By: Beth Knight

When the holidays arrive in Southern Nevada, traditions big and small begin popping up around the Las Vegas area — but few bring quite the same kind of nostalgic warmth as the annual Santa Train hosted by the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Boulder City. This season, families and visitors piled onto vintage railcars for a festive ride that blended history, music, and classic holiday cheer in a way that delighted passengers of all ages.

A Journey Through Time and Holiday Spirit

Held on weekends from late November through mid-December, the Santa Train invites guests to climb aboard beautifully restored historic train cars and embark on a scenic route to Henderson and back. The experience is more than just a train ride — it’s a walk down memory lane wrapped in the joy of the holidays. From the moment the whistle blew and the wheels began to turn, the excursion carried an old-fashioned magic that captivated children and adults alike.

The ride itself lasts roughly 40 minutes, offering passengers plenty of time to soak in the sights, sounds, and seasonal atmosphere. Along the way, holiday favorites fill the air, and sing-alongs erupt spontaneously as families belt out familiar tunes together. These moments — simple yet heartfelt — are at the core of what makes the Santa Train such a beloved event in the Las Vegas holiday calendar.

Santa and His Helpers Spread Cheer Onboard

There’s no holiday ride without a visit from the big man himself, and the Santa Train delivers. Santa Claus, joined by his cheerful helpers, strolls through the carriages throughout the journey, greeting passengers with a smile, handing out candy canes, and pausing for photos that families will treasure long after the day is over. Children’s eyes light up with excitement as Santa approaches, making every seat along the train feel like the best one in the house.

These interactions add a sense of personal connection to the ride — it’s not just about seeing Santa, but about experiencing him in motion, moving through the vintage cars as laughter and holiday greetings fill the space.

Historic Cars and Scenic Views

What makes this event particularly special is its connection to Nevada’s rich railroad heritage. The vintage cars aren’t merely props; they’re lovingly preserved pieces of history that allow riders to feel a bygone era as the train travels along the Boulder Branch Line. The rhythmic click-clack of wheels against track echoes through the cars, and as the train glides past Nevada landscapes, passengers find themselves transported both physically and emotionally — back to simpler times filled with wonder and festive anticipation.

The route itself offers just enough scenic variety to keep the ride engaging without overwhelming younger passengers. Flanked by desert terrain and bright winter skies, the journey to Henderson and back becomes a memorable chapter in the holiday season.

For All Ages: A Family Tradition

Part of the Santa Train’s enduring charm is its accessibility. There’s no age limit — toddlers sit beside grandparents, siblings share seats, and even solo travelers find themselves smiling at the interactions around them. Holiday events like this are rare in their ability to create multigenerational memories, and the Santa Train does so effortlessly.

Tickets, which were priced at $12 per person with discounted rates for museum members, tended to sell out quickly — a testament to how deeply this tradition has been embraced by the community. The event’s popularity speaks volumes: each departure becomes a small celebration of togetherness, and seats fill up fast as families plan their weekends around this festive ride.

More Than a Ride — It’s an Experience

What sets the Santa Train apart from other holiday events in the region is the way it blends entertainment with authenticity. There’s no prefab spectacle or manufactured holiday set — instead, the experience feels genuine, rooted in heritage and the simplest joys of the season: music, family, laughter, and a jolly visit with Santa.

As the train rolled back into the station, faces flushed with excitement and hearts full of memory, it was clear that this seasonal excursion had delivered something deeper than entertainment — it had rekindled the kind of joy that only comes from shared tradition.

Continuing a Beloved Seasonal Tradition

The Santa Train has become more than just an attraction; it’s a holiday staple that locals and visitors return to year after year. For families who have made it part of their seasonal ritual, it’s a marker of the season’s start — proof that the holidays are truly here.

Whether you’re planning ahead for next year or simply reminiscing about this season’s ride, the Santa Train stands out as one of the most heartwarming holiday experiences in the greater Las Vegas area. From the vintage railcars to Santa’s friendly wave, every element works together to create a memory that lasts far beyond the 40-minute journey.