The weather is getting colder, and that means that winter is coming! Along with winter comes hot cocoa, marshmallows, and preparing for Christmas! What would make the holidays much more fun, though? A holiday train ride! Not only is it a great way to spend time with your family, but it also brings a sense of enchantment and joy to the experience. If this is your first time doing this, now is the time because we’ve got the top five rides you should take advantage of!
The Holiday Express can be found at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. The Holiday Express runs will go from November to December. The rides are about forty-five minutes, and Santa is on the train to help you get into the holiday spirit! Pricing is thirty-one dollars for an adult ticket, but there is a family option for ninety-nine. You’ll also get a special discount if you’re a military service member. Just remember to have your identification card. The trains run every hour and a half, but you must arrive twenty minutes early.
Mount Hood Railroad is another popular choice because the Christmas train is said to bring the warmth and spirit of Christmas right to you. Everyone is friendly, and there is music that truly puts you in a suitable space. They do have wheelchair access, but the parlor seating is the only option to accommodate them, so when you choose your ticket, you’ll have to choose that option. Additionally, they have a lift but cannot load electric wheelchairs. You can get VIP tickets for all ages or choose between premium, parlor, and economy. The ride will last almost an hour and a half, and if you buy your tickets in November, there is a special price discount!
The Sumpter Valley Railroad offers a unique experience because it makes you feel like you’ve returned in time. You can warm your body down to your toes with complimentary tea, coffee, or cocoa, but remember to visit Santa at the station. The train will take you through a beautiful winter wonderland, and you can choose a ten-mile ride for two and a half hours or a six-mile ride for one. The prices range from thirteen to sixty-five dollars for the one-hour ride and eighteen to seventy-five dollars for the longer ride.
Another great option this holiday season is to check out the Candy Cane Express. You can enjoy cocoa and cookies while checking out the coastline. In addition to this, you can meet Santa and write him letters. The entire train is lit up with Christmas lights, and it is a fun, immersive, and festive experience. When booking, it is recommended that you double-check that everyone in your party is seated together because there is no guarantee that they can fix that later for you. It’s your responsibility to ensure that everything is handled correctly.
They offer covered cars with no roof, so you’ll need to bundle up in the winter to stay warm. They also provide fully enclosed options with windows and a roof. These cars were styled after the 1950s. Return to the 1920s in the Historic Wilson River car or the 1910s with the Neahkahnie Car. All are spectacular options. Ticket prices here are forty dollars for thirteen and up, with a thirty-dollar price tag for your children.
If you’re a zoo fan and your family loves looking at twinkly lights, this is an excellent opportunity to combine the two. You can do this from their train or your vehicle. It’s recommended that you book early in the season to avoid crowds. They also have a unique sensory option that you can choose if that is something that your child struggles with. There is unique accommodation so they can join the fun without being overwhelmed. The zoo lights will run from November to January, and you need to arrive fifteen minutes early. If you are on time, they will accept you. Prices for adult tickets range from twelve dollars to twenty-six, while youth tickets are twelve to eighteen.
Enjoy The Holidays!
The Holidays are a time to be with family, and what better way is there to spend time with your family than taking an extraordinary train ride and seeing the beauty of winter? Throw in Santa and hot chocolate, which sounds like a winner! Just remember to book early!
Jenifer Dale is a writer that has a passion for reading and helping others. When she is not writing, she loves cooking, crocheting, and spending time with her family.
