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Illustration: A lit steam train crossing a stone viaduct through snowy mountains at night
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Christmas

The Holiday Train — Alaska Railroad

  • Run by Alaska Railroad
  • Anchorage Depot — Anchorage, Alaska, United States

Next: Dec 5–21, 2026 · Sold out

A family holiday train ride from the Alaska Railroad with Santa Claus, a magician, balloon artists and crafts.

Updated

See everything in Alaska3 spots · 1 event

Next edition

Dec 5–21, 2026

Sold out

Saturdays Dec 5, 12 and 19, and Monday Dec 21. Morning train 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; afternoon train 3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

From $46 (as published by the operator)

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About this event

The Holiday Train is a family event train run by the Alaska Railroad. The operator describes it as a cherished family tradition and invites both returning guests and first-time riders.

The ride goes along Turnagain Arm, with a visit from Santa Claus on board.

The operator's page lists a magician and balloon artist entertainment, crafts, a coloring contest and a free train ride raffle.

Trains run as a morning train and an afternoon train on each operating day. Ticket categories are adult, child (ages 2 to 11), infant with a seat and infant on a lap (ages 0 to 23 months). A service fee is added to ticket prices at checkout.

The Holiday Train is one of several event trains the Alaska Railroad runs through the year, alongside trains such as the Ski Train, the Easter Train and the Kids' Halloween Train.

What to expect

A ride along Turnagain Arm with a visit from Santa Claus. The operator lists a magician, balloon artists, crafts, a coloring contest and a free train ride raffle.

Practical info

Bookings are made with the Alaska Railroad (phone 800.544.0552). Payment is due at the time of booking, and a service fee is added at checkout. Tickets cannot be combined with other discounts. They are non-refundable and non-changeable, except that name changes are allowed for a 10% change fee. Infants on a lap (0-23 months) ride free. The boarding point is not named on the operator's Holiday Train page: confirm it with the Alaska Railroad when booking.

Where it happens

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Spots and live cams nearby

Where to watch trains within 100 km of Anchorage.

Frequently asked questions

What happens on the Holiday Train?▾
The Alaska Railroad lists a visit from Santa Claus, a magician and balloon artist entertainment, crafts, a coloring contest and a free train ride raffle.
Where does the Holiday Train ride?▾
The Alaska Railroad describes a ride along Turnagain Arm.
How many trains run on each operating day?▾
There are two: a morning train from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and an afternoon train from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Do babies need a ticket?▾
The Alaska Railroad lists two infant categories for ages 0 to 23 months: an infant on a lap, which is free, and an infant with their own seat, which is a paid ticket.
Can I get a refund or change my ticket?▾
Tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable. Name changes are allowed for a 10% change fee. Tickets cannot be combined with other discounts.
Is there a fee on top of the ticket price?▾
Yes. The Alaska Railroad adds a service fee to ticket prices at checkout, and payment is due at the time of booking.
How do I book the Holiday Train?▾
Book with the Alaska Railroad. Its Holiday Train page gives the reservations phone number 800.544.0552.

Sources

Dates checked on Oct 11, 2026 from the official site: alaskarailroad.com. Schedules can change — always confirm with the operator before you travel.

Official website: alaskarailroad.com

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