Santa Express Train — Royal Gorge Route Railroad

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad runs its Santa Express Train from the Santa Fe Depot in Cañon City, Colorado, through the Royal Gorge to the North Pole. The operator describes a winter wonderland in which children of all ages are encouraged to wear cozy pajamas and sing along to a mix of new and vintage Christmas music while enjoying entrees from the on-board grill menu, available in every class of service.

At the North Pole in the gorge Santa and his elves board the train and hand a special holiday bell to each ticketed child as Santa makes his way through the cars. The ticket includes hot cocoa and cookies. The train has an open-air car and an expansive cocktail, wine and beer menu.

The railroad sells Coach Class, Deluxe Class and Vista Dome seating. Dining and beverages are priced separately from the ticket, and a pre-purchased grill meal package is offered. The operator says the journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and that most dates sell out weeks or months in advance. The railroad also sells a separate, adults-oriented Holiday Train, which is not this ride.

About one to one and a half hours: a ride through the Royal Gorge to the North Pole, where Santa and his elves board and give each ticketed child a holiday bell. Hot cocoa and cookies are included; grill entrees and a full bar are sold on board. Children are encouraged to wear pajamas.

Departs from the Santa Fe Depot, 401 Water Street, Cañon City, Colorado. The operator recommends arriving 60 to 90 minutes before departure to pick up tickets and get photos and golden tickets. All seats are pre-assigned at booking; specific locations cannot be guaranteed, and parties of more than four are seated across the aisle or back to back. Dining and beverages are not included in the ticket. The Vista Dome is not wheelchair accessible (guests must climb 14 steps); a limited number of wheelchair passengers is accommodated per departure, and the operator asks you to call 719-276-4000 before booking. The railroad has a strict no-refund policy for Santa Express rides.