America’s Most Magical Christmas Trains, and One You’ll Find Right Here in Colorado
Holiday train rides have become one of the most cherished ways to celebrate the season, blending nostalgia, scenery, and timeless tradition into a single unforgettable experience. This year, Forbes spotlighted the growing popularity of festive rail journeys across the country in its recent feature, Where to Ride America’s Magical Christmas Trains in 2025, highlighting standout experiences from coast to coast.
Among those nationally recognized rides is Colorado’s own Royal Gorge Route Railroad, home of the beloved Santa Express.
While Christmas trains across the U.S. each offer their own charm, what sets the Santa Express apart is the setting. Guests travel deep into the Royal Gorge, surrounded by soaring canyon walls, winter light, and the Arkansas River below, creating a holiday backdrop that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Onboard, the experience is designed to feel festive, warm, and family-focused. Guests enjoy holiday music, cocoa and cookies, time with Santa himself, and the chance to step into open-air cars for fresh mountain air and unforgettable canyon views. It’s a tradition built for families, couples, and multi-generational groups looking to slow down and savor the season together.
For travelers planning holiday adventures this year, the Forbes list offers a great look at how Christmas trains are becoming must-do seasonal experiences nationwide. You can explore the full roundup of featured rides here:
Where to Ride America’s Magical Christmas Trains in 2025 – Forbes
If your holiday plans include Colorado, the Santa Express aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad offers a uniquely immersive way to celebrate, combining festive fun with some of the most dramatic winter scenery in the country.
Santa Express dates fill quickly each season. Guests are encouraged to plan ahead and make this timeless holiday tradition part of their winter memories.
