All Aboard the Festive First Class Train
Step into a Victorian Christmas wonderland aboard Roaring Camp’s First Class Holiday Lights Train! This 60-minute evening excursion rolls through the heart of Santa Cruz as vintage railcars twinkle with thousands of lights. Enjoy hot apple cider, Christmas carols, and a visit from Santa Claus—all while gliding past the illuminated streets and homes of California’s favorite beach town.
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$74 USD
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All Ages
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1 Hour
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California, United States
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Santa Cruz
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- Fully Enclosed First Class Cars
- Hot Cider & Caroling
- Santa Visits Onboard
- Vintage Holiday Decor
- Family-Friendly Fun
- Downtown Santa Cruz Views
- Free $10 Boardwalk Card
- One-Hour Round Trip
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- One-hour round-trip train ride; enclosed heated coaches; hot cider service; live carols; visit from Santa; $10 MyBoardwalk Card.
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- Warm jacket, festive attire, and camera for photos with Santa.
Holiday Lights Train – First Class Features
Fully Enclosed First Class Cars
Ride in comfort inside heated, enclosed coaches with plush seats and panoramic windows.
Hot Cider & Caroling
Sing along to classic Christmas carols while enjoying complimentary apple cider in each car.
Santa Visits Onboard
Santa and his helpers greet guests along the way with smiles and festive cheer.
Holiday Lights Train – First Class Details
- Highlights
- Description
- Itinerary
- Price & Availability
- Food & Drink
- Instructions
- Restrictions
- Transportation
Highlights
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Fully Enclosed First Class Cars
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Hot Cider & Caroling
-
Santa Visits Onboard
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Vintage Holiday Decor
-
Family-Friendly Fun
-
Downtown Santa Cruz Views
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Free $10 Boardwalk Card
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One-Hour Round Trip
Description
The Holiday Lights Train has been a beloved Santa Cruz tradition for decades, bringing generations together for an evening of lights, laughter, and coastal Christmas charm. Departing from the Beach Boardwalk, passengers board fully enclosed, first-class coaches decked out in Victorian holiday style. Plush seating, twinkling garlands, and glowing windows set the stage as the train glides through the streets of Santa Cruz. Live holiday music fills the air while families sip hot apple cider and wave to crowds gathered under the Boardwalk’s sparkling lights. Santa and his helpers make a special appearance, adding extra magic for little ones. Each ticket includes a $10 MyBoardwalk Card for rides, games, and attractions, making it the perfect way to extend the fun before or after your trip. Warm, cozy, and festive, this one-hour journey blends old-fashioned railroad nostalgia with California holiday spirit—a seasonal must for locals and visitors alike.
Itinerary
4:45 PM — Arrive at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for check-in
5:00 PM — Depart aboard First Class enclosed coach cars
5:10 PM — Sip cider and enjoy live holiday music
5:30 PM — Ride through downtown Santa Cruz to the forest edge
5:40 PM — Santa visits onboard for photos and greetings
5:55 PM — Return journey to the Boardwalk amid carols
6:00 PM — Arrive back at station; use your $10 MyBoardwalk Card for post-ride fun
Price & Availability
Adults $74.15, Children $48.71. Kids under 2 ride free. Includes $10 MyBoardwalk Card. Tickets non-refundable and non-transferable.
Food & Drink
Hot apple cider included; additional food available at Santa Cruz Boardwalk vendors.
Instructions
Arrive 30 minutes early for parking and ticket pickup at 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz. Look for the Roaring Camp sign near the Merry-Go-Round.
Restrictions
All ages welcome. Accessible boarding available on request. No pets. Trains run rain or shine.
Transportation
Guests self-drive to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Paid parking across the street from departure area.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Contact Us
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Christmas Holiday Tours
Fort Collins, CO 80526 -
Meeting locations vary for each tour: You will be sent a meeting location after you book
