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A Colorado Christmas Train Ride In The Royal Gorge!

Published: November 1, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Carved through 1,200-foot granite walls by the wild Arkansas River, Colorado’s Royal Gorge is a study in superlatives—and there’s no better way to experience it than aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad.

Departing from the beautifully restored Santa Fe Depot in Cañon City, this classic train winds directly into the heart of the chasm on a 24-mile, two-hour round trip that blends big scenery with small, memorable details: the steel span of the Royal Gorge Bridge high above, the famed Hanging Bridge clinging ingeniously to the canyon’s narrowest point, and the open-air observation car where wind, water, and rock feel close enough to touch.

While the railroad runs year-round with a variety of dining and dome car experiences, its seasonal favorites—the Santa Express and Holiday Train—are the ones locals and travelers wait for all year long.

Royal Gorge F7A #403 leads an excursion along the east end of the Royal Gorge near Cañon City, Colorado on June 18, 2008. Drew Jacksich photo.

What the ride is like

The Royal Gorge Route follows the original Denver & Rio Grande Western line, a 19th-century feat of engineering born from the “Royal Gorge War,” when rival railroads fought for the right to thread this tight canyon. Today, the drama is all visual: towering cliffs, whitewater riffles, and occasional sightings of bighorn sheep or raptors riding thermals overhead. You’ll roll beneath the Royal Gorge Bridge—once the highest suspension bridge in the world—and glide over the Hanging Bridge, a marvel that suspends track above the river where the rock walls press too close together for a traditional roadbed. Every ticketed passenger can roam to the open-air car for uncrowded, unobstructed views and photographs.

Onboard, the railroad is known for its hospitality and scratch-made cuisine. Depending on your class of service, you can settle into Coach, Club, or Vista Dome seating and order from a seasonally inspired menu featuring Colorado-sourced ingredients. Expect anything from breakfast and lunch favorites to curated wine, craft beer, and signature cocktails. Seating is reserved, service is attentive, and the pace invites you to slow down and simply look out the window.

Seasonal standouts: Santa Express and Holiday Train

When the days get short and the canyon takes on winter’s crisp light, the Royal Gorge Route transforms. Trains are decked out with twinkling lights, garlands, and festive music, and the kitchen turns to comfort-forward flavors. Two experiences headline the season:

Santa Express Train

Beloved by families across Colorado, the Santa Express is a storybook ride brought to life. It typically operates from mid-November through December and sells out quickly—especially on weekend evenings—so booking early is wise. Here’s what makes it special:

- A North Pole brought to life: Along the route, you’ll pass a brilliantly illuminated “North Pole,” a whimsical stretch of lights and holiday scenes set against the canyon’s dark walls. Kids press their noses to the glass, adults reach for their cameras, and the whole train glows with the reflection.

- Santa visits each family: After the North Pole, Santa boards to greet every child and many grown-ups too. Expect time for photos and a small keepsake for kids. The train crew—often joined by cheerful elves—keeps the energy fun and relaxed, not rushed.

- Cozy treats and pajamas: Hot cocoa, cookies, and seasonal bites are the order of the day. Many children (and not a few parents) arrive in their holiday pajamas to lean into the magic. Depending on your class of service, you can also order from the onboard menu; the bar features festive mocktails and cocktails for the adults.

- A comfortable, two-hour format: The timing is just right for young riders—long enough to feel like an adventure, short enough to keep everyone smiling. Restrooms and open-air access are available, though most families prefer to stay cozy at their seats once the cocoa arrives.

Insider tips for the Santa Express:
- Book early, and consider a weeknight for better availability and slightly quieter cars.
- Arrive at the Cañon City depot at least 45 minutes early to pick up tickets, find your platform, and enjoy the decorations.
- Dress warmly in layers. You’ll want a turn in the open-air car, even on a chilly night.
- Bring a camera or phone with night mode—those canyon lights are photogenic.

Holiday Train
Think of the Holiday Train as the Santa Express’s grown-up cousin—still festive and family-friendly, but designed to spotlight seasonal flavors, sparkling lights, and unhurried conversation rather than character meet-and-greets. Running on select dates during the holiday season, it features:

- Festive ambiance without the bustle: Holiday music, twinkle lights, and beautifully decorated cars set a celebratory mood. It’s an excellent choice for date nights, friends’ get-togethers, and company outings.

- Elevated seasonal menu: The culinary team leans into winter comfort—hearty mains, shareable bites, and indulgent desserts—alongside Colorado wines, craft beers, and holiday cocktails like spiced cider or cocoa with a kick.

- The same show-stopping scenery: The canyon feels extra dramatic in winter’s low-angle light. Daytime departures bring out the geology; evening trains add a layer of sparkle to the experience.

If you’re deciding between the two, choose the Santa Express if meeting Santa and a North Pole experience are non-negotiable for your group. Pick the Holiday Train if you want a refined seasonal outing focused on dining, drinks, and scenery.

Planning your trip
- When to go: Winter light is beautiful all season, but early evenings closer to the holidays carry an extra glow. For fall foliage, October can add golden cottonwoods along the river. The railroad runs year-round, with different themes and menus each season.

- Seating and classes: Vista Dome offers panoramic views under curved glass and is a favorite for special occasions. Club seating balances comfort and value, while Coach is budget-friendly with access to all the same views and the open-air car. All seating is reserved at booking.

- Dining: The Royal Gorge Route is known for onboard, made-to-order cuisine. You can dine in most classes of service; menus and availability vary by departure time and season. Holiday departures typically feature special items. If you have dietary needs, check options when booking.

- What to wear and bring: The train is comfortably heated, but the open-air car can be brisk. Wear layers, closed-toe shoes, and bring a hat and gloves if you plan to linger outside. Cameras and binoculars enhance the experience—watch for bighorn sheep on the cliffs.

- Logistics: Trains depart from the Santa Fe Depot in Cañon City, about two hours from Denver and one hour from Colorado Springs (traffic and weather dependent). Parking is available at the depot. Plan to arrive early; boarding usually begins around 20–30 minutes before departure.

Why it resonates
Part of the Royal Gorge Route’s appeal is contrast: refined dining and white-tablecloth service set against a wild river and sheer rock faces. The holiday trains add warmth and ritual to that mix. For families, the Santa Express becomes a tradition as kids grow from wide-eyed cocoa sippers into enthusiastic photographers. For couples and groups, the Holiday Train offers a distinctly Colorado kind of celebration—sparkly, scenic, and relaxed.

A few final notes

- Availability and pricing vary by date, time, and class of service, and the most popular departures sell out well in advance—especially for the Santa Express. If your dates are firm, book early and consider a backup time.

- Weather rarely stops the fun. Winter storms can add drama to the canyon, and the railroad is experienced in operating safely in all seasons. Still, keep an eye on the forecast and the railroad’s official updates.

- For the latest schedules, menus, and special events, check the Royal Gorge Route Railroad’s official website before you go. Details can change from season to season.

Whether you’re making holiday memories with little ones or toasting the season with friends, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad delivers a one-of-a-kind Colorado experience. The canyon itself is the showstopper, but it’s the thoughtful touches—festive décor, friendly crew, good food, and those glimmering lights—that turn a train ride into a tradition.