The Santa Express Train is a Must-See Colorado Adventure for the Holidays
There’s something about the holidays in Colorado that just feels different. Maybe it’s the crisp mountain air or the way the snow catches the light. But if you really want to experience that magic, you need to climb aboard the Santa Express Train, Colorados favorited Christmas train! Every year, people travel from all corners of the world to ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad during the holidays, and honestly? It’s easy to see why. This isn’t just a train ride. It’s pure wonder.
From Humble Beginnings to a Beloved Colorado Tradition
The Santa Express didn’t start as the massive holiday event it is today. Over a decade ago, it began as a simple idea to bring holiday magic to the Royal Gorge. Those first seasons were small and intimate, with just a handful of decorated cars and a dream of creating something special for Colorado families.
But word spread fast. What started as a charming local tradition quickly grew into something much bigger. Families who rode that first year came back the next, bringing their friends and relatives along. Before long, the Santa Express became a holiday pilgrimage for people across the state and beyond.
Today, more than 50,000 guests ride every single season. Some are first-timers who’ve heard the buzz and had to see it for themselves. But so many are families who have been coming back for years, carrying on a tradition that spans generations now. Grandparents who rode in those early days now bring their grandchildren. It’s become one of those rare experiences that somehow feels both brand new and comfortingly familiar every time.
The folks at Royal Gorge Route Railroad have nurtured this tradition beautifully. Each year, they find ways to make it even more magical. They refresh the decorations, add more lights, dream up new touches that keep the wonder alive. The 2025 season reflects years of learning what makes this experience so special, and they’ve really outdone themselves this time.
A Scenic Journey Through One of Colorado’s Natural Wonders
The 90-minute round trip takes you deep into the Royal Gorge, one of the most breathtaking spots in the entire state. The canyon walls tower more than 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River, creating this dramatic, almost otherworldly landscape around you.
Now imagine that same canyon at night, transformed into a glowing holiday dreamscape. The lights shimmer off the water below. The massive cliffs frame the decorated railcars perfectly. It’s the kind of scene that makes you understand why people call Colorado magical during Christmas.
Holiday Cheer From the Moment You Step Aboard
The experience starts the second you walk onto the train. You’re greeted with the smell of fresh-baked cookies and handed a cup of hot cocoa. Everything around you sparkles with holiday decorations. It’s cozy, it’s bright, and it instantly puts you in that relaxed, festive mood.
