Santa's Holiday Express — Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad runs Santa's Holiday Express as a special family train on a few December weekend days, with separate trains from Chama, New Mexico, and from Antonito, Colorado. The railroad describes it as an affordable Santa train: Santa joins the train during the journey, giving children the chance to meet him and families the chance to capture a holiday photo.

From Chama, the operator describes a festive round trip from Chama to Dalton and back, enjoying winter scenery, hot chocolate, cookies and candy canes. The operator notes only six departures from Chama. A ticket includes the round-trip ride, an onboard visit with Santa, hot chocolate, a holiday cookie and a candy cane. The Antonito train offers the same holiday refreshments and a visit from Santa.

Seating is in coach or deluxe class. Deluxe guests receive upgraded accommodations and one beverage ticket, and alcoholic beverages are available to guests 21 and older with valid identification, limited to two drinks per guest. The railroad is also collecting unopened toys and non-perishable canned food for local food pantries and children's charities.

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a historic scenic railroad running between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado; this page covers only the Santa train.

Santa joins the train during the ride so children can meet him and families can take a holiday photo, with hot chocolate, cookies and candy canes. From Chama the trip is a round trip to Dalton and back through winter scenery. The operator advises layered clothing, a warm coat, hat and gloves, and sturdy closed-toe shoes; protective eyewear is advised in the open-air gondola car.

The Chama train boards at the Chama Depot, 500 Terrace Ave., Chama, New Mexico 87520, and the Antonito train at the Antonito Depot, 5234 US Hwy 285, Antonito, Colorado 81120. The operator asks guests to arrive at the depot at least 30 minutes before departure for ticket pickup and boarding, and says trains depart on schedule and cannot be held for late arrivals. Coach and deluxe classes are offered; infants under 2 ride free when seated on a parent or guardian's lap. The mountains can bring sudden weather changes, so dress in layers. Safety glasses are sold at the railroad if you ride in the open-air gondola.