Northern California Christmas Train Rides for Families

When the weather outside is frightful, a perfect Christmas outing for families is a train ride through some of the most scenic areas in Northern California. Many of these Christmas train rides also include hot cocoa and goodies for the kids. Check their individual websites for updated information and schedule changes. All Christmas trains recommend advance reservations.

Roaring Camp Railroads located in Felton, California takes passengers through the redwood forest and the Santa Cruz Mountains. They have two options for train rides, the Holiday Tree Walk Train and the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. The Holiday Tree Walk Train takes off from the Roaring Camp station and takes passengers through a forest of trees decorated for the season by local businesses and organizations. When the train returns to the station, young passengers are treated to a Christmas story time. Ideal for older kids, the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train takes off from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and includes a game of miniature golf or laser tag.

Holiday Tree Walk Train

Friday 26 - Sunday 28 November

Saturday 04 & Sunday 05 December

Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 December

Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 December

Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train

Saturday 27 November

Saturday 04 & Sunday 05 December

Friday 10 - Sunday 12 December

Friday 17 - Thursday 23 December

http://www.roaringcamp.com/events.html

The Sacramento River Train takes off from Woodland, California. Their Christmas train includes visits from Santa, storytellers, and musicians. Passengers get to snack on cookies and cocoa while they travel along the American River.

Saturday 27 November

Sunday 05 December

Sunday 12 December

Thursday 16 - Thursday 23 December

http://www.sacramentorivertrain.com/choose-a-trip-oct-dec.html

The Skunk Train takes off from Willits or Fort Bragg and takes passengers through the heavily forested hills along California's coast. Santa and his elves, musicians, and storytellers travel through the cars. Passengers are encouraged to wear their pajamas on the journey.

Willits - Saturday 04 & Sunday 05 December

Saturday 11 - Thursday 23 December

Fort Bragg - Saturday 04 & Sunday 05 December

Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 December

Saturday 18 - Thursday 23 December

http://www.skunktrain.com/specials-posters/specials-christmas.html

The Sierra Railroad Dinner Train begins its journey in Oakdale. Trains depart in the daytime and evening. Passengers can wear their pajamas, Polar Express style, and enjoy cookies and cocoa as they are entertained by Santa and his elves, musicians, and storytellers.

Friday 26 November

Sunday 05 December

Sunday 12 December

Tuesday 14 - Wednesday 22 December

http://www.sierrarailroad.com/dinnertrain/choose-a-trip-oct-dec.html