Thank you to Nevada State Railroad Museum for hosting us. As always all opinions are honest and our own. Read our disclosure.
The Santa Train in Carson City is back for the holiday season! This affordable holiday activity is a great way to get into the holiday spirit at an affordable price.
Recently, our team was able to check out the Santa Train in Carson City to give you the in’s and out’s of this train ride and if it’s worth the trip.
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Santa Train in Carson City
Take a ride on the Santa Train featuring historic equipment from the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. Visit Santa Claus and receive a candy cane aboard the train.
Write a letter to Santa at the “Letters to Santa” table. Hot beverages will be available from Bon Fire Coffee Collective. Raffle prizes and more!
The Santa Train is returning for its 37th year.
Get ready for a magical holiday adventure with your family aboard the Santa Train, perfect for young ones (and those young at heart).
On this merry little museum adventure, you will:
- Ride the train and visit with Santa (every rider receives a candy cane!)
- Snap a photo with Santa on the platform after your train ride
- Write a letter to Santa in our cozy depot
- Have access to historic locomotives and cars in the Jacobsen Interpretive Center and Annex
- Visit the Carson City Model Railroad Association Exhibit in the Jacobsen Interpretive Center
- Take a Handcar Ride, if weather permits
Location
Nevada State Railroad Museum
2180 South Carson Street Carson City, NV 89701
Dates & Hours
December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 2025 from 10am-3pm
Train runs every 30 minutes.
Cost
- $10/person
- Free for Ages 3 and under – lap sitting only
- Purchase tickets here
*Please note: A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase in advance at the admission desk for each weekend (when available). As always, walk-up tickets will be available for purchase for each train.
Tips For Your Visit
Arrive Early
The “Boarding Time” is fifteen (15) minutes before “Departure Time” for the Santa Train in Carson City. So give yourself enough time to park and get to the train. The actual train ride is not very busy, but something to keep in mind as it can sell out.
Dress Warm
Definitely dress warmly. They do have little fireplaces inside the train but still dress in a few layers.
Great For Younger Children
I think it’s great for the younger age kids. Maybe until about 10ish. Only because there wasn’t a whole lot to do, I think older kids may get a little bored. But I think it was perfect for the price we paid.
Not Stroller-Friendly
Strollers can’t fit in the train so babywearing would be best option. We did and it was perfect.
Where to Sit
There are 3 parts to the train that you can sit in. The front was the best with the nicest (most comfortable) chairs. Santa does visit all the parts of the train though, so wherever you sit, you’ll get a visit with him!
Santa Letter
Make sure to write and leave a return address on your letter to Santa! Last year we got a letter back from him!
Have You Been?
Have you been to the Santa Train in Carson City? This was our first year going and we definitely would come back, especially for the price. It is very affordable for families and while there may not be a ton to do, it was perfect for the price and for the little ones. After all, their attention span drifts quickly.
Let us know if you’ve been to the Santa Train in Carson City and what you thought of it below in the comments.