Tickets Now on Sale for Joyous Events Including Visits with Santa Claus, Decadent Gourmet Meals, Festively Decorated Train Cars and More
May 11, 2026 (Napa, CA) — The Napa Valley Wine Train, a memorable experience that evokes the spirit of luxury rail travel, is thrilled to announce tickets are now on sale for the return of its annual seasonal adventure Santa Train, a beloved holiday tradition for all ages. Growing in popularity each year, guests eagerly anticipate the Napa Valley Wine Train’s exquisitely restored antique rail cars’ transformation into a festive winter wonderland. From November 27 to December 23, the magical journey will usher in the merry spirit with hot cider, cheerful photo opportunities with Santa Claus, and more.
The Napa Valley Wine Train offers four distinct experiences – Santa’s Cookie Car, Gourmet Holiday Express, Jingle on the Rails, and the Very Merry Vista Dome. New this year, Santa Train will offer daytime adventures for three days only – December 21, 22, and 23. A three- or four-course holiday-inspired gourmet menu will be available on select journeys.
“With exceptional craftsmanship and beauty of a bygone era, our artfully restored Pullman cars are stunning on their own, but when adorned with the warmth and sparkle of holiday décor, the Wine Train experience truly feels like a whimsical winter wonderland,” said Nathan Davis, general manager of the Napa Valley Wine Train. “We invite new visitors and our returning guests to secure their tickets to enjoy another season of the Santa Train where everyone can make unforgettable memories with loved ones in heart of Wine Country.”
The Napa Valley Wine Train is proud to partner with Expressions of Hope for the holiday season, a Napa-based foster youth organization. Guests are encouraged to bring toys and clothes for foster youth (ages birth to 17 years of age) to drop off at the depot. Additionally, on November 24, the Wine Train will host the Boys and Girls Club Napa for their own community night. A portion of proceeds from the Santa Train season will be donated to Napa Firewise.
Before boarding each Santa Train experience, guests will enjoy:
- Welcome cup of hot cider or cocoa
- Merry Mailing Center for postcards to Santa
- Festive pajamas and holiday gifts for purchase in the Wine Shop
- Expressions of Hope toy drop off
The 2026 Santa Train experiences are as follows:
Santa’s Cookie Car
Step into a world of holiday cheer aboard Santa’s Cookie Car, where guests will enjoy hot cocoa, delight in a scrumptious holiday cookie, and create lasting memories with a visit from Santa himself in a cozy, festive atmosphere decorated with twinkling lights and cheerful music. The journey is filled with festive moments including a magical viewing of the North Pole, brought to life by our brave partners at the Yountville Fire Station. The train ride is from 5:40-7:40 p.m. on select dates with Santa’s Workshop photos available from 4-5 p.m. on first come first served basis.
Gourmet Holiday Express
Make wonderful memories with loved ones on the Gourmet Holiday Express. Guests will enjoy a three-course gourmet dinner aboard the antique Pullman dining car which will be outfitted with festive décor and holiday music. The experience includes a meal of scrumptious bites and sweet sips, three potential visits with Santa (including tableside), complete with digital and printed photo perfect for posting and framing. Dinner guests are encouraged to arrive at the station early to partake in our seasonal homemade hot cider and to enjoy an interactive photo opportunity with Santa in his workshop, hosted by our trained team of photographers. The train ride is from 5:40-7:40 p.m. on select dates.
Jingle on the Rails
Jingle & mingle with Kris Kringle in the festive Pullman lounge car with a lavish peppermint theme décor. Guests can make their season bright and enjoy a Santa-approved, kid-friendly three-course gourmet holiday dinner from the expert culinary team complete with a signature fresh baked cookie and hot cocoa on the Jingle on the Rails experience. The train ride is from 5:40-7:40 p.m. on select dates.
Very Merry Vista Dome
Elevate the jolly journey in the elegant Verry Merry Vista Dome car. Onboard, guests will indulge in a decadent evening filled with exquisite cuisine for the food lover and soak in the sights, sounds, flavors and merriment of the season all from the train’s luxurious observation-style dining car. This festive culinary adventure includes a kid-friendly four-course Napa Valley inspired holiday dinner, digital and printed photo with Santa, surprise tableside visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The train ride is from 5:40-7:40 p.m. on select dates.
Afternoons All Aglow
For holiday magic during daylight hours, guests can book a festive afternoon experience with all the seasonal cheer featured in the evening Santa Train rides. Available on December 21, 22, and 23, guests will enjoy visits from Santa and sweeping winter views of Napa Valley.
Guests are encouraged to book tickets together to guarantee seating with their party. Parties of 1 – 20 must call (707) 253-2111, and groups of over 21 must call (707) 253-0920. Free parking is available in the Napa Valley Wine Train’s parking lot however space is limited. Cocktails, local wine and beer are not included with the cost of the ticket but are available for purchase. For more information on visiting the Napa Valley Wine Train visit www.winetrain.com.
About the Napa Valley Wine Train
One of the few active historic passenger railroads in the United States, the Napa Valley Wine Train offers an engaging and memorable experience that echoes the glory days of train travel, with fine dining service, multi-course meals cooked to order, Napa Valley scenery and ultimate relaxation aboard exquisitely restored antique rail cars. The Napa Valley Wine Train features vintage Pullman rail cars faithfully restored with Honduran mahogany paneling, brass accents, etched glass partitions and luxurious armchairs that evoke the spirit of luxury rail travel at the beginning of the 20th century.
The Napa Valley Wine Train holds a level 1 Green Key Meetings rating. It has been identified as a destination that has taken first steps to reduce environmental impacts by analyzing its meetings and conference operations and identifying opportunities for improvement. An action plan focusing on resource conservation and waste minimization has been established, and is supported by a firm commitment to continual improvement.
In 2015, Noble House Hotels & Resorts, Ltd. – a collection of luxury hotels and resorts purchased the historic and iconic Napa Valley Wine Train expanding its portfolio to include attractions in the destinations its hotels call home.
About Noble House Hotels & Resorts
The Noble House Hotels & Resorts portfolio is a collection of 29 luxury and upscale hotels, resorts, and experiences across North America—all designed for discerning travelers seeking to escape the daily routine. Noble House can be trusted to unlock the most authentic experiences in the most compelling destinations. This promise is delivered through their carefully curated collection that pairs boutique local charm with consistent high service and comfort standards. All concepts within their collection offer immersive, active adventure experiences that bring out the best of their destinations. Headquartered in Seattle, their family-owned business philosophy creates value for each concept’s community, environment, ownership, staff, and guests. The portfolio includes: over 75 restaurants, bars, and lounges; the Napa Valley Wine Train; a collection of spas, marinas, and private residences throughout the U.S., and Mexico; a range of beachfront resorts from California to Florida; luxury retreats in Jackson Hole, Wyo. and award-winning urban hotels in Seattle and San Francisco. For more information, visit www.noblehousehotels.com or call 877.NOBLE.TRIP.
