Full steam ahead for Carson City Santa train

The annual holiday Santa Train returns to Carson City for three weekends next month.

Presented by the Nevada State Railroad Museum, the popular steam locomotive rides have become a festive tradition for the city.

The Carson City railroad museum is committed to fostering public awareness about the rich history of railroads in Nevada. Collecting and preserving trains, artifacts, memorabilia and photos allows the museum to provide visitors with interactive railway experiences. A number of its restored steam trains are operational and offer rides at various times throughout the year.

Cultural facilities such as museums often use flyer printing as a means to advertise their special events.

After a ride on the holiday train, families can take photos with Santa on the station platform. There will also be an area where kids can compose a letter to Santa.

Visitors will be able to browse exhibits at the museum’s Jacobsen Interpretive Center and Annex, including a model railway display. Historic rail cars and locomotives will be festively decorated for the holidays. If the weather is good, the museum will also be offering hand car rides.

The Santa Train will operate on Saturdays and Sundays December 5 to 20, 2026, at the Nevada State Railroad Museum here in Carson City. Trains will leave every 30 minutes between 10 am and 3 pm. Tickets are available on the museum website.