THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Ride the Holiday Lights Train in Santa Cruz for a festive holiday adventure filled with caroling, hot cider, and a special visit from Santa Claus. Enjoy cozy canopy-covered cars and extra fun at the boardwalk with a $10 MyBoardwalk Card!
Ride the Holiday Lights Train in Santa Cruz for a festive holiday adventure filled with caroling, hot cider, and a special visit from Santa Claus. Enjoy cozy canopy-covered cars and extra fun at the boardwalk with a $10 MyBoardwalk Card!
Book with Roaring Camp Railroads
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Roaring Camp Railroads · Santa Cruz, California
Celebrate the festive season with the Holiday Lights Train in Santa Cruz, offered by Roaring Camp Railroads. This enchanting train ride invites you to hop aboard canopy-covered cars adorned with holiday decorations, creating a cozy atmosphere to enjoy the magic of the season. As you glide through scenic wooded areas, you’ll sip on warm hot apple cider and join in singing classic Christmas carols, making the experience perfect for families and friends alike. The anticipation builds as the ride approaches Santa Claus himself, who greets passengers with holiday cheer. Along with the delightful train ride, every guest receives a $10 MyBoardwalk Card to spend on nearby rides and attractions, adding to the fun and festive spirit. The gentle pace and comfortable accommodations make it easy for all ages to enjoy, turning this outing into a memorable holiday tradition. Whether you’re a local or visiting Santa Cruz, this immersive holiday adventure combines natural beauty, joyful entertainment, and heartwarming holiday spirit into one special journey.
easy.
1.5–2 hours.
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels; no strenuous activity involved
Hot apple cider is provided during the ride, but additional snacks and beverages can be purchased at the boardwalk.
Yes, the Holiday Lights Train is family-friendly and designed for guests of all ages.
The ride lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, including the time at the boardwalk.
Yes, the $10 card can be used on most rides and games at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk during the event.
Pets are not permitted on the train, except for service animals.
The event runs rain or shine, and the canopy-covered cars offer protection from light rain.
Roaring Camp Railroads began operating in the 1960s, preserving historic steam locomotives and timber industry heritage in Santa Cruz.
Efforts are made to minimize environmental impact by using sustainable boarding practices and protecting surrounding forest habitats.
Roaring Camp Railroads, located in Felton, California, operates scenic train excursions and a year-round calendar of themed events set in the towering Santa Cruz redwood forest. The operation offers a variety of experiences for families, school groups, and adult visitors, combining vintage train travel with live entertainment, food, and hands-on programming. Key offerings include heritage steam train rides, family-focused events like Day Out With Thomas featuring Thomas the Tank Engine™, seasonal festivals such as the Brewgrass Festival, and specialty evenings like the Moonlight Evening Dinner Train that include dinner, live music, and stopovers at Bear Mountain. Roaring Camp also hosts community-oriented events at the historic Bret Harte Opera Hall, including the Spring Barn Line Dance and Winter Warmer Fest. Educational programs are available for school groups aged 7–11 through the Living History experience, designed to bring the mountain man era and westward expansion to life. Seasonal attractions include Drive-In Movie Nights among the redwoods, a Chanukah Train with community menorah lighting and kosher refreshments, and competitive culinary events such as the Cook-Off with tastings and craft beer. Visitors traveling from Santa Cruz can join specialty trains like the Father’s Day Brew Train and VIP tasting trains for Brewgrass. The combination of scenic rail routes, themed programming, and family-friendly activities makes Roaring Camp Railroads a notable destination for both residents and tourists seeking historic rail experiences and community events in Felton, CA.
Book with Roaring Camp Railroads