Experience the magic as you take a one hour, round trip journey from Hill City to the North Pole where Santa will board the train and ride back to Hill City, taking time to visit with each child on the way. Passengers enjoy hot cocoa, a sugar cookie and a special story on the way to the North Pole. Santa will hand out a small sleigh bell to each child on the trip.
Holiday Express First Class seating offers an elevated experience in our Hilyo caboose. This option is available November 26 & 27 and December 18, 19, 23 & 24 only.
Holiday Express Spiked passengers enjoy everything received with a regular ride along with spiked hot cocoa in a keepsake mug! Adults only (21+), limited runs. Check out our new, Spiked only departures on November 26 & 27 and December 4 & 11 at 4:15 pm. This is a great office Christmas party outing or the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with friends and family. Call 605.574-2222 today or purchase online!
Book your tickets now!
Download a map of the 1880 Train Station in Hill City
FAQ
How long is the train ride?
One hour, round trip; ½ hour each way. The Holiday Express travels to the North Pole (Oblivion) and back. It does not travel to Keystone.
Should I purchase tickets in advance?
Tickets sell quickly for all Holiday Express departures, so yes, purchase your tickets now!
Are the train cars heated?
Yes, they are heated, but not to a toasty warm. We encourage dressing in layers. If the temperature is cold outdoors, bring a blanket or two. The boarding area is outdoors, so dress accordingly.
Do you offer group rates?
We do not offer group rates for special events.
Where does the train depart from?
How can we be sure our group is seated together?
Holiday Express seating is assigned. When purchasing your tickets, purchase all tickets together and select the seats you prefer. Once selected or assigned, seat assignments cannot be changed. The earlier you purchase your tickets, the better the chance you will be seated together. All Holiday Express departures sell out.
How do we get our tickets?
The day of your ride, come to the Hill City Depot, give your last name, and your boarding passes will be printed that day. You do not need to bring your confirmation, just give your last name. Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure.
What are the seating arrangements?
Seating is assigned. In order to sit together, all passengers must be under ONE reservation. When making reservations online, you may select your own seats. Please ensure you have the final count of your party when making your reservation and selecting seat assignments. Seating assignments cannot be changed once selected or assigned. Guests who add on to a reservation at a later date are not guaranteed a seat with your party. Children 2 and under must be held on a lap, except on the First Class car where lap seats are not available. If you would like children 2 & under to have their own seat on a regular departure, or would like to bring their car seat, a child’s ticket must be purchased.
Can we wear our pajamas?
Absolutely! You are welcome to wear your pajamas or any festive attire you wish. Just be sure to dress warmly!
What other food and beverage options do you have?
Hot chocolate and sugar cookies are served in route. If you have dietary restrictions, please feel free to bring your own food and beverage on board. Wine by the glass, wine by the bottle, beer, hot cider and coffee are available for purchase in the depot as well as snacks that you are welcome to bring on board.
What if the weather is bad?
Please plan for the unexpected, South Dakota winter weather! The 1880 Train is not liable for road closures or delays. This event will run no matter the weather.
What happens at the North Pole?
Once the train arrives at the North Pole, Santa boards the Train and the diesel engine switches from the front to the back of the train. Once the engine is ready to go, the train heads back to Hill City with Santa on board. Passengers are able to see the North Pole buildings from the Train, but passengers do not deboard the train during this time. The stop at the North Pole takes less than 10 minutes.
When can we take pictures with Santa?
Santa will be making his way through the train and visiting with everyone. Due to COVID-19; Santa will not be available for pictures this year.
What is the difference between a regular ride and first class?
Guests who purchase a First Class ticket are seated in the more spacious, Hilyo caboose car. Each first class passenger receives unlimited hot chocolate with special holiday toppings, a keepsake campfire Holiday Express mug, sugar cookie, candy cane, special, first class bell for each child, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. A children’s ticket must be purchased for all children (0-12). Since tables will be in use, there will not be space for laps. Only 38 First Class seats are available on designated departures.
Which dates offer the First Class option?
November 26 & 27: 2:30 and 4:15 departures
Dec 18 & 19: 12:45, 2:30, 4:15 and 6:00 departures
December 23 & 24: 12:45 and 2:30 departures
Will the after-Christmas rides be the same?
Yes, everything will be the same for the after Christmas rides. Santa & Mrs. Claus have agreed to come back after Christmas in order that they do not miss anyone who is in the area for the holidays. Santa will get a head start on what the children would like for Christmas next year!
For more detailed ticket and cancellation policy information, please refer to the information at right (on desktop) or below (on mobile).
Please call our office at 605.574.2222 or email us at office@1880train.com with any questions regarding your group!
Stop by the South Dakota State Railroad Museum!
After your ride on the Holiday Express, continue your holiday adventure next door at the South Dakota State Railroad Museum. Receive $1 off your adult admission when you present your train ticket. Age 10 and under are FREE!
Tickets
Holiday Express
$39 Adult, $18 child (3-12)
2 and under ride FREE
Group rates are not available for special event rides.
Holiday Express – Spiked!
$52 Adults only
Holiday Express – First Class
$75 Adult, $56 child (0-12)
Group rates are not available for special event rides. Your credit card is charged at the time of purchase. Please pick up tickets 30 minutes in advance at the Hill City Depot.
Tickets Include
Holiday Express
- Assigned Seating
- Train Ride
- Hot Chocolate
- Sugar Cookie
- Candy Cane
- Small bell for each child
- Visit with Santa
Holiday Express – Spiked!
- Train Ride
- Spiked Hot Chocolate
- Sugar Cookie
- Candy Cane
- Keepsake thermal cup
- Assigned seating in adult only car
- Visit with Santa
New! Holiday Express First Class
- Train Ride
- Assigned Seating
- Unlimited Hot Chocolate
- Keepsake Campfire Mug
- Sugar Cookie (contains almond extract)
- Candy Cane
- Spacious seating with drop down table tops
- First Class bell for each child
- Visit from Santa
- Dedicated Mrs. Claus and Elf
Available November 26 & 27 and December 18, 19, 23 & 24 only, with 38 seats available each departure.
Seating
Seating is assigned. In order to sit together, all passengers must be under ONE reservation. When making reservations online, you may select your own seats. Please ensure you have the final count of your party when making your reservation and selecting seat assignments. Seating assignments cannot be changed once selected or assigned. Guests who add on to a reservation at a later date are not guaranteed a seat with your party. Children 2 and under must be held on a lap. If you would like them to have their own seat, or would like to bring their car seat, a child’s ticket must be purchased.
Please refrain from choosing a seat with a different party already occupying half of the bench. For example, if you have a group of three people, please do not place that third person next to a different party. Our management staff is checking seat assignments on a daily basis to block any single seats to prevent co-mingling of separate parties.
Cancellation Policy
Credit card is charged at time of reservation. Like any ticketed event, all sales are final and no refunds or cancellations are offered unless ticketed train does not operate.
Bad Weather: Please prepare for winter road and traffic conditions! The 1880 Train is not liable for road closures or delays. This event will run no matter the weather.
COVID-19 Precautions
Changes we are making:
- All depot and train staff, excluding the engine crew, will be masked, unless behind our glass partition at the ticket counters.
- Santa, Mrs. Claus, and our Elves will maintain physical distance from passengers where possible. Due to COVID-19 our staff will not be available for photographs.
- Enhanced cleaning of depot, restrooms, passenger cars, and common areas.
- Cashless Transactions: it is recommended all Guests use cashless payment options whenever possible during their visit to the 1880 TRAIN.
Reservation Management:
- Our management staff will actively manage seat assignments on a daily basis to prevent co-mingling of separate parties on a bench seat by blocking select open seats.
- This will reduce available seats to about 70% capacity, so book early and book large parties under a single reservation to ensure you sit together.
Passenger Expectations:
- We cannot guarantee six foot of separation onboard our 100-year old passenger railcars. However, we will do our best to cluster single reservations into compact seating groups, two to a bench.
- Mask usage is up to the discretion of the rider, but welcomed aboard our train. Staff will be wearing masks and will support passengers who wish to.
Seat Selection:
- Place your entire party under one reservation/name so if changes are necessary to your seat assignment, we keep everyone together.
- Please refrain from choosing a seat with a different party already occupying half of the bench seat. Benches seat two people, so don’t choose an open seat next to a different party, instead choose a new bench.
- Refrain from choosing single seats dispersed through multiple rows, e.g., do not choose 6 window seats. Keep your reservation group together by choosing both seats on the bench.
- Holiday Express Changes: We kindly ask our staff and passengers to have no physical contact. Our staff will not be available for photographs.
