Steam Into Christmas — Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad

The Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad runs Steam Into Christmas: The Holiday Timber Train from its Elbe Depot in the Cascade foothills of Washington. The operator describes a 75-minute holiday adventure in which a vintage steam train carries passengers back to the 1930s, where a colorful crew of timber workers tells the tale of how they helped save Christmas.

Along the way passengers get a glimpse of life at the North Star Logging Camp, the 1930s forest outpost where the story began. A professional acting cast portrays the Kringle family, who host Coach Class passengers with songs, stories and cheer. Santa and Mrs. Claus join the journey and visit families, and every passenger gets hot cocoa, a fresh-baked cookie and a collectible ornament to take home.

The railroad sells Coach Class and First Class; First Class adds reserved table seating, extra comfort and a collectible souvenir mug, with the same Kringle family hospitality. It describes the event as a homegrown production unlike larger franchise events. Most excursions are pulled by one of its historic steam locomotives, with a diesel substituted when weather or maintenance requires.

A 75-minute theatrical ride in vintage cars led by a professional cast playing the Kringle family, with songs and stories of 1930s timber workers who saved Christmas, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot cocoa, a fresh-baked cookie and a collectible ornament. The operator invites guests to wear festive attire.

Trains depart from the Elbe Depot, 54124 Mountain Highway East, Elbe, Washington. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to collect tickets at the ticket booth with the reserving party’s last name and order ID; nothing needs to be printed. Parking is across the tracks to the right of the Historic Elbe Church. Seats are reserved; First Class is priced per table. Children under 2 ride free on a lap. ADA seating and a wheelchair lift are available (the operator recommends wheelchairs and scooters under 27 inches wide). Gluten-free, nut-free and allergen-free cookies and dairy-free hot cider are available on request. No alcohol may be brought on board.