Artistic rendering – Event may differ
Yuletide Express & Santa Limited Train Rides
Embark on a magical holiday journey with the Northwest Railway Museum's Santa Trains. Choose between the Yuletide Express for a shorter, scenic ride past Snoqualmie Falls, or the Santa Limited for a longer excursion to the decorated Railway History Campus. Both experiences offer a chance to meet Santa, receive a gift, and create lasting family memories on a festive train ride.
What to Expect
Historic train rides with Santa Claus
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $30 – Get tickets
- Parking: Free public parking is available in the lots and streets of downtown Snoqualmie and downtown North Bend.
- Accessibility: A wheelchair lift is available for boarding the train at all locations. For Santa Limited, if a visitor cannot climb steps to the Chapel Car, Santa will meet them in front of his sleigh in the Train Shed foyer.
- Pets: No pets allowed
Other Christmas Events Near Snoqualmie
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive, traditional, whimsical
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Special Events & Promotions
- Santa visits each family on the train
- Surprise gift for each child
- Peppermint stick treat upon disembarking (Yuletide Express)
- Cookies and hot chocolate at Railway History Campus (Santa Limited)
- Opportunity to meet Santa inside the restored Chapel Car (Santa Limited)
Location
Event Details
Duration
Yuletide Express: 25-40 minutes. Santa Limited: approx. 1.5 hours (including 1 hour at RHC).
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Snoqualmie Valley
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Northwest Railway Museum
Food & Drink
Cookies and hot chocolate available at Railway History Campus (Santa Limited only). No food or drink permitted on the train.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for parking and restroom use, as boarding lines are outside.
- Dress for the weather, as the boarding lines are outdoors and the valley can be wet and windy in early winter.
- For Santa Limited, consider visiting Santa after exploring the Railway History Campus exhibits and crafts, as the train won't depart until everyone in line has had their visit.
- Strollers are welcome on the Santa Limited and can be brought aboard if they fold up, but must be parked at the Snoqualmie Depot during the Yuletide Express ride.
- Tickets sell out quickly, so purchase them online in advance, ideally mid-August when they go on sale, to secure your preferred date and time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Yuletide Express and Santa Limited?
The Yuletide Express is a shorter, 25-40 minute round-trip ride from Snoqualmie Depot, offering views of Snoqualmie Falls. The Santa Limited is a longer, approximately 1.5-hour excursion from North Bend Depot, including an hour at the decorated Railway History Campus with exhibits, crafts, and Santa.
Are photos with Santa included?
Yes, museum staff are available to take photos of your family on your personal device during your visit with Santa, at no extra charge.
Can I purchase food or drinks during the event?
Food and drinks are not permitted on the train. For Santa Limited, cookies and hot drinks are available at the Railway History Campus, and other dining options are available in downtown Snoqualmie or North Bend.
What is the refund policy?
All sales are final; there are no refunds or exchanges unless the train does not run.
Is the event accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, a wheelchair lift is available for boarding the train. For Santa Limited, if a visitor cannot access the Chapel Car, Santa will meet them in the Train Shed foyer.
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.