Holiday Lights Train — Roaring Camp Railroads

The Holiday Lights Train is Roaring Camp Railroads' Christmas-season evening excursion in Santa Cruz, California. The operator calls it a seasonal tradition.

Unlike Roaring Camp's steam trains in the redwoods at Felton, this train leaves from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, boarding in front of the Boardwalk's Merry-Go-Round. Vintage excursion cars, decorated with thousands of colorful lights, roll through the city streets past the homes of Santa Cruz, travel to the edge of the forest at Highway 9 and return to the Boardwalk.

On board there is live music of holiday classics to sing along to, hot cider, and a visit from Santa Claus and his elves. Each car is uniquely themed.

Two classes are sold. Standard Class rides in open canopy-covered cars with bench seating and no assigned seats; clear plastic siding is added on rainy evenings. First Class rides in fully enclosed coach cars with plush seats and window views, decorated in a Victorian Christmas style. Private coach cars for groups are booked by phone.

Every ticket includes a MyBoardwalk Card credit, usable for Boardwalk rides, arcades, midway games and attractions.

A 60-minute evening round trip from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk through the streets of Santa Cruz to the edge of the forest at Highway 9 and back. Expect live holiday music, sing-along carols, hot cider and a visit from Santa Claus and his elves. Trains run rain or shine; the cars are not heated, so bring a jacket. Open canopy cars are sheltered from rain when needed.

Departs and returns in front of the Merry-Go-Round on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (meeting point given as 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060). A surface parking lot is directly across the street from the Boardwalk. Pick up tickets at the Party Room, to the left of the Boardwalk's main entrance just past the Bumper Cars, facing the street: look for the Roaring Camp Holiday Lights Train sign and bring your confirmation number. Allow time to park and collect tickets. Tickets are required from age two; children under two ride free. Standard Class (open canopy cars) and First Class (enclosed coaches) are sold separately; private coach cars are booked by phone at 831-335-4484. Listed fares include fees. No refunds unless Trip Protection is added at booking. The operator says the train is wheelchair accessible; call 831-335-4484 for ADA assistance. Dogs are not allowed. Select Boardwalk locations are open for food and drink.