Santa’s Holiday Express to Steam Again on America’s #1 Scenic Train Ride

Tickets on Sale Now for Beloved Family Holiday Tradition

CHAMA, NM, UNITED STATES, September 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Santa loves steam—and this holiday season, jolly St. Nick will once again climb aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad for Santa’s Holiday Express, a beloved holiday tradition in Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico.

The Cumbres & Toltec, voted Best Scenic Train Ride in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice awards, will welcome families aboard for two festive weekends of holiday train rides from Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado.

Guests can enjoy hot cocoa, a holiday cookie, candy cane and refreshments while spending time together aboard the historic train. The highlight comes when Santa joins the festivities onboard, giving children the opportunity to share their holiday wishes and families the chance to capture a special Christmas memory together. There may even be a special appearance by Cinder Bear, the railroad’s beloved mascot.

Two Weekends. Two Historic Depots. 12 Departures.

Chama, New Mexico — Dec. 5–6
10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. each day
Chama departures coincide with the Village of Chama’s Christmas in the Mountains celebration. Trains travel from Chama to Dalton through scenic snowy meadows and pine forests.

Antonito, Colorado — Dec. 12–13
Saturday: 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Located just 30 minutes from Alamosa and approximately an hour from Taos, the Antonito excursion travels through beautiful open high-desert scenery, often dusted with snow.

New in 2026: Deluxe Class
For those looking for a more comfortable experience, Deluxe Class offers chairs arranged around tables for two or four, making it easier for families and friends to converse and enjoy activities together. Deluxe tickets also include one beverage ticket, with alcoholic beverages available to guests 21 and older. (Alcohol is limited to two drinks per guest.)

Coach Class
Adults ages 11+: $25
Children ages 3–10: $15
Infants ages 2 and under: Free when seated on a parent or guardian’s lap

Deluxe Class
Adults ages 11+: $50
Children ages 3–10: $35
Infants ages 2 and under: Free when seated on a parent or guardian’s lap

Book Early
Seats are limited and Santa’s Holiday Express trains sell quickly. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Tickets are on sale now at cumbrestoltec.com or by calling 1-888-286-2737.

Help Make the Holidays Brighter
As in past years, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad will collect unopened toys and non-perishable food items for local communities. Passengers are encouraged to bring donations and help make the holidays a little brighter for those in need.

Know Before You Go
Mountain weather can change quickly. Dress in layers and bring a warm coat, hat and gloves. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are recommended when walking in the rail yard and boarding the historic train.

# # # ALL ABOARD! # # #

About the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, a National Historic Landmark jointly owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, travels the original 64-mile narrow-gauge route first constructed in 1880 between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado. The railroad crosses the Colorado-New Mexico border 11 times as it travels through mountain passes, deep gorges, tunnels, trestles and high-desert landscapes.
The route climbs to 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass, the highest mountain pass reached by a steam railroad in the United States, and includes such landmarks as Toltec Gorge and the 137-foot-high Cascade Trestle. In 2026, the Cumbres & Toltec was voted “Best Scenic Train Ride” in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice travel awards, earning the railroad the nation’s #1 spot for the fourth time, following previous wins in 2016, 2019, and 2020.

Joy Meadows
MeadowsPR
+1 303-522-9045
email us here

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