Electric Holiday Train O' Lights, A Mom's Review

Thank you to Virginia & Truckee Railroad for hosting us (2023). As always all opinions are honest and our own. Read our disclosure.

We recently got the opportunity to ride the V&T Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights. This is a Christmas-themed train ran by the Virginia & Truckee Railroad that is located in Virginia City.

The V&T Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights leaves from the Virginia City station and runs annually on select weekends during the holiday season.

I am giving a break down of what to expect at the depot and on the train and well as my tips, pros and cons.

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Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights at Virginia and Truckee Railroad

The Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights journey lasts about 45 minutes. During the ride, passengers get yummy hot cocoa or cider, a bag of mini cookies, and some twinkling Christmas lights.

They talk about Santa’s workshop nearby, which we’re going to visit. They read “The Night Before Christmas” over the speaker. After around 20 minutes, the train stops. They chat with someone from the workshop, get the go-ahead, and suddenly, the workshop lights up with all its holiday sparkle.

At the workshop, you see busy elves and even Santa himself! He says hello to everyone and knows all the kids’ names on the train. My two youngest were so excited when they heard their names. We spend about 5-8 fun minutes there before the train heads back to the station.

The station, it’s all decked out in Christmas lights with a tree and a sleigh for taking pictures. Inside, there’s a little shop with pajamas, puzzles, overalls, and more.

2024 Season Dates

Nov 29, 30
Dec 6,7 & 13,14 & 20,21

On each date you have three different times to choose from 5pm, 6:30pm, 8pm.

Cost of Tickets

The holiday trains in our area are popular and sell out early so we recommend not waiting to purchase.

We typically share on social media when they are available to purchase and they are usually sold out by October.

I personally recommend the 5pm train. The depot is less busy and parking is easier.

Ticket Prices

$36/seat

Tickets are sold in groups of 2 or 4 and vary in price.

Please check in at WILL CALL inside the Virginia City Depot at least 10 minutes before departure time with your printed or phone receipt to pick up boarding passes. They reserve the right to sell your seats if you don’t check-in 10 minutes prior to scheduled departure time.

Parking

Parking at the station is free. I highly suggest planning to arrive at the station early to get your parking spot. The parking lot is located directly across the street from the station. If you are not on the first train parking can be full so you will have to wait until passengers from the previous train leave for a parking spot.

Seating

Seating is assigned making it easy once you are on the train. If you can we recommend purchasing a seat on the left side as that is the side Santa’s workshop is on.

What’s Included in Your Ticket

While riding, you and your family gets to enjoy the following:

Heated passenger cars
Complimentary cup of Virginia City’s famous hot chocolate or apple cider
An artfully and beautifully lit train bedecked inside and out with holiday cheer
A real diesel locomotive in the winter snow with a real railroad crew!
Rare night time run along one of the most famous railroads in the world
Seeing Santa’s Workshop at the end of the line in Gold Hill, NV
Seeing Santa make an appearance on the Workshop platform
Watching your kid get excited when Santa reads their name
Finding that unique gift in our depot gift shop
Free parking across the street

Pros and Cons of the Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights

My family really enjoyed the Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights! I asked my kids what they liked and didn’t like, and here’s what they said:

Pros:

Hearing Santa say their names
The train being heated
Getting hot cocoa and cookies onboard
Christmas light sticks given to them on the train
Meeting characters like Frosty and Rudolph at the depot for pictures

Cons:

They wished there was more entertainment on the train, like singing or activities with the staff
They were bummed there wasn’t a chance to take a picture with Santa

Tips For Your Visit

Dress Warm

The train is heated but waiting in line to board is outside with no cover. Dress warm! We recommend hat, jackets, and gloves. If their is snow during your visit we also recommend snow boots.

Restrooms

There are no restrooms on the train, so make sure you and your kids use the restroom at the depot before boarding.

Santa

Santa is not on the train, but he is at his workshop. Halfway through the train ride, you’ll stop at Santa’s workshop. You don’t get off of the train. Santa tells a story and even calls out the names of all the kids on the train. The kids loved hearing their names.

Check out this article for places to get your pictures taken with Santa!

Baby Wear

We recommend carrying your young children or babywearing. Leave the stroller at home.

Pack Water

I dont know why but after hot cocoa and cookies my kids are always so thirsty for water. Pack a water bottle for them. If your kids are wiggly on the train you could also pack a few snacks for them. Here are snacks we love that curb hangry emotions and are also clean ingredients.

The Depot

At the depot, there is a small souvenir shop, where you can find a small assortment of train-themed items. They accept both cash or card.

I was super impressed with the entire Candy Cane Experience! From arriving at the station to see waving elves to the singing on the train, I thought they did a wonderful job! It was also fun to attend while there was snow on the ground. My 4-year old loved hitting me with snowballs as we waited in line to board. The V&T Candy Cane Express is a great budget-friendly Christmas activity that is fun for the whole family!

Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights Family Memories

Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights is a great holiday train and with all the Christmas lights it does feel pretty magical. If you choose to go your family is sure to have an amazing time.