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Watch the Nevada Countryside Whirl by on This Unforgettable Christmas Train

Posted on November 22, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Only In Nevada

Only In Nevada

A hand holding up a ticket in front of a train.

Get your ticket. (Sydney Martinez/Travel Nevada)

The travel experts over at Only In Nevada hand-picked this article for our audience. Their writers and editors explore the country, tracking down hidden gems, local favorites, natural wonders, and so much more. Check out more finds in your area at OnlyInYourState.com.

How do you plan to celebrate this holiday season? Perhaps by decorating your home or baking a special cookie recipe? The options are truly endless here in Nevada. One thing that should definitely be on your radar is this charming Christmas Train at the Nevada Southern Railway Museum. The "North Pole Express," previously dubbed "The Santa Train" is an awesome Nevada Christmas train that will allow you to get into the holiday spirit and create some lasting family memories. Tickets sell fast for this enchanting ride so be sure to make some plans soon.

Every year since 2002, the Nevada Southern Railway Museum has offered a unique experience that has become a treasured holiday tradition for many. The North Pole Express is a spectacular experience that will have both young and old filled with holiday cheer and you need to check it out. Of all the holiday traditions that are beloved in Nevada, and there are many, this may be one of the most charming and cheerful.

This Christmas train ride in Nevada is the railway's daytime adventure. It runs every hour starting at 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. This special ride is offered every weekend in December until Christmas. There are some weekday dates close to Christmas Day but for the most part, this special experience is offered on the weekend.

Santa Claus meets kids inside a train car.

Santa loves a good train ride. (White Pine County)

On these routes, passengers will be taken across the beautiful Nevada countryside while interacting with a slew of elves and even Santa himself. The train is covered in whimsical decorations and photo ops are strongly encouraged. And be sure to wear your most festive clothes; ugly Christmas sweaters will be right at home at this event.

The railway also offers a nighttime version of this train experience, previously called The Pajama Train. This ride is similar to the North Pole Express except, as you'd guess from the name, passengers are welcome to wear their pajamas. In addition, delicious hot chocolate and cookies are served on this beautiful nighttime train ride.

All the holiday experiences have now been conveniently consolidated under the moniker The North Pole Express so all you have to do is purchase the tickets for the time you want and the holiday magic ensues. Whichever Christmas train you decide on, you're sure to be thrilled with the experience. The ride lasts approximately 45 minutes and you'll find that there's even more to see around the museum after your ride.

A conductor collects tickets as a young girl boards a train.

All aboard. (Sydney Martinez/Travel Nevada)

One of the best parts of this experience is that the funds raised from it benefit the Nevada State Railroad Museum. That's right, you'll be munching on cookies and doing good at the same time. The train is comprised of these beautifully restored historic passenger cabs. As the train track leads you alongside the U.S. 93 highway, you can't help but feel like you're experiencing a unique piece of Nevada's railway history on top of making fantastic holiday memories.

As you may have guessed from this ride's previous name, there's a possibility that Santa himself will show up.

You can buy your tickets ahead of time on the museum's website, and it's suggested you do so since they tend to sell out. Tickets typically include a gift bag, hot cocoa and cookies, and a picture opportunity with Santa. For more information, visit their website for all the details about this Christmas train ride.

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