A Festive Outdoor Holiday Adventure
Feel the fresh ocean air and the glow of twinkling lights aboard Roaring Camp’s Holiday Lights Train in Santa Cruz. This one-hour evening ride rolls through the heart of downtown in open-air canopy-covered cars, complete with holiday music, apple cider, and a visit from Santa Claus. Each ticket includes a $10 MyBoardwalk Card for extra fun after your ride.
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$58 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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- Open-Air Holiday Ride
- Sing-Along Carols & Santa
- Family-Friendly Value
- Hot Cider Service
- Downtown Santa Cruz Views
- Vintage Holiday Railcars
- Free $10 Boardwalk Card
- One-Hour Round Trip
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- One-hour round-trip ride; open canopy cars; hot cider service; live carols; Santa visit; $10 MyBoardwalk Card.
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- Warm jacket, hat, gloves, and camera for Santa photos.
Holiday Lights Train – Standard Class Features
Open-Air Holiday Ride
Enjoy fresh night air and city views aboard open canopy cars wrapped in festive lights.
Sing-Along Carols & Santa
Join in Christmas carols and await Santa’s cheerful visit aboard the train.
Family-Friendly Value
Affordable, cozy, and fun for families, couples, and holiday groups.
Holiday Lights Train – Standard Class Details
- Highlights
- Description
- Itinerary
- Price & Availability
- Food & Drink
- Instructions
- Restrictions
- Transportation
Highlights
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Open-Air Holiday Ride
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Sing-Along Carols & Santa
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Family-Friendly Value
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Hot Cider Service
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Downtown Santa Cruz Views
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Vintage Holiday Railcars
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Free $10 Boardwalk Card
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One-Hour Round Trip
Description
Gather the family and celebrate the season aboard the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train! Departing from the Beach Boardwalk, this one-hour ride takes passengers through the city’s sparkling downtown in canopy-covered vintage railcars adorned with thousands of Christmas lights. Sip warm apple cider, sing along to your favorite holiday songs, and wave to the crowds as the train glides past glowing storefronts and historic homes. Santa and his helpers make a festive appearance on board, delighting guests young and old. Each ticket includes a $10 MyBoardwalk Card good for rides, games, and attractions—making it easy to extend the fun after your journey. Clear canopy siding keeps riders cozy on chilly nights while still offering open-air views of the city’s twinkling display. A beloved Santa Cruz tradition, the Holiday Lights Train is a joyful mix of seaside breeze, community spirit, and Christmas magic.
Itinerary
4:45 PM — Arrive at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for check-in
5:00 PM — Depart aboard Standard Class canopy-covered cars
5:10 PM — Sing-along carols begin; cider service offered
5:30 PM — Ride through downtown Santa Cruz under the lights
5:45 PM — Santa boards the train for greetings & photos
5:55 PM — Return trip to the Boardwalk with music & cheer
6:00 PM — Disembark and enjoy your $10 MyBoardwalk Card
Price & Availability
Adults $58.25, Children $38.11. Kids under 2 ride free. Includes $10 MyBoardwalk Card. Non-refundable, non-transferable tickets. Rain or shine event.
Food & Drink
Hot apple cider included. Additional food and drinks available at Santa Cruz Boardwalk vendors.
Instructions
Arrive 30 minutes early for parking and ticket pickup at 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz. Look for Roaring Camp sign by the Merry-Go-Round.
Restrictions
All ages welcome. Accessible boarding available. Cars covered with clear siding for rain. No pets. Event runs rain or shine.
Transportation
Guests self-drive to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Paid parking lot located across from the train 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
