Roaring Camp’s Holiday Lights Train celebrates the beauty and energy of a California coastal city at night.
Passengers glide through:
- Pacific Avenue, lined with decorated storefronts
- Beach Hill, known for its historic Victorian homes
- The Santa Cruz Boardwalk, glowing with amusement-park lights
- The San Lorenzo River Bridge, offering striking night views
This combination of festive railroading and coastal scenery gives the train a distinctive atmosphere—urban yet cozy, lively yet peaceful, nostalgic yet thoroughly modern.
Planning A Ride
For those planning to attend, Roaring Camp encourages advance reservations, as the Holiday Lights Train is one of their most popular seasonal offerings.
Typical Logistics
- Departure Point: Near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Ride Duration: About 60 minutes
- Operating Season: Late November through December
- Car Options: Open-air and enclosed cars (weather permitting)
Guests are encouraged to dress warmly—California winter nights can be chilly, especially when seated in open-air cars. Many families come wearing matching holiday sweaters, Santa hats, or festive scarves to enhance the seasonal spirit.
A Heritage Railroad with a Bright Future
Roaring Camp Railroads continues to play a vital role in California tourism and railroad preservation. Its dual operations provide both historical education and pure family fun. The organization is committed to maintaining its historic locomotives, preserving redwood forest land, and strengthening community partnerships.
In recent years, Roaring Camp has invested in track improvements, equipment restoration, and expanding event programming, ensuring that steam railroading remains accessible and exciting for future generations. Their Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train—now a fixture of the region’s holiday calendar—reflects this mission perfectly: combining history, community, and celebration into a single unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
The Roaring Camp Railroads stands as one of California’s most distinguished heritage rail operations—where immersive history, natural splendor, and family-friendly events come together. Among its many offerings, the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train remains a standout holiday tradition, transporting passengers into a world of color, music, and coastal magic.
Whether you’re a seasoned railfan, a family seeking a holiday outing, or a traveler drawn to the charm of Santa Cruz in wintertime, the Holiday Lights Train offers an unforgettable experience. It embodies everything Roaring Camp represents: preservation, community, and the timeless joy of a ride on the rails.
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