Niles Canyon Railway Train of Lights
Passengers take a round-trip excursion through Niles Canyon aboard antique coaches and open cars adorned with holiday lights and decorations inside and out. The experience features festive music, refreshments, and night scenery along the canyon. Depending on the ticket selected, riders can sit in general coach cars, an upper glass dome car, a parlor car with mahogany interior, or a private caboose.
Nov 20 – Dec 30, 2026 3 and older
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Plan Your Visit
Tickets
General seating: $40 per ticket, ages 3 and older. First Class Dome: $70 per ticket, ages 3 and older. First Class Parlor: $70 per ticket, ages 3 and older. Private caboose rental: $850 flat fee. Infants and children under 3 do not need a ticket if sitting on a lap; they need a ticket if they take up a seat. Whole-train charter rates and availability require contacting the railway.
Hours
Niles departure: 4:30PM; Sunol departure: 7:30PM. Departure time availability may differ on some days.
Food & Drink
Refreshments are available aboard the train; private caboose guests cannot access the Commissary Counter during the ride.
Parking
Parking is available at Niles Station and Sunol Depot. Large vehicles can park at the far end of the Niles lot; at Sunol, large vehicles must park about 1/4 mile away at Sunol Glen School. Limited ADA parking is available. Arrive early; in bad weather allow extra time to get to the boarding location and park.
Accessibility
Wheelchair access is restricted to designated covered open cars, and wheelchairs cannot navigate through the train due to narrow doors and aisles.
Location
Tips & Advice
- All 2026 tickets are sold out, so follow the railway's Facebook page or join its email list for any ticket news.
- Be parked at least half an hour before departure, because you have to collect tickets at the station window and the trains leave on time.
- Dress for cold, windy nights in the canyon, since trains run rain or shine and an inside seat isn't guaranteed.
- Bring a small flashlight to get safely between your car and the train, since the Train of Lights runs after dark.
- If you're driving to Sunol from the Niles side, leave extra time, because road work has Niles Canyon Road down to alternating one-way traffic.
Special Events & Promotions
- Private caboose rental for groups of up to 24, with a docent aboard and cupola seats, booked as a flat-fee rental.
- Whole-train charters are available on request.
Links & Contact
Run by Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc.
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What seating options are there?
General seating is an unreserved seat in a regular coach or open car. First Class Dome is a reserved seat in the Santa Fe 505 Dome Car, with swivel seats in the upper glass dome and a lounge below. First Class Parlor is a reserved seat in the Southern Pacific 10040 Dining Car with its original Cuban mahogany interior. A private caboose holds groups of up to 24 with a docent.
Do young children need a ticket?
Everyone 3 and older needs a ticket. Children under 3 ride free on a lap but need a ticket if they take up a seat. Strollers and car or booster seats aren't allowed on board.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair access is only in selected covered Open Cars, and wheelchairs can't move around the train because the aisles and doors are narrow. ADA parking is limited. Anyone who needs help boarding should arrive early and tell the train crew.
Which departure should we choose?
The Niles departure leaves at dusk. You see the canyon scenery on the way out and the lights on the way back. The Sunol departure leaves after dark.
What should we wear and bring?
Dress for cold, wind and bad weather, since trains run rain or shine and an inside seat isn't guaranteed. Bring a small flashlight for the walk to and from your car. You'll also need your confirmation page or photo ID to pick up tickets at the station window.
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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. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.