Train of Lights — Niles Canyon Railway

The Train of Lights is the Niles Canyon Railway’s holiday excursion through Niles Canyon, between Niles in Fremont and Sunol in the East Bay. The railway, an all-volunteer non-profit railroad museum operated by the Pacific Locomotive Association, calls it its largest fundraiser and says it has been a tradition for many Bay Area families for more than a decade.

The operator describes a round trip through the canyon filled with refreshments, music and cheer aboard antique coaches and open cars that carry holiday lights and decorations inside and out. It offers a rare chance to ride through the canyon at night: one departure leaves Niles at dusk and a second leaves Sunol after dark. The earlier Niles departure leaves while there is still light for the scenery, and is dark enough on the return trip to enjoy the lights.

General seating is unreserved. First Class Dome tickets include a reserved seat in the Santa Fe 505 Dome Car, and First Class Parlor tickets a reserved seat in the Southern Pacific 10040 dining car with its original Cuban mahogany interior. Private cabooses can be rented for groups.

A night-time round trip through Niles Canyon on antique coaches and open cars decorated with lights, with refreshments and music. The operator describes a 1.5-hour round trip (elsewhere on the same page it says the 13-mile ride takes a little over an hour); trains run rain or shine and the canyon can be very cold and windy at night, so dress warmly. Passengers stay on the train for the whole trip.

Two boarding locations: Niles Station, 37029 Mission Boulevard, Fremont (Niles departures), and Sunol Depot, 6 Kilkare Road, Sunol (Sunol departures); check your ticket for the right one. Boarding begins about 30 minutes before departure, and tickets must be picked up at the ticket window of your boarding station. Everyone aged 3 or older needs a ticket; children under 3 on a lap ride free. Baby strollers and car seats are not allowed on board. General seating is unreserved and an inside seat is not guaranteed. Wheelchair access is only to selected covered open cars. Tickets are not refundable.