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Ring in the New Year aboard Santa Cruz's Holiday Lights Train! Enjoy festive lights, live DJ beats, and scenic forest views on this unique train ride experience.
Ring in the New Year aboard Santa Cruz's Holiday Lights Train! Enjoy festive lights, live DJ beats, and scenic forest views on this unique train ride experience.
Book with Roaring Camp Railroads
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Roaring Camp Railroads · Felton, California
Celebrate the arrival of the New Year aboard the festive Holiday Lights Train operated by Roaring Camp Railroads in Santa Cruz, California. This unique train adventure offers a lively atmosphere filled with vibrant light-up hula hoopers and a live DJ, making it an unforgettable way to welcome 2023. The Standard Class Canopy Covered Car provides comfortable shelter while allowing passengers to enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding forest and countryside. As the train winds through beautiful landscapes toward the edge of the forest, guests are immersed in dazzling holiday light displays that twinkle alongside the journey. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, this ride offers a magical combination of holiday cheer, music, and stunning scenery. It’s a perfect outing for those looking to experience something different during the holiday season, blending nostalgia with festive fun in a cozy, scenic setting. The friendly staff at Roaring Camp Railroads ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish, making it a memorable way to celebrate the season in Santa Cruz.
easy.
1–1.5 hours.
No special fitness required; suitable for all ages and physical abilities.
The canopy-covered cars provide shelter but are not heated, so dressing warmly is advised.
Yes, the Holiday Lights Train is family-friendly and enjoyable for all ages.
Outside food and beverages are not allowed, but snacks and drinks may be available for purchase onboard.
Roaring Camp Railroads offers accessible options; please contact them ahead of your visit for arrangements.
Pets are not permitted on the train rides to ensure safety and comfort for all guests.
The ride lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, providing ample time to enjoy the scenery and festive entertainment.
Roaring Camp Railroads has operated historic steam train journeys in Santa Cruz County since the 1960s, preserving the region’s logging heritage.
The railroad emphasizes sustainable practices by protecting local forest ecosystems and minimizing environmental impact during their tours.
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