Thank you to the Napa Valley Santa Train Jolly Journeys for inviting us on this fabulous holiday adventure. It was such a treat! Read on for our honest take on the experience.
The Santa Train in Napa Valley is rolling for the holiday season, beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving and continuing throughout December. Toot toot. Tickets are on sale now>
The seasonal Santa Train in Napa Valley is a favorite for Santa Claus lovers. Modeled after the Polar Express, passengers take a 1.75-hour round-trip train ride up to the “North Pole” to receive a small gift and treats. Santa Claus also circles through the train for hugs, high fives, and lots of photos. You’ll enjoy a three-course family-friendly dining adventure through Napa Valley, including cozy hot cocoa and freshly baked cookies.
These train rides depart at 6:10 pm on certain evenings between November 28 and December 23. You’ll want to arrive by 4:30 if you want to get photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Ticket prices begin at $122 for kids, $195 for adults.
What to expect at the Napa Santa Train Station:
Arrive at the station as early as 4 pm. You will be greeted by merry carolers, hot cider, and a photo opportunity with Santa and his wife. There’s also a cool place to take that perfect still or mini-video picture in front of the train’s facade (without having a bunch of people dangerously standing in front of the real train).
Many families wear (matching) pajamas, while others go for the fancy Christmas clothes — whatever floats your boat!
While you’re waiting they also have postcards where your kiddos can write their letters to Santa. Then they can mail them in the mailbox they have there, or if your kid is especially pushy (as perhaps one of mine is) you can hand it directly to the man himself. If waiting isn’t easy for your crew, maybe don’t show up at 4 pm, since boarding isn’t until 5:20pm-ish. The boarding process is pretty orderly, by zones, though it does feel like it takes a while.
What to expect on the Napa Santa Train
Various train cars have different interior configurations. Ours was set up with dining tables seating four on each side of the aisle. Our experience was on the Gourmet Holiday Express, which included a three-course meal (pasta and chicken fingers were our preferred options), and drink options for adults.
Children get a coloring book and some crayons to participate in a coloring contest, which my kids loved. There’s also yummy warm bread and fun drink options to try. We left the screens at home, which worked out fine since there was plenty to see and do. My kiddos especially loved the holiday themed dance party towards the end of the journey.
The timing works that the parents are served wine or spiked cocoa drinks on the outbound leg, then everyone gets a warm cookie and hot cocoa at the turnaround point. You’ll also pass by the actual North Pole, brought to life by the brave folks at the Yountville Fire Station. We were pretty sure we even saw the Grinch sneaking around outside. (In the spirit of giving, guests are invited to donate to Napa Firewise when purchasing tickets, supporting wildfire prevention efforts in the community.)
Top tips from our conductor on the Santa Train Jolly Journeys
- Come early and get photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus before the train ride; or if waiting is hard, which of course it is, don’t come too early. Just get candid photos on the train.
- It can be chilly! Wear something cozy and cute.
- Enjoy the wine or special jolly drinks, heck you’re in wine country!
My family recommends this outing for children ages 3 to 6, but anyone with a healthy dose of Christmas spirit will have fun.
How to buy your tickets to the Napa Santa Train
The train leaves at 6:10 pm and runs between November 28 and December 23. Tickets are on sale now.
It’s pretty easy to book tickets online for the Santa Train through winetrain.com, but they don’t come cheap. Adults are $195 and Children are $122. Perhaps suggest this fabulous holiday experience as a gift idea to the grandparents (they can come too!).
Thanks again to the Napa Valley Santa Train Jolly Adventures!Â
