ANTONITO — Once again, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is offering a special “Santa Train” to help make the holiday season a little brighter for those in need. The one-hour train rides are free for children and only $5 for adults (ages 12+) and will run December 8 and 9 in Chama, NM and December 15 and 16 in Antonito. A donation of a non-perishable food item or a new, boxed toy per person is requested.

Last year, the railroad collected more than 5,500 pounds of food and 1,000 toys, which were all distributed in the San Luis Valley of Colorado and in Northern New Mexico.

The highest and longest narrow gauge steam railroad in America is owned jointly by the states of Colorado and New Mexico with stations in Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to experience the thrill of a steam locomotive during the beauty of winter, while also helping those in need in the community.

There will be two different opportunities to experience the C&TSRR Santa Trains, departing from either or from Chama on December 8 or 9 or Antonito on 15 or 16. The Chama departures will run to the Lobato Trestle and back while the Antonito departures will climb the foothills of the San Juan Mountains to the Ferguson Trestle and back. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with children onboard and Santa’s elves will serve complimentary hot chocolate and cookies during the ride.

Chama donations are distributed locally by the Chama Fire Department Toy Collection and the local Chama Valley Pantry operated by the Rio Arriba County Echo Food Bank. In Antonito, toys are distributed by the U.S. Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and food donations are distributed by the Antonito Food Bank.

HOW TO BOOK: To make your reservation on the C&TSRR Christmas Trains, go to cumbrestoltec.com and click on the Christmas Train link or call the train depot at 888-286-2737. Train rides start at 10 a.m. with the last train departing at 4 p.m. 

About the C&TSRR

Built in 1880, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is the longest and highest steam railroad in America and carried approximately 42,500 riders in 2018 on the most authentic steam railroad in the nation, traveling 64 miles across rugged mountain scenery between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico, crossing the state borders 11 times. The railroad will begin regularly scheduled service with trains departing daily from both stations on May 25, 2019.