Gold Country Polar Express & Miners' Christmas

A Gold Rush town dressed for Christmas, roasted chestnuts and a Polar Express ride from a real 1897 roundhouse.

2.5 hrs drive · 2 days · Best for toddlers to big kids · Nov–Dec

Day 1 (Sat Dec 19): Gold Rush Christmas

11:00 Columbia State Historic Park: candy store, blacksmith and stagecoach
12:00 Miners' Christmas: old-time crafts, roasted chestnuts and miners' stories (free, 12–3)
3:15 Drive 15 min to Jamestown
4:30 The Polar Express at Railtown 1897

Book the 4:30pm Polar Express at Railtown. Railtown admission is included, so you can tour the yard and engines while it's still light. TripAdvisor review
At Railtown, staff seat each family, so there's no need to be first in the tent line. Boarding last means you get off first. Then go straight to the roundhouse to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus before the crowd arrives. TripAdvisor review
Arrive about an hour early to pick up tickets at Will Call and write a letter to Santa. There are no bathrooms on the train. TripAdvisor reviews
The North Pole is about 20 minutes out, and staff open the windows on one side so kids can see Santa and the elves. On the way back, everyone rings their new bells in a loud dance party. Warn noise-sensitive kids ahead of time. TripAdvisor review
In Columbia, the old bowling alley is free and staff reset the pins by hand. Brown's Coffee on Main Street sells local apple cider in winter. Many shops close in winter, and the blacksmith only works at certain times. California Through My Lens
Columbia's stagecoach ride, where a 'robber' stops you in the woods for your coins, is a kid favorite if it's running. The streets are nearly empty early in the day. This Is My Happiness blog

Polar Express runs Fri–Sun, Nov 27 – Dec 20, at 4:30, 6:00 and 7:30 pm; coach $85
Miners' Christmas is only Dec 19–20, so that weekend gets you both
Arrive at Railtown an hour early; there are no restrooms on the train
Some Miners' Christmas activities stop in rain