So last night we went on the Train to Christmas Town. Like the previous reviewer, I was worried after I read the prior reviews however my kids loved it, and just watching how much fun they had made me love it. The overall experience is definitely a little"kitchy" and more for younger kids, say ages 2-6, although my 8 year old says she would go again because the cookie and hot chocolate were soooo good. So to set expectations, yes the train is at a station near a bunch of warehouses and there are no formal buildings or restrooms. The inside of the train is somewhat older with a vintage feel. It's not fancy but we felt comfortable and warm. All the seats are indoors which is nice. There are xmas songs playing on the speakers and they read the story book that goes with the train ride and a cat and polar bear, who are characters in the story come and visit the kids. My daughter loved it cuz she bought the stuffed kitty as a souvenir and then got a pic with the "real" kitty too! The only part that was odd was the 2 girls serving us in our car kept walking up and down the aisle clapping for the ENTIRE Train to Xmas Town song which is really LONG. And it was really uncomfortable watching them do this for so long. The other odd part was whoever was playing Santa was awkward and seemed really uncomfortable not sure why. I don't think the kids noticed though. Finally at the end of the trip they asked the little girls on the train to join them with their wooden whistles from Santa and that was cute to watch them parade around with the kids. My 4-year old loved this. We also went while it was dark and Christmas Town as night was all lit up so you couldn't tell they were cardboad/wooden cutouts. They looked real at night with the pretty lights and Santa waving at the train was a bit magical. All the kids loved it! read more

See all

Poor value. Totally misleading. No actual Christmas town. Non credible Santa. May be worth $ 10 IF you are desperate for something to do. read more

I took the trip with my family last year. It was really fun. I had a great time. My review is about their business ethics. They hired local contractors in 2012, and never paid them. Low and behold, the train is operating again in the county. I can only imagine the 2013 crew will face the same fate. So lame. So sad. What is Christmas? Not this. read more

This is the second year riding the Train to Christmas town. Last year was fun but this year was even better. We reserved First Class tickets, we had comfortable love seats facing a large window next to a small table for our "hot chocolate" and snickerdoodle. The train went further this year, SPOILER ALERT: Christmas town is at the KOA campground instead of the local landfill like it was last year. My kids loved everything about the train, all the elf were welcoming and cheerful. The hot chocolate was not even warm but I can see how having it HOT can be a hazard for the little ones. Next time they should try "Chocolate Abuelita" read more

See all

This is a $22 train ride with a Santa and a story. Is it a little cheesy? Heck yeah but we rode it over the Thanksgiving weekend and the four year old in our party said it was the best part of the weekend. The cocoa and cookie was whatever but seeing the little guy have so much fun was way worth it. read more

If I could give 0 stars I would! We were scheduled to ride Sunday, Dec. 23, 2019 in Batesville, MS. We were supposed to be on the 4:30 ride with our family including our 21 month old grandson, which we were working around nap and mealtime. After an hour past time, we finally got to board. We were in the regular car, not diamond level or gold. Very crowded seats! We sat on the train for an hour more, not moving. As we were leaving the train due to it being past dinner time for a 21 month old and we should have almost been back and off, we were finally informed our trip had been cancelled and we could get a refund if we went back to the ticket office with our booking number. We headed back to a line out the door and down the sidewalk. All of this in the rain! After waiting in line another 30 minutes we were informed we didn't have to wait in line, we could call and would be taken care of over the phone. So, we left. I began calling this morning since the phone lines closed last night just before they told us we could call, and so far have been on hold for total of over 1 hour and have have been hung up on 6 times. The voicemail box is full so no message can be left and no emails are being answered. It was disorganized from the beginning of our arrival and nothing has changed! Poor customer service, poor service all around, and now they will not even answer our calls. I suspect the phone will be disconnected before we can get through and they will keep our money and laugh. read more

This was unfortunately, the worst experience and a total waste of time and money. My husband, son, and I had preordered tickets for TTCT on 12/22 from 2:00-3:30.. I called customer support on Friday to see if the train was still running for our trip after seeing it had derailed on the news. The woman stated on the phone that everything was working now and that's it. Sunday, we arrived at 1 like the directions on booking printout told us to. We stood out in the rain until 2 waiting for the train to arrive. There was a tent available to wait in however, it was overpacked and could not fit more people comfortable. Finally, the train comes around 2 and we board. For the next 45 minutes we are sitting still on the train, just waiting to start rolling. At 2:43 we tried to get off as we had plans an hour away at 5; however, as soon as he asks one of the elves if it was possible to get off, we start going.. We did not get back to Batesville until 5. We had full bladders, no working bathroom on the train for an unforeseen three hours. We were under the impression we would be done at 3:30 (per the ticket, website, booking papers, etc.) but it turned into a 3 hour ride which no one told us beforehand. After asking why we were moving so slow, the elves said the train had to slow down because that's why it derailed.. The ladies that handed out the physical tickets didn't say a word about it having to take longer. At least a head's up would've been nice in case people had plans after! It ruined the entire day. read more

I feel like I have to write a review because I ALMOST didn't book this train ride based on the reviews here and I was so pleasantly surprised by the experience and our little girl loved it. I think part of the problem with the Train to Christmas Town is unclear expectations. Many people may assume that they're going to end up at an amusement park-like "Christmas Town" where they get off the train, etc. And that's not the case, but it is still a fun experience. So...SPOILERS AHEAD: There is no "train station," it's basically a muddy parking area next to the train tracks. The "gift shop" is a tent with hay on the floor. And there are porta potties (since the restroom facilities on the train are for emergencies only.) We paid for upgraded seats and took a DAYTIME train. I honestly think if we'd taken a night train, we would not have enjoyed the experience as much since a big part of the appeal was riding the train through the countryside and seeing the fields, sloughs, birds, etc. We boarded a vintage train car that was BEAUTIFUL. We did book first class seats and had a nice table. I think we might even spring for the top level seating if we do this again next year. However, some people who boarded the train objected to their seating as it was not what they expected. I think the train company needs to do a better job of clearly communicating what the seating is like. We, however, were pleasantly surprised. The train starts out through a partly industrial area but then soon you're cruising along the tracks past beautiful country views (the highlight for us). There are elves on the train who carry a picture book of the story to show kids that's narrated over the speakers. They serve hot chocolate and snicker doodles and we got to keep the mugs. At several points, characters from the book walk through the train cars. There's a cat, polar bear, etc. Truth be told, my 3-year old was frightened of them but some of the older kids really liked them, hugged them, etc. Christmas Town is not anything to get too excited about, there are a series of plywood facades painted to look like buildings and the train stops alongside this scene. Santa waves at the kids on the train then boards to hand out gifts. We do not get to unboard here. My daughter (she is a toddler) was amazed by Christmas Town but a few of the older kids were clearly not impressed. :) Then, we head back. More beautiful country views. Elves chat with the kids. Music piped over the speakers. The train ride is about an hour long. We LOVED it and it was clear that the other families with children of various ages also enjoyed the ride. Again, we did spring for the more expensive seats and I highly recommend doing a DAYTIME ride. All of the staff involved was friendly. read more

VERY disappointing!!!! We arrived to Batesville, Ms an hour early after a two and a half hour drive. We (my wife and two small children 1 & 2) checked in and received our tickets. Since we had gotten to our destination early we decided to get something to eat. While eating, at 1:47 we hear the whistle blow to board. My wife and I thought ok lets head to the train. At 1:50 the train starts to pull off. We weren't 100 ft from the train. So my family and I go to the ticket office and asked what happened. The lady and I quote says "they must've thought everyone was on because we sold out of tickets". I was livid. They lady said "we can give tickets for the next train two hours from now". I was extremely upset. We now had to wait with a 1 year old and 2 year old that already had a nap and was fed and was in a prime position to enjoy the train. I asked the lady if she could comp our tickets so we could get a free ride, seeing how the train left early and it wasn't my fault. She said they don't give refunds but she'll try. After 30 minutes of waiting, she said there was nothing she could do and gave me the number to customer service. I call customer service to see what they could do and they were the meanest most irate people I had ever dealt with. I tried to remain calm but then the lady asked me "What were you doing that you weren't on the train on time?" She also lied and told me she checked with the conductor and assured me the train left at 2:00 and we were suppose to get there on time. I told her we got there an hour early and she wasnt suppose to ask me any question like that. I was standing next to the police the had witnessed the entire thing. I told her the police is right here and saw the entire thing. The customer service was then willing to give me a refund but not a comp ticket. I told her that was unacceptable we had traveled 2 hours and 30 minutes and my son was looking forward to getting on the train. She said there was nothing she could do for me. I said this was very unacceptable. I asked if I had to get a lawyer. She then said "I can no longer help you. You said something about a lawyer." And hung the phone up in my face read more

Don't purchase tickets for the 5 pm ride unless you like staring into complete nothingness - it's completely dark by the time you get moving. I splurged on the first class cabin and wish I had't gone at all. No heater on the train (or it wasn't working, because it was really cold). We couldn't hear the story over the speaker since it was muffled. I informed one of the elves and she said, "I know." She was understanding, but didn't do anything about it . . . not much she could do, but it's shady business to highlight the reading of the story on board when it can't be heard. Elves were super energetic and nice. Santa Claus was lack luster . . . seemed uncomfortable in his role. The experience is designed for kids enjoyment, so I measure success by their ratings. My 5 year old, who loves just about anything, said it was "ok." She liked the characters and hot chocolate. But she did not like that it was cold and the train swayed and rocked to the point where she and I got motion sickness. read more

My 3-year old grandson & I took a trip on this new train in Santa Cruz yesterday as a gift from a friend. We had a great time! I'm not a big fan of Christmas & was a little skeptical of this new holiday theme train ride (which I think should be much more reflective of Santa Cruz), but nevertheless, it was very enjoyable. The elves were enthusiastic, the music by Trout Fishing in America was upbeat, the cocoa was yummy, & the storyline with animals & trains was very engaging for my grandson. The cost was a little high - I'd suggest a flat $25, or less, per person cost, similar to other local excursion train operators. The "Christmastown" facade up on the north coast was pretty dorky too, but overall, this experience exceeded my expectations. I know we'll want to do it again next year. read more

There is no Christmastown, everything is done so cheaply, coco tastes like hot water, cookies are off the shelf fridge cold, characters are scary, don't get your expectations high, it's misleading and a ripoff for what they think it is worth what they are charging. Kids would have more fun going to the movie theatre rather than question the parents that none in that train ride was real. read more

We had the best time, last year. I can't believe the scathing reviews! It was good old fashion wholesome holiday fun, something from right out of the fifties. I brought my whole family and in-laws. My child is still talking about it a year later. It was a bit hokey, but that was the charm. The actors were really fun and had us roaring. My finicky father-in-law even liked it, shocking. The elves were so animated and friendly with my child. We go on Christmas trains all over, from Roaring Camp to Sacramento, to Niles, to Virginia City, and I must say this was my families favorite! read more

While I did not have specific expectations, I was very disappointed with this experience. Cheap and low standards in terms of creative production. Cardboard cutouts to depict a Christmas town? I would not have taken this ride if not for a friend who convinced me that it's a good experience for kids and adults. I would just spend the money to get me tickets to watch a wholesome Christmas movie or go to the mall and have a picture taken with Santa. I would not even take my kids granting they were that young. The scenery was a drab as was noted in the other reviews. Move this to Santa Cruz near the redwoods, etc and that would create a Christmassy ambience. read more

It's really a fun holiday outing for kids. We particularly loved the dancing elves and the friendly conductors. I will try to go back next year. read more

I wouldn't recommend this train to no one. It was too bad. The costumes were scary, the train was too shaky, speakers did not work. The Christmas Town itself was so poorly made even my 6-year old noticed it! We bought premium coach tickets and were sited on regular chairs.... I guess if you buy the coach sits you probably have to stand... Well, anyways, I will never go there again..... even for free... read more

We took the train today in the afternoon- my parents, my siblings, my bf, and my niece and nephew who are five and two and a half. The adults were laughing at some of the lower budget aspects of the trip- yes you now ride past the outskirts of the county dump and the train goes past some industrial manufacturing areas. Christmastown is indeed cardboard cut outs , with dirt hills and broken up concrete slabs as a backdrop. We thought that was hilarious. But the kids I was with didn't even notice that stuff, it didn't even register. They were enjoying being in the train, listening to the story and the fun quirky Christmas music, watching elves dancing and clapping in the aisles, drinking hot chocolate and having a cookie, and most exciting for them, getting to hug, high five and take photos with three cute animal characters from the book, as well as Santa. I cant imagine any kid ten and under not enjoying this event, and I don't think twenty bucks for an adult ticket was excessive. We all got to pose for photos with the characters, we all got hot chocolate and a cookie and a train whistle- I think some companies would charge extra for all that! The train also goes by some beautiful wetland lagoons where we saw white pelicans, blue herons, white egrets, western grebe, and more, as well as the old San Andreas schoolhouse from 1861 which was decorated and a lady was outside with her cute dog waving at everyone. It's too bad some of the scenery isn't better, but I do think the night train rides would solve that problem. I bet it's really magical with Christmas lights in the dark. read more

See all

I seriously can not imagine how they pack this train -- it is that bad. My only guess if that people do it once for the novelty. It was poorly organized. The website had incorrect directions and we ended up missing the train and needing to reschedule. The sound system was bad and you can't hear the story. There are supposedly 3 different reservation "levels" but I could see hardly any difference when I walked through the cars. They advertise hot cocoa and Christmas cookies. The cocoa was luke warm and barely drinkable and the "Christmas" cookies were Snickerdoodles. The train goes through some very pretty scenery but most of it looks like old construction sites. At one point we passed what looked like party of the dump. "Christmas Town" is a series of cut out buildings that you pass at the end of the train ride. The only bright side were the very nice elves and the local people who work there and try hard to make the expereince enjoyable. Someone is getting rich on this and it is certainly not the locals. read more

********WE HAD THE WORST EXPIERNCE EVER***************** my family and I paid for diamond tickets and received the worst customer service from the so called event manager she lacks training severely she was extremely rude and offensive she accused us of stealing a watch when all along it was their gift shop dumb girls didnt even know how to run a transaction,then the train itself was very dirty and we were sat on top portion of train it was a horrible shakey and unsafe ride this needs improvement ,its an accident waiting to happened, my kids were bouncing around the speakers did not work the owner has to be aware of this!! read more

We went on the train on 11/28/14 for the first ride of the season and had a blast! We had 10 people in our group-- 3 little kids, one older kid, and 6 adults. We sat in the very first traincar which had an outside area which was really fun because we could take the kids out there periodically and they could run around in the open air and see the sights roll by. The train itself was decorated really cute for Christmas, and the costumed animals and Santa, and the elves and the "conductor" (who all stop by individually for photos and to "high-five") all mesmerized the little ones. All the employees were super nice. For the cost, it's a really fun memory. Recommend going during daylight hours and, hopefully on a day with good weather (ours was perfect!) read more

This is definitely not what their website makes it seem like! Christmas Town itself is MAYBE 50 yards of OLD Christmas decorations. I wish they were more honest on what the actual experience would be like. The whole train ride is through warehouses of ugly scenery. My son is 2.5 and his friend is 3 and they had a good time with the characters that came on the train (if they didn't have that- it be a disaster as there is nothing to do to keep the children entertained). The elves were energetic and very nice, so I want to make sure the staff get credit for their work, but the actual ride is not worth the money, especially if you didn't purchase a groupon. Luckily we did, otherwise I would have been very upset if I paid $24 per ticket to ride a train that is basically a VERY old CalTrain (that has no heater) and drives you to the middle of nowhere and back again. read more

This year was the first time we took the ride with the kids. First impression was that the train was very dirty and smelly. We had the diamond class. And the table had stains on it. It made difficult to even drink hot chocolate and eat the cookie. The trip pretty much was only 1 hour. Very boring and short. There is no excitement for my kids. This was the first time and the last time for us. read more

We pulled up in a dirt lot with nothing but a large white tent in a shady looking area. The "gift shop" was a folding table inside the tent. They had pages from the crappy coloring book they were trying to sell available for the kids to color while waiting. Our group of 3 people was split up when we boarded the train. The coach seats are so close together that your knees touch the person in front of you. As soon as the train started moving, an elf announced that they would be singing and dancing the whole time. They started playing the CD they are trying to sell, which was horrible. And each original song was played at least twice in a row. They passed out luke-warm chocolate flavored water and flavorless cookies. The train goes through a junk yard, so the elves try to distract by holding books up in the aisle. The book is horrible, and you have to listen to the most unpleasant voice reading the entire crappy story. Her 's' sound was like nails on a chalkboard. When we arrived in "Christmas Town", my 5-year-old looked out the window and said, "mommy, those houses aren't real". There was a 4-foot, 2D plywood backdrop set by in front of the junk yard. From high up on the train, you could see the rubble pile above the houses. The "reindeer" were actually deer shooting targets. Santa then boarded the train, and handed out train whistles to all of the children, which they all blew for the entire ride back to the dirt lot. There were appearances by "characters from the book"; a squirrel, a cat, and 'bumblebee' the bear. The lady in the bear suit had no clothes on under the suit, and the white suit was see-through, plus she was a big lady, and the costume was obviously stretched to fit her, making the material even more thin and see-through. The whole time, I was thinking, we live in Santa Cruz! Why didn't we do the Holiday Light's train at Roaring Camp. We went to Watsonville to ride through a junk yard, and listen to all this crap, when we could have been riding through the redwoods, and spending time in the adorable train station at Roaring Camp. Do yourself a favor, don't waste your money on this publicity gimmick. Go to Roaring Camp in Felton, CA. read more

The Train to Christmas Town needs to go back to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Way better scenery in Santa Cruz then Watsonville. The night I went to the train it was raining and the dirt parking lot was very muddy I almost got my car stuck in the mud. I bought Diamond class tickets they are almost 40.00 a person and the cars aren't any different from the others on the train also the seats were wet from other people's rain gear. The staff did there best to cheer people up but one problem get a old man for Santa not a young guy in the 30's just does not look good even my 9 year old daughter noticed. My family and I went on the Holiday Lights Train in Santa Cruz at the boardwalk lastnight what a huge difference. Fully decorated with lights, free hot cider, everyone was singing along the train was packed looked like 500 people on the train. they had 9 cars and a engine. I support both Railroads in Santa Cruz County. I would like to see more trains in Santa Cruz then just the Roaring Camp Beach Train. I will continue to ride the Train to Christmas Town. Just hope next year is better then last. Really would like to see it in Santa Cruz again. read more