The Nevada Santa Train Ride That Rolls Through The High Desert Every Holiday Season
Santa has a problem this year, because his reindeer catch the flu. Who saves Christmas when the sleigh team is stuck in bed?
A ghost train steams to the rescue in an original story told aboard a historic railroad. Kids hear the tale while the cars roll across the high desert of eastern Nevada.
Pajamas are encouraged, and grown-ups are welcome to join the fun. Why should kids get all the flannel?
Elves lead carols, and passengers write letters to Santa along the way. Hot chocolate and cookies keep everyone cozy.
Then the train reaches the North Pole, and Santa climbs aboard to greet every rider.
This might be the sweetest excuse in Nevada to wear pajamas in public. So where does this ghost train begin its journey?
A Ghost Train Rescues Christmas
Nevada Northern Railway Museum hosts Santa’s Reindeer Flyer, and the plot is pure holiday fun. Santa’s reindeer come down with the flu, and the railway’s Ghost Train steps in to save Christmas.
It’s an original story written for this railroad.
Someone reads the tale aloud during the trip. Kids get a front-row seat to the rescue while the train rolls along real historic track.
The ride is not connected to The Polar Express. That makes it its own thing, and I like that.
It has local flavor, a Nevada setting, and a hero that is a famous train from the railway’s own lore.
Here’s a good tip for families. Let the kids know the plot before boarding, so they can spot the big moments when they come.
A little preview makes the reading time feel like a surprise party where everyone already knows the guest of honor.
The story gives the whole outing a clear beginning, middle, and happy ending. That is rare for a train ride, and it keeps younger riders listening from start to finish.
Pajamas Are Practically The Dress Code
Guests are encouraged to wear pajamas for the ride. That’s a rare invitation, so take it seriously.
Flannel, fuzzy socks, and a favorite robe all fit right in.
Comfort matters because the trip lasts roughly an hour to ninety minutes. Cozy clothes make it easier for little ones to settle in and enjoy the story.
Winter nights in the high desert get chilly. Layer a warm coat over those pajamas for the walk between the parking area and the train.
You can shed it once you’re seated inside.
Matching family sets make for fun photos on the platform. Santa also greets each passenger on board, so a cheerful outfit helps with the keepsake picture.
Grown-ups are welcome to join the pajama party too. Nobody is going to judge a dad in reindeer pants.
Honestly, the more festive the crowd, the better the whole car feels once the elves start the singing.
Letters, Songs, And Elves On Board
Once the train starts moving, the activities begin. Passengers can write letters to Santa during the trip.
Elves lead sing-alongs, so be ready to belt out a carol or two.
Bring a pencil case if your kids are picky about writing tools. A short wish list in your head also helps, since the ride goes quickly once the singing starts.
Younger children may need help with spelling. Older kids can take charge and turn the letter into a serious negotiation with the North Pole.
The elves keep the mood bright from the first song to the last. Singing along is optional, but it’s hard to stay quiet when the whole car joins in.
I like how these activities give everyone something to do besides stare out the window. The desert scenery is lovely, yet kids often want a job.
Letters and carols give them one, and the trip feels busy in the best possible way.
Hot Chocolate And Cookies Ride Along
Snacks come with the ride. Passengers enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while the train rolls along.
It’s a simple treat that fits a winter evening in eastern Nevada.
Hold your cup with two hands when the train is moving. Cars can sway a bit, and nobody wants cocoa on their favorite pajamas.
A quick bathroom stop before boarding is smart for little ones. The trains typically offer on-board restrooms, though, so there’s backup if nature calls midtrip.
The cookies also work as a calm-down tool. A restless kid often settles quickly with a sweet bite and a mug in hand.
I can’t think of a better holiday pairing than cocoa and a train whistle. The warm drink matches the glow of the windows, and the whole car turns cozy.
Nothing fancy is needed here. Good company and a sugar boost do the job just fine.
Next Stop, The North Pole
Partway through the trip, the train reaches the North Pole. Santa Claus boards and greets each passenger personally.
Every rider also gets a keepsake to take home.
That personal visit is the emotional peak for many families. Kids get a moment with Santa without standing in a long mall line.
Have your camera ready before he enters the car. Phones come out fast, and the aisle can get busy for a moment.
The ride back may even include a surprise snowball fight. Plans can vary, so treat that as a possible bonus, not a promise.
I believe the North Pole stop works because it fits the story. The Ghost Train saved Christmas, so Santa shows up to say thanks.
It makes the trip feel like a complete adventure, and the keepsake gives children something to hold onto after the pajamas go back in the drawer.
Steam Power When Available
Steam locomotives pull the Reindeer Flyer when they’re available. A diesel engine steps in if needed.
Either way, the ride rolls on historic rails.
Those tracks were first laid in the early 1900s to haul copper ore. The railway now runs trains on 30 miles of that original line.
Nevada Northern Railway Museum keeps the original steam and diesel engines working year-round. That is a big job, and the shop crew handles it themselves.
If you want steam, check the current ride details before you book. Engine plans can change, so ask when you reserve.
Hearing a whistle echo across the cold desert is a thrill, even if you’re not a train fan. The sound carries far, and kids tend to freeze in place when it blows.
Good luck getting anyone to look away from the engine while it’s puffing beside the platform.
A National Historic Landmark Rail Yard
This railroad is a National Historic Landmark. It’s considered one of the best-preserved short lines in the country.
The East Ely Yards complex includes the depot built in 1907.
The rail yard covers 56 acres.
Plenty of ground is covered, so wear sturdy shoes if you plan to explore.
A visitor described the place as a time capsule. The railroad closed in 1983, and the yard sat largely untouched until it became a museum.
The shop is still in active use for keeping locomotives and cars working. The railway is known for operating the oldest working coal-fired steam crane on any American railroad.
Arrive a little early for your holiday ride and look around. The address is 1100 Ave A, Ely, NV 89301, and the depot area is easy to spot.
A few extra minutes in the yard adds real history to your festive evening.
Machine Shop And Cat Stories
Beyond the holiday ride, the shop is a big draw. Guests can tour the machine shop and see locomotives in different stages of repair.
Old specialized tools are still in use.
Museum staff and volunteers share the stories behind the equipment. Guides explain how steam locomotives work and why they need so much upkeep.
There’s even a shop-cat tradition. The museum has honored a late shop cat named Dirt, and cats remain a fun part of the story.
Watch your step in the shop. Pits and heavy equipment are part of a working railroad, so look around before you back up for a photo.
Hours vary by day, so check the current schedule before you plan a visit. Nevada winters can be quiet, yet the shop adds a warm, oily-smelling dose of history to a trip.
It pairs nicely with a holiday ride for a full railroad day.
Planning Your Ely Holiday Trip
Santa’s Reindeer Flyer typically runs on select dates from late November through December. Dates vary, so confirm the schedule with the museum before choosing a weekend.
Planning ahead also helps with lodging in town.
Ely is a small railroad town in eastern Nevada. The town has seen ongoing improvements like new sidewalks and parks.
The trains are wheelchair accessible, which makes the outing easier for mixed-age groups. Bring warm layers for the platform and the walk to your car.
The museum is open most days, with longer hours on some evenings. Check the current hours before you go, since schedules change by season.
I think the best plan is to pair the ride with a daytime stop in the rail yard. You get a taste of history first, then a story-filled night on the rails.
Wrap up with a pocket full of memories and a keepsake from the North Pole.