Posted in New Mexico Explore, Trips October 24, 2022 by

The Magical Christmas Train Ride In New Mexico Everyone Should Experience At Least Once

New Mexico’s Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad has been hailed as the best train ride in the nation and you’re going to want to ride it this Christmas. This railroad was built in 1880 and is a national historic landmark. The train is one of only a few remaining steam trains still running, which is just one of the things that makes it a popular attraction during its annual Polar Express in New Mexico rides.

Editor’s Note: Unfortunately, there is no Polar Express train running this year.

Train rides have long been a part of the history of New Mexico.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Facebook Page
Like many railroad lines across the country, in New Mexico there was a period of abandonment. However, the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad was resurrected in 1970, establishing itself from Antonito, CO into the town of Chama.
The scenery is glorious any time of year but it’s positively magical when it’s covered in a blanket of snow.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Facebook Page
It is at this time of year when the railroad focuses many of its rides as part of what it calls the Polar Express in New Mexico!
Folks come from all across the region to ride these historic trains.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Facebook Page
With such a deep and rich history, its no wonder that so many people want to experience this Polar Express train ride in New Mexico.
On the New Mexico side of the line, the train rides run from the Chama station, located at 500 Terrace Avenue.
Facebook/Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
It truly is one of the best ways to celebrate the holidays in the Land of Enchantment.
Imagine chugging along through the beautiful snow covered landscape.
Facebook/Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
The snow really does transform the scenery, which you’ll experience up-close-and-personal during the Polar Express in New Mexico rides.
These special holiday rides are a great way to spend quality time with family and friends.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Facebook Page
Riders are accompanied by Santa and Mrs. Claus and their team of elves who distribute hot chocolate and snacks. The Polar Express makes everybody feel like a kid again!

Have you ever ridden the Polar Express on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad in New Mexico? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences there. You can also get more information about them and see more amazing photos on their Facebook Page.

For more scenes straight out of a snow globe, read all about these snowy New Mexico transformations!

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Address: 500 Terrace Ave, Chama, NM 87520, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Holiday Time in New Mexico

October 29, 2022
Lysa Allman-Baldwin

Where can we see holiday light displays in New Mexico?

There are lots of places to see great holiday light displays in New Mexico, and you really can't go wrong with any of them because they each offer their own distinctive beauty. Among them are the Holiday Lights Parade “Peace on Earth” in Los Alamos, the River of Lights at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, and Christmas on the Pecos at the Pecos River Village Conference Center in Carlsbad.

Are there any Christmas towns in New Mexico?

Actually, there are quite a few but one of the most popular is the town of Las Vegas. Located about one hour east of Santa Fe, it is a totally different experience than the “other Las Vegas.” Here, the ambiance is more intimate, family-oriented, and downright charming. There are also scores of historic buildings here, many of which are all aglow for the season.

Where can I find a winter festival in New Mexico?

The Land of Enchantment loves its festivals, and you can find them nearly any time of the year. As far as winter festivals, there are a few that draw folks from near and far. These include Winterfest in Rio Rancho, the Farolito Walk along Canyon Road in Santa Fe, and the Light Among the Ruins in Jemez Springs, just to name a few.