Preparethe placeget us ready

Getting ready for the Leadville Holiday Express.

A two-hour holiday train ride from Leadville through snowy forest, in heated cars with assigned seats and restrooms on board. Along the way you may meet Mrs. Claus, an elf or Santa himself.

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Know before you go. The railroad doesn't list a sensory-friendly ride. Here's what it does say about the cars, the restrooms and who visits.

Hours

Holiday Express rides start Sat Nov 14, 2026; the booking calendar shows dates and times. Each ride is about 2 hours.

326 E. 7th St., Leadville 80461

What to expect

  • Temperature

    Holiday Express seating is in “fully enclosed and heated lounge cars,” and “NEW this year guests can also ride in our 1007 coach class car that has heat.” Open-air cars are optional: “Coats hats and Jackets are suggested.”

  • Space

    In the lounge cars, “Guests may be sat with other parties to accommodate space for all guests.” In the 1007 coach, “seats are assigned by staff before your trip.”

  • Space

    “we have five restrooms available on board, including one that is handicap accessible.”

  • Waits

    “QUICK DETAILS: ALL AGES, 2 HOURS.”

  • Sound

    “Listen to the captivating history from our conductor.” The train rides behind a historic diesel locomotive.

  • The visitor could be any of the three, so it helps to prepare your kid for all of them.
  • If sharing a table with another family would be hard, ask about the 1007 coach car when you book; it has no tables.

In their own words: leadvillerailroad.com. Checked Sun, Oct 25, 2026. Something wrong or out of date? Tell us · How we check

Visual schedule

Holiday Train

  • Drive to the mountain
  • Park the car
  • Get our tickets
  • Get on the train
  • Find our seats
  • Look out the window
  • Go to the bathroom
  • Put on my coat
  • Walk to the car
  • All done
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Ask before you go

  • a sensory-friendly ride or quieter departure
  • a quiet car
  • sensory kits or headphones to borrow
  • the last Holiday Express date
  • how loud the horn or whistle is
  • whether the visitor comes to every seat
  • prices for each car
Call 866-386-3936
More about Leadville Colorado and Southern Railroad: Holiday Express
  • Holiday Express tickets start at $80. Book online; reservations are required for all Holiday Express rides.
  • “Tickets are non refundable for any reason including weather, sickness or other event.”
  • “Please feel free to bring your own food and drink on board, but no outside alcohol.” Snacks are sold in the boxcar.
  • Wheelchairs and walkers are welcome. To board early, tell the ticket counter; a guide will help. The ramp doesn't meet ADA standards.
  • Only service animals ride the Holiday and Winter Express.
  • Buses and RVs can use the north parking lot.
  • Phone 866-386-3936, conductor@leadvillerailroad.com.

Source: leadvillerailroad.com