Santa’s Holiday Express returns to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

Tickets are on sale now for Santa’s Holiday Express, a holiday train tradition on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in New Mexico and Colorado. The 2026 rides add a new Deluxe Class, with departures set for two December weekends and donation drives for local communities.

Why it matters: - Santa’s Holiday Express gives families a seasonal ride on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, one of the country’s top scenic trains. - The event also supports local communities by collecting unopened toys and non-perishable food items. - The 2026 schedule adds Deluxe Class, giving riders a higher-comfort option for the holiday trips.

What happened: - The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad announced Santa’s Holiday Express for two holiday weekends in 2026. - Tickets are on sale now through the railroad’s ticketing site or by calling 1-888-286-2737. - Departures will run from Chama, New Mexico, on Dec. 5-6 and from Antonito, Colorado, on Dec. 12-13. - The railroad says Santa will join riders onboard, and Cinder Bear may also appear.

The details: - Chama departures are scheduled for 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. each day. - The Chama trains will travel to Dalton through snowy meadows and pine forests. - The Chama schedule lines up with the Village of Chama’s Christmas in the Mountains celebration. - Antonito departures are set for 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday. - The Antonito route runs through open high-desert scenery and is about 30 minutes from Alamosa and about an hour from Taos. - Guests will get hot cocoa, a holiday cookie, a candy cane and refreshments. - Deluxe Class includes chairs arranged around tables for two or four. - Deluxe Class also includes one beverage ticket. - Alcoholic beverages are available to guests 21 and older, with a limit of two drinks per guest. - Coach Class tickets cost $25 for adults ages 11 and older and $15 for children ages 3-10. - Deluxe Class tickets cost $50 for adults ages 11 and older and $35 for children ages 3-10. - Infants ages 2 and under ride free when seated on a parent or guardian’s lap. - Seats are limited, and advance reservations are strongly recommended. - Riders are advised to dress in layers and bring a warm coat, hat and gloves. - The railroad recommends sturdy, closed-toe shoes for walking in the rail yard and boarding the train.

Between the lines: - The Cumbres & Toltec is leaning on its brand strength as a National Historic Landmark and a repeat USA TODAY 10Best winner to market a family event that blends tourism and tradition. - The donation drive adds a community-service angle that may help broaden the appeal beyond holiday riders alone. - The new Deluxe Class suggests the railroad is trying to capture families or groups willing to pay more for a more comfortable experience.

What’s next: - Holiday tickets will likely sell quickly, based on the railroad’s warning to book early. - Passengers heading to the event should prepare for changing mountain weather and winter conditions. - The railroad will continue collecting donations during the holiday rides for local communities.

The bottom line: - Santa’s Holiday Express returns as a short-run holiday draw that combines scenic rail travel, Santa visits and a new premium ticket option.