I only have a few precious years left where the magic of Christmas is the only thing my kids think about this time of year. I also only have a few years left where the kids are willing to hang out with me! So when I had the opportunity to take my children on the Train to Christmas Town, we jumped on it and made a whole evening out of it!
Christmas train rides have definitely been growing in popularity in the past couple of years, but I haven't tried any of them yet. The Train to Christmas Town is actually in Alamosa, CO and is based around the story of the same name. In a Train to Christmas Town, Janice is a little girl that rides the Train to Christmas Town every year with her brother and grandma. This year, though, her grandma can't join her. As nervous as she is, Janice finds wonderful surprises and regular woodland friends that help her along the way.
The drive to Alamosa is long (about four hours), so we decided to get a hotel room for the night (one with a pool so we had plenty to occupy us!) We took the later train at 7:30 and chose the diamond package-which I will say is worth the little bit extra in cost! The train ride itself lasts about an hour, and every minute of that is filled with happiness and joy for the kiddo's. The conductor greets you and hole-punches your ticket, and then you head to your seat where the elves greet you and spend time getting to know you. As the train starts off, you will enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie, a story, and music and fun! And then of course you will stop at Christmas Town to pick up Santa Claus and some friends from the story! My kids each had a favorite moment-second to meeting Santa-and it involved the different characters.
The train is decorated in a very festive and fun way, engulfing you completely in the spirit of Christmas. There are plenty of opportunities for wonderful photo memories...especially one very special one at the end of the train ride!
My kids definitely enjoyed this, and it is a memory we will cherish forever. I would recommend to stay the night as the trip to Alamosa is long and if you just head up and then straight back it may be too much. And don't wait to do the trip. I would recommend that if your child is about one they are old enough. And of course you are NEVER too old to visit Santa!
To purchase tickets visit www.traintochristmastown.com.
My family received four complimentary train tickets to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% my own (well, and my kids too!)
