There's nothing quite like a train ride excursion for a fun family outing. These Christmas and holidays railroad excursions in the Reno area (andelsewhere 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.
Polar Express™ on the V&T Railroad - Sold Out! - Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Nov. 25 through Dec. 18, 2011. 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 10, 11, 17, 18, 2011. Ride the Santa Train at the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City. Fare for the Santa Train is only $3.00 per seat. Trains run each day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring the family to enjoy this special steam train ride on historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad equipment. The museum is open Friday - Monday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 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 under 18. Call (775) 687-6953 for more information.
V&T Christmas Holiday Trains - December 3, 4, 10, 11, 2011. 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 between Virginia City and Gold Hill on December 3, 4, 10, 11. You can take your chances about getting aboard or buy advance tickets online. For more information, call (775) 847-4386.
Santa Train at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum - December 3, 10, 2011. The Western Pacific Railroad Museum is located at 700 Western Pacific Way in Portola, CA, about an hour north of Reno. Museum admission is $10 per car, which includes Santa Train rides at no extra charge. Donation boxes will be available for those wanting to help support restoration work. There will be complimentary cookies, cider and other baked goods on the historic baggage and dining cars. The Museum store will be open selling gifts and memorabilia, and Santa will be there for photos with the kids. On Santa Train days, Museum gates will open at 4:30 p.m., with train rides from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call (530) 832-4131.
Polar Express™ on the Nevada Northern Railway - Various days, Nov. 19 through Dec. 27, 2011. 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
The three 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.
