The festive spirit of the Christmas season has taken hold in Colorado! There are an abundance of activities for families to enjoy around the Denver area. Fresh from our adventure at ICE! at Gaylord Rockies last week, our next stop was the mountains. We embraced the holiday magic of Santa’s Lighted Forest with kids on The Georgetown Loop Railroad.
A Brief History of The Georgetown Loop Railroad
Established in 1884 during Colorado’s mining boom, the Georgetown Loop Railroad originally connected silver mines in Georgetown to the Union Pacific Railroad in Silver Plume. Designed to navigate challenging Rocky Mountain terrain, the narrow-gauge railway played a crucial role in transporting precious metals. Despite facing abandonment in the 1930s, preservationists revived the historic line in 1984, restoring steam-powered locomotives and iconic structures. Today, the Georgetown Loop Railroad offers a nostalgic journey through Colorado’s mining history. It showcases its engineering ingenuity and significance in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Georgetown Loop Railroad Website
Santa’s Lighted Forest on The Georgetwon Loop Railroad
Santa’s Lighted Forest on the Georgetown Loop Railroad is a captivating holiday experience set against the backdrop of the scenic Rocky Mountains. This enchanting event, running from November 10 to December 24, 2023, transforms the historic railroad into a winter wonderland adorned with over 300,000 lights. Families can embark on a cozy journey through the festively decorated forest aboard the train, complete with twinkling lights, whimsical scenes, and delightful surprises. The magical ride includes sightings of Santa Claus, spreading joy and laughter among passengers of all ages.
This Train made our list for 5 Epic Adventures for Kids Near Denver
a Cozy Coach Adventure
Opting for the more budget-friendly coach car, we found ourselves in the classic coach car enclosed with large glass windows, adorned with Christmas lights and decorations. The Coach car suited our needs and during our trip was surprisingly not crowded, however, it could get pretty snug on a sold out trip. The forest, illuminated with over 300,000 lights, showcased whimsical scenes of lighted animals, elves, and delightful surprises that captivated the kids.
Jolly Moments with Santa
The anticipation for Santa grew as we made our way onto the train. Sure enough the jolly figure of Santa himself made an appearance, spreading cheer and laughter among the passengers. Our older boys were especially interested in Santa while our younger daughter was very shy. I’m sure they rotate a few Santa’s throughout the rides and seasons but our Santa was a really good Santa. No fake beards or cheap Santa suit here. He was the real deal and very good at his job.
He was especially good at cheering up our shy daughter. Our 7 year old, who is sadly already starting to question the existence of Santa, even wondered if this was in fact the “real” Santa and not one of his “helper” Santas. We were also pleasantly surprised at how much time we had Santa to ourselves. I don’t know if it is always like this but each kid had several minutes to talk to Santa.
Upgrade for Extra Perks
While we reveled in the joy of the coach car, those seeking an enhanced experience can choose from the Tahoe Club, Waldorf Club, or Parlor classes. These upgrades come with perks like reserved tables, snacks, treats, and drinks, elevating the overall journey.
Ticket Options and Pricing
Our “Saver” time choice, during off-peak weekdays, proved budget-friendly, with tickets for Santa’s Lighted Forest Saver in Coach priced at $29.00 for adults and $21.00 for kids ages 3-5. Children under 3 are free but require a reservation. Full-price coach tickets are $39.00 for adults and $29.00 for kids. Given the season’s popularity, tickets are nearly sold out, but alternative experiences like Santa’s Rocky Mountain Adventure or the Victorian Holiday Celebration can still offer festive delights.
Georgetown Loop Railroad Tickets
Considerations for nighttime rides
During our nighttime journey, the dark surroundings limited scenic views, but the enchanting forest compensated for it. If you prefer daylight adventures, Santa’s Rocky Mountain Adventure provides a unique daytime perspective of the Rockies in the snow.
A Tradition in The Making
Our adventure on Santa’s Lighted Forest with kids is bound to become a cherished family tradition. As the Georgetown Loop Railroad constantly introduces themed trips for various holidays and seasons, be sure to check back for more memorable experiences.
Secure your tickets in advance, and embrace the holiday magic with Santa’s Lighted Forest on The Georgetown Loop Railroad – an experience that promises joy and enchantment for the whole family!
