Holiday Express — Leadville Railroad

The Leadville Railroad runs its Holiday Express as a two-hour round trip from its historic depot in Leadville, Colorado, behind a diesel locomotive and through the San Isabel National Forest and the Upper Arkansas River Valley. The operator promotes it as a scenic holiday ride for families, couples and all ages.

The train is decorated with lights and festive decorations. Passengers ride in the operator's enclosed and heated lounge cars, which have booth seating and large windows, or in its heated 1007 coach car. Guests can also step into the open-air cars to see the snow up close and have their picture taken with a snow globe; the operator suggests coats and hats for that.

During the ride, passengers have a chance to meet Mrs. Claus, one of Santa's elves, or Santa himself. Hot cocoa and peppermint cocoa are sold on board from the grill or concession car, and the operator narrates half of the trip.

The operator recommends reservations and says this popular event tends to sell out quickly.

A two-hour round trip in heated cars along snow-covered mountain scenery, with a chance to meet Mrs. Claus, one of Santa's elves or Santa, a snow globe photo spot in the open-air cars, and seasonal drinks on sale on board. Restrooms are on the train, and the ride is narrated for half of the trip.

The ride departs from the historic depot at 326 E. 7th Street, Leadville, Colorado. Seats are sold individually and priced per person, in heated lounge cars with booth seating or in the heated 1007 coach car; seats are for ages 4 and over, and children aged 3 and under ride on a lap without a seat. The booking page lists the train as wheelchair accessible, while the operator's schedule page says wheelchair seating is limited on Holiday Express rides and asks guests to mention it when reserving. Restrooms are on board. Prices on the booking page include fees. Pets are not permitted on the Holiday Express. Alcoholic beverages and firearms may not be brought on the train. The operator may change a seat in rare cases, for example after a service interruption. Phone: 866-386-3936.