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Celebrate the festive season with some of the Bay Area’s most enchanting holiday train experiences. From the historic Napa Valley Wine Train’s Santa Train Jolly Journeys, offering gourmet meals and heartwarming visits from Santa, to Roaring Camp’s iconic steam trains gliding through the redwoods with cocoa, carols, and dazzling holiday lights — every ride promises unforgettable family memories.
You can also hop aboard the beloved Niles Canyon Railway’s Train of Lights, a sparkling nighttime adventure through the canyon filled with music, refreshments, and breathtaking illuminated displays. Whether you’re savoring wine country views, enjoying festive themes like the Chanukah Train, or ringing in the New Year with DJs and decorations, these holiday trains bring seasonal joy to riders of all ages.
The all-new Santa Train Jolly Journeys offers splendid views of wine country accompanied by gourmet meals, holiday cookies, Santa visits, and more
The Napa Valley Wine Train dates back all the way to 1864, and stepping aboard feels like traveling to another century. The antique Pullman rail cars have been carefully restored to their former glory in order to evoke the luxury of early-20th-century train travel. The vintage train is amazingly elegant and luxurious, providing visitors with unique and sprawling views of California’s famous wine country.
The train’s most popular year-round journeys are the Gourmet Express package, which evokes a glamorous, antique dining room or the Vista Dome package, which offers amazing panoramic views via enormous 360-degree windows.
The Napa Valley Wine Train offers a variety of different holiday experiences for families on their Santa Trains from November 28 to December 23. Each holiday journey begins at the station, where passengers can enjoy carolers, a photo opportunity with Santa, and much more await. Experiences range from Santa's Cookie Car with cocoa and cookies to first-class rides with a full dinner (including kid-friendly options). A portion of proceeds from select experiences are donated to Napa Firewise and gifts are collected on behalf of Expressions for Hope Napa. Order tickets and learn more.
The Roaring Camp steam trains will once again jingle through Santa Cruz and Bear Mountain with hot cocoa, decorations, and Santa visits.
Want to enjoy California’s beautiful redwood forests without having to don hiking boots? This steam train from Roaring Camp is the perfect way to take in the scenery. Hop on this authentic train from 1890 for an open-air trip through the redwoods in the Bay Area. The best part is that Roaring Camp is currently offering several unique holiday train routes complete with jolly decorations, Christmas carols, and more.
Roaring Camp recently announced the return of their beloved holiday lights train in Santa Cruz. Take in the gorgeous vintage train decked out with sparkling holiday lights and decorations.
Holiday Tree Walk: December 14-15, 21-22
Bring the family for a wintery journey through the redwoods aboard the Redwood Forest Steam Train. Sip hot cider while greeting Santa Claus and enjoy winter-themed activities.
Chanukah Train: January 2, 2025:
Board a Chanukah-themed train through the streets of Santa Cruz, which is complete with Chanukah stories, games, and kosher treats from Chabad by the Sea.
New Year’s Train: December 26-31:
Ring in 2025 aboard a beautifully decorated vintage train with light-up hula hoopers and live DJs.
The renowned Roaring Camp Railroads in the Santa Cruz Mountains offers a variety of festive holiday train rides this winter.
Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train:
Board vintage excursion cars, decorated with thousands of colorful lights, at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a holiday train ride you'll never forget. Roll through the streets of Santa Cruz while enjoying hot cider, singing Christmas carols, and listening to live musical entertainment. Trains depart from in front of Neptune's Kingdom at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk at 5 or 6:30 pm, depending on day. The Holiday Lights Train runs November 28–29, December 6–7, and 13–23. Coach tickets cost $58.25 for adults 13 and older and $38.11 for children 2 to 12; first-class tickets are $74.15 and $48.71. Order tickets and learn more on their website.
Holiday Tree Walk
Ride Roaring Camp's daytime steam train to the top of Bear Mountain. At the summit, sip hot cider and walk through a holiday wonderland of beautifully decorated Christmas trees and enjoy winter-themed activities. Santa himself will also pay a visit. The Holiday Tree Walk takes place November 28–30 and December 6–7, 13–14, and 20–23.
Chanukah Train
Share in Chanukah traditions and ride the train through the streets of Santa Cruz listening to Chanukah stories, playing dreidel, and enjoying warm latkes and hot apple cider provided by Chabad by the Sea. Date and time TBA.
New Year's Holiday Lights Train
Bring in the new year aboard the New Years Holiday Lights Train. Ride vintage train cars beautifully decorated with holiday lights through the streets of Santa Cruz. Light-up hula hoopers and a live DJ will keep spirits bright and help bring in 2026 right. December 26–31,
Enjoy a 1.5 hour-long round trip through Niles Canyon filled with refreshments, music, and cheer aboard our antique coaches and open cars that feature holiday lights and decorations inside and out.
The Train of Lights offers a rare opportunity to experience a train ride through Niles Canyon at night. With one departure from Niles at dusk and a second departure from Sunol after dark, you can choose your favorite time to ride.
The Train of Lights has been an annual tradition for many Bay Area families for more than a decade. Make it yours too!
Trains depart from Niles at 4:30PM and Sunol at 7:30PM on weekends and select weekday evening throughout the holiday season from November 21st to December 30th, 2025 (Trains will not operate on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).
Nov. 21, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30
Dec. 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30
Departure time availability may differ on some of the days due to museum events or private charters.
Purchase Your Tickets
Tickets are available online for all departures, and your ticket includes a round trip on your selected departure. These trains are very popular and often sell out well in advance, so we recommend you purchase your tickets as early as possible.
Ride through the East Bay's Niles Canyon at night on the Train of Lights, and enjoy music, refreshments, and holiday cheer! Tickets go on sale Saturday, October 25 at 10 am. Trains, decorated for the holidays inside and out, depart from Niles at 4:30 pm and Sunol at 7:30 pm every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the holiday season (no trains on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day). Tickets cost $40 and up, depending on car. Order tickets and learn more on their website.
