There's nothing quite like a train ride excursion for a fun family outing. These Christmas and holidays railroad excursions in the Reno area (and elsewhere in Nevada) are a unique way to add a special touch to your family adventures during the holiday season.
Ride the Rails during the Holiday Season
Excursion train rides near Reno are fun any time, but they take on a magical effect during the holiday season. For these special excursion runs, our local railroads get into the spirit of Christmas and the holidays with lights and themes designed to delight children and adults alike.
Sold Out! - Polar Express™ on the V&T Railroad - Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Nov. 23 through Dec. 23, 2012. The special Polar Express™ excursions on the V&T during November and December give families and kids a chance to experience the holiday spirit just like in the movie of the same name. There are three runs per day and tickets are going fast - get advance tickets online or you may be left at the station. For information, call (775) 687-7410 or toll-free at 1-800-NEVADA-1.
Santa Train at the Nevada State Railroad Museum - December 1, 2, 15, 16, 2012. Ride the Santa Train at the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City. Fare for the Santa Train is only $3.00 per seat and reservations are not required. Trains run each day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring the family to enjoy this special train ride on historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad equipment pulled by steam locomotive No. 25. The museum is open Friday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is located at the south end of Carson City (2180 S. Carson Street). Museum admission is $6 for adults, free for museum members and kids 17 and under. Call (775) 687-6953 for more information. If you have a railroad buff on your shopping list, be sure to stop at the Museum store for railroad books, clothing, toys and many unique Nevada specialty items. The store is featuring "Waiting for the Cars," a book of 3-D images documenting railroads, life and places in Nevada and California Gold Country in the 1860s.
V&T Candy Cane Express Trains in Virginia City - December 1, 2, 8, 9, 2012. This holiday train is part of Christmas on the Comstock, a series of events (mostly family friendly) held during the holiday season in Virginia City. The trains make two runs per day (noon and 2 p.m.) between Virginia City and Gold Hill, with passengers being served cider and hot chocolate by the Candy Cane Sisters and Santa's Elves. You can buy advance tickets online or call (775) 847-0380. Tickets are $14 for adults, $6 for children (ages 2 and under free).
Santa Train at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum - December 1, 8, 2012. The Western Pacific Railroad Museum is located at 700 Western Pacific Way in Portola, CA, about an hour north of Reno. Santa trains will run at 5 p.m. on the dates listed, but there were no other details on the website at this time. Except for the Santa trains, the museum is closed for the winter. For more information, call (530) 832-4131.
Polar Express™ on the Nevada Northern Railway in Ely - Various days, November 17 through December 29, 2012. Passengers board these special Polar Express™ excursions on the Nevada Northern Railway at 1100 Avenue A in Ely (on Highway 50 in eastern Nevada). Should you be out that way during the holiday season, families and children can enjoy this festive experience. The licensed event seeks to recreate a trip to the North Pole just like in the movie. Visit the Polar Express web page for train ride dates, times, and to get tickets online. For information, call toll-free at 1-866-407-8326.
More About Nevada and California Excursion Trains
All of the trains mentioned above also run regular excursions during the summer tourist season, but these aren't your only choices. Railroad buffs, and those looking for a fun family experience, will find several other excursion rail lines in both Nevada and nearby northern California. Whether it's steam or diesel powered, there is a train ride out there that you will enjoy.
