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"A holiday-themed journey through Napa Valley unfolds aboard beautifully restored antique rail cars, where you can sip hot chocolate with Santa and Mrs. Claus as the train glides north about 18 miles before turning near the redwoods of Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and returning by 8 p.m. after a carol-filled sendoff from the Napa station with welcome hot cider or cocoa. The seasonal Santa Train (Nov. 28–Dec. 23) offers four ways to ride: Santa’s Cookie Car with hot chocolate and a holiday cookie; the Gourmet Holiday Express in an antique Pullman dining car with a three-course kid-friendly meal and a tableside visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus (plus digital and printed photos); Jingle on the Rails in the Pullman lounge with a three-course Napa Valley–inspired holiday dinner and a visit from Santa; and the Very Merry Vista Dome, whose big picture windows elevate the views and come with the most elaborate three-course Napa-inspired menu and a photo with Santa. On all journeys, wine, beer, and holiday-themed cocktails are available to purchase, there’s a toy donation drop at the station benefiting local children via Napa’s Expressions of Hope program, and a portion of proceeds supports Napa Firewise. To book, call (707) 253-2111 or use the Napa Valley Wine Train reservation page; tickets start at $120 for adults and $97 for children, with prices increasing by experience." - Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
Restored vintage railcars offer scenic wine country tours & gourmet American fare