If reindeer weren’t available, Santa would certainly travel by train.

As evidenced by all the Santa-themed train experiences that roll our way every holiday season. Here are some to get you in the holiday mood.

• Santa Express Train and Holiday Train at Royal Gorge Route Railroad: The Santa Express takes off up to four times daily from the depot in Cañon City, travels through the Royal Gorge, and picks up St. Nick at the North Pole. Once the jolly character is all aboard, he chats up the kids and hands out gifts. Christmas tunes play and travelers can order lunch or dinner or drinks from the bar. A ticket includes cocoa and cookies, $84-$124.

The Holiday Train also makes a round trip through the Royal Gorge, which gives riders plenty of time to order a meal from the 403 Grill menu or a holiday cocktail, $84-$119, Dec. 30, 401 Water St.; 719-276-4000, royalgorgeroute.com/santa-express-train.

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• The Polar Express Train Ride at Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Travelers will be treated to hot chocolate and a sweet snack while listening to a reading from “The Polar Express,” Chris Van Allsburg’s award-winning book about a child’s Christmas Eve journey. The vintage steam train will depart the Durango Depot and take a round trip journey to the North Pole for a light show set to music and to pick up Santa and his bag of gifts. Pajama attire is encouraged. The train runs through Jan. 1, 479 Main Ave., Durango, $29-$93; 1-877-872-4607, durangotrain.com.

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• Holiday Express Train at Leadville Railroad: Sit back with a seasonal treat and beverage and take in the scenery of the Rocky Mountains as the conductor unspools the history of the region. And be prepared for the jolliest elf of all to climb aboard. Trains runs through Jan. 6 except Christmas Eve and Christmas, 326 E. 7th Street, Leadville, $77.50-$310; 1-866-386-3936, leadvillerailroad.com

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Post-Christmas travelers can ride the Victorian Holiday Celebration train, from Dec. 26-30, where they’ll meet “A Christmas Carol” main man Ebenezer Scrooge and learn about his visits from the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. Be sure to check which station you’re departing from for all three trains, Devil’s Gate Depot, 646 Loop Drive, Georgetown; Silver Plume, 825 Railroad Ave., Silver Plume, $21 and up; 1-888-456-6777, georgetownlooprr.com/winter-holiday-trains.

Contact the writer: 636-0270