This 90-minute Train Through Napa Valley Is Perfect for the Holidays — and There’s a Dome Car to Enjoy Scenic Views

Imagine hopping aboard a train with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot chocolate in hand. But instead of heading to the North Pole, you’re journeying through the Napa Valley in beautifully restored antique rail cars. 

The Napa Valley Wine Train is once again running its Santa Train experience, a magical journey aimed at kids, but enticing enough to lure kid-free couples and singles — especially when you get a peek at their onboard menu.

“The Santa Train is a special experience that brings friends and families together during the holiday season,” Nathan Davis, the general manager of the Napa Valley Wine Train, said in a press release shared with Travel + Leisure. “We are thrilled to welcome guests back on board and create unforgettable memories for all.”

This holiday season, the Santa Train runs from Nov. 29 to Dec. 23 and offers guests four different experiences. You can book a seat in Santa’s Cookie Car, which includes hot chocolate and a holiday cookie with Santa, or upgrade to the Gourmet Holiday Express, which is located in the train’s antique Pullman dining car and includes a three-course kid-friendly meal and a tableside visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. You’ll also receive a digital and printed photo with Santa. 

Adults traveling without kids might want to consider the Jingle on the Rails experience, which includes a seat in the Pullman lounge car and a three-course Napa Valley-inspired holiday dinner. You’ll also get a tableside visit and a digital and printed photo with Santa. 

The most elevated onboard experience (quite literally) is found in the Very Merry Vista Dome car, which has big picture windows for enjoying the landscape and includes the most elaborate three-course Napa-inspired menu, along with a tableside visit and photo with Santa.

On all journeys, wine, beer, and holiday-themed cocktails are available to purchase.

Each of the four magical journeys begins at the Napa station where you can drop postcards for Santa and enjoy the sound of carolers as you enjoy a welcome cup of hot cider or cocoa. There is also a toy donation drop at the station, with gifts going to local children in the foster care system via Napa’s Expressions of Hope program.

The Santa Train departs the station shortly after 6 p.m. and heads north, traveling around 18 miles up the Napa Valley before turning around near the towering redwoods of Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and returning to the station by 8 p.m.

A portion of the proceeds from the Santa Train will be donated to Napa Firewise, whose mission is to reduce the risk and impacts of wildfires.

To book a seat on the Santa Train, call (707) 253-2111 or visit the Napa Valley Wine Train reservation page. Tickets start at $100 for adults and $80 for children and increase based on which experience you book.