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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!